Guard
No. 78
Valparaiso
"Garry started every preseason and regular season games at right guard in 1975. He ran his consecutive regular season starting streak to 28 games over two seasons, 27 as a guard and one as a center. Coaches feel he was the most improved lineman in 1975. Garry played consistently well, grading out strong after all games. A very strong player with the ability and intelligence to adjust to any situation, he may be tried at center in 1976 to strengthen the overall line.
Drafted 12th in 1973, he was one of the biggest training camp surprises in his rookie year, displacing veteran Dave Herman at the opening of the season and starting four games. Garry suffered a broken bone in his foot at New England and was forced onto the inactive list for seven of the last nine games. He works well in partnership with perennial All-Pro Winston Hill on the right side.
Garry was twice a college division All-America choice at tackle. He doubled as kicker in college and also played center. Garry holds a B.S. in physical education.
He pronounces his name 'Pets.' His hometown is Chicago."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
1976 Profile: Lou Piccone
Kick Returner-Wide Receiver
No. 89
West Liberty State
"A versatile player who saw playing time on special teams and as a wide receiver in 1975, Lou returned 26 kickoffs for 637 yards, a 24.5 average, and returned 18 punts 74 yards, a 4.1 average.
Lou was involved in a training camp contract dispute and walked out of camp for seven days. He played in 13 of 14 regular-season games. He missed the second Baltimore game with a charley horse, and also suffered a preseason shoulder injury. Lou shared the wide receiver spot with Ed Bell at Buffalo and with Willie Brister at Minnesota while Jerome Barkum was nursing injuries. He returned a kick 53 yards against the Chiefs and [another] 42 yards against the Patriots. He captained the specialty teams for the majority of 1975. Piccone played out his option but re-signed for 1976. He may be tried in the defensive backfield.
Piccone returned more kickoffs for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974. He brought back 39 kickoffs for 961 yards, good for a 24.6 average, third best in Jet history and the finest mark since 1966. Lou also had a fumble recovery, against Miami; the recovery led to the Jets' first touchdown in a 17-14 upset of the Dolphins.
He spent two seasons in the minor leagues, one with the Youngstown Hardhats and one with the Bridgeport Jets, and was a regular at both spots. Lou signed with the Jets as a free agent.
Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.
He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 89
West Liberty State
"A versatile player who saw playing time on special teams and as a wide receiver in 1975, Lou returned 26 kickoffs for 637 yards, a 24.5 average, and returned 18 punts 74 yards, a 4.1 average.
Lou was involved in a training camp contract dispute and walked out of camp for seven days. He played in 13 of 14 regular-season games. He missed the second Baltimore game with a charley horse, and also suffered a preseason shoulder injury. Lou shared the wide receiver spot with Ed Bell at Buffalo and with Willie Brister at Minnesota while Jerome Barkum was nursing injuries. He returned a kick 53 yards against the Chiefs and [another] 42 yards against the Patriots. He captained the specialty teams for the majority of 1975. Piccone played out his option but re-signed for 1976. He may be tried in the defensive backfield.
Piccone returned more kickoffs for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974. He brought back 39 kickoffs for 961 yards, good for a 24.6 average, third best in Jet history and the finest mark since 1966. Lou also had a fumble recovery, against Miami; the recovery led to the Jets' first touchdown in a 17-14 upset of the Dolphins.
He spent two seasons in the minor leagues, one with the Youngstown Hardhats and one with the Bridgeport Jets, and was a regular at both spots. Lou signed with the Jets as a free agent.
Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.
He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
1976 Profile: Burgess Owens
Strong Safety
No. 22
Miami
"One of the bright lights in a dismal 1975 season for a defense which gave up 2,719 passing yards, Owens led the secondary for the second straight year with three interceptions. He started 11 games in the secondary, nine at strong safety and two at left cornerback. Owens broke the little toe in his left foot in a preseason game with the Redskins, then suffered a torn tendon in his left knee against Miami, missing the next three games including three home appearances. He gained two of his three 1975 interceptions in the second victory over New England; his first came against Miami.
Burgess picked off two Bert Jones aerials and ran 29 yards for a touchdown in the season finale of 1974. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt recovery against the Colts in the first meeting. His other interception came against the Patriots.
He was the Jets Rookie of the Year as selected by sportswriters in 1973. Burgess provided Jets fans with one of 1973's most exciting plays when he returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown against Denver in the home opener. He was selected all-rookie by UPI and Pro Football Weekly. Burgess was drafted No. 1 in 1973 as a cornerback but because of injuries to other players, has never played regularly as a cornerback.
Burgess started 33 consecutive games at strong safety before his injury problem in 1975; he has a new streak at four. He has great speed and range for a defensive back and is a solid tackler boasting size and strength. Owens may be tried at cornerback in 1976 if No. 2 pick Shafer Suggs matures in time.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He had 160 tackles, eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his career, and played primarily at left cornerback. He majored in marine biology and plans to go into dentistry.
Burgess was an offensive halfback in high school, gaining over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns. He lives in Hempstead, New York during the off-season and is active as a banquet speaker. He's a member of the Jets' basketball team. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M. His hometown is Tallahassee, Florida."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 22
Miami
"One of the bright lights in a dismal 1975 season for a defense which gave up 2,719 passing yards, Owens led the secondary for the second straight year with three interceptions. He started 11 games in the secondary, nine at strong safety and two at left cornerback. Owens broke the little toe in his left foot in a preseason game with the Redskins, then suffered a torn tendon in his left knee against Miami, missing the next three games including three home appearances. He gained two of his three 1975 interceptions in the second victory over New England; his first came against Miami.
Burgess picked off two Bert Jones aerials and ran 29 yards for a touchdown in the season finale of 1974. He also scored a touchdown on a blocked punt recovery against the Colts in the first meeting. His other interception came against the Patriots.
He was the Jets Rookie of the Year as selected by sportswriters in 1973. Burgess provided Jets fans with one of 1973's most exciting plays when he returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown against Denver in the home opener. He was selected all-rookie by UPI and Pro Football Weekly. Burgess was drafted No. 1 in 1973 as a cornerback but because of injuries to other players, has never played regularly as a cornerback.
Burgess started 33 consecutive games at strong safety before his injury problem in 1975; he has a new streak at four. He has great speed and range for a defensive back and is a solid tackler boasting size and strength. Owens may be tried at cornerback in 1976 if No. 2 pick Shafer Suggs matures in time.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He had 160 tackles, eight interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his career, and played primarily at left cornerback. He majored in marine biology and plans to go into dentistry.
Burgess was an offensive halfback in high school, gaining over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns. He lives in Hempstead, New York during the off-season and is active as a banquet speaker. He's a member of the Jets' basketball team. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M. His hometown is Tallahassee, Florida."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
1976 Profile: Billy Newsome
Defensive End
No. 87
Grambling
"'He had a poor season last year,' says Lou Holtz, 'because he got into a rut with all those outside moves he was making.'
'You pick a guy like Newsome,' he adds, 'to build a line around.'"
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"The silent leader on defense, he served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp. Newsome is a durable player with size, speed and the ability to work hard at his position and is effective against both the run and pass. He plays with confidence and experience, and coaches like his size and 'mean streak.'
Newsome was acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 pick after the 1974 season and started every preseason and regular season game for the Jets at left defensive end. He played a stellar game against the Colts, sacking Bert Jones, and also had fine games against St. Louis and Pittsburgh (1 1/2 sacks).
He spent two seasons with the Saints and became their number one left end. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. He played 13 games in 1974, sitting out one with a pinched nerve. Billy recorded 10 sacks and led in opponent fumble recoveries with three- size is a real plus in his game.
Billy began his pro career with Baltimore as a No. 3 pick in 1970 and enjoyed a Super Bowl winner's share in his rookie season. As a rookie he intercepted two passes, returning one 19 yards for a touchdown. Billy started for three years as a Colt and went to New Orleans in exchange for the Saints' top pick in 1973.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. One of eight children (three brothers, four sisters), Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 87
Grambling
"'He had a poor season last year,' says Lou Holtz, 'because he got into a rut with all those outside moves he was making.'
'You pick a guy like Newsome,' he adds, 'to build a line around.'"
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"The silent leader on defense, he served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp. Newsome is a durable player with size, speed and the ability to work hard at his position and is effective against both the run and pass. He plays with confidence and experience, and coaches like his size and 'mean streak.'
Newsome was acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 pick after the 1974 season and started every preseason and regular season game for the Jets at left defensive end. He played a stellar game against the Colts, sacking Bert Jones, and also had fine games against St. Louis and Pittsburgh (1 1/2 sacks).
He spent two seasons with the Saints and became their number one left end. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. He played 13 games in 1974, sitting out one with a pinched nerve. Billy recorded 10 sacks and led in opponent fumble recoveries with three- size is a real plus in his game.
Billy began his pro career with Baltimore as a No. 3 pick in 1970 and enjoyed a Super Bowl winner's share in his rookie season. As a rookie he intercepted two passes, returning one 19 yards for a touchdown. Billy started for three years as a Colt and went to New Orleans in exchange for the Saints' top pick in 1973.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. One of eight children (three brothers, four sisters), Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, January 17, 2016
1976 Profile: Richard Neal
Defensive Tackle
No. 81
Southern
"Richard put together a consistent but injury-prone 1975 season and started nine games at defensive right end. He missed five games with ankle and knee injuries and did not dress for the club's final home game against Dallas. Richard is a strong player and solid against the run and the coaching staff thinks he's coming into his prime, but that he needs more work on his pass rush. Expected to be one of the leaders of the defense along with veteran Billy Newsome, he recorded three and one-half sacks in 1975 including a big play in the second Miami game. Richard faces a battle with Mark Lomas for the No. 1 spot.
He started eight games at right end in 1974, sharing duties with Lomas, and came on with a strong second half of the season after battling weight problems. He tied for the team leadership in sacks with five with Lomas and Carl Barzilauskas. Richard had four dumps in his final three games while the Jets reeled off six straight wins. In 1973 he played three of the four defensive line positions before settling at right tackle. Richard missed only two games in his career prior to 1975 and once played in 68 consecutive games.
Richard was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and was their captain in 1972. He was a No. 2 pick by the Saints (1969) and came to the Jets in a trade in January 1973 along with Delles Howell for No. 2 and No. 3 draft picks. He served as the Jets player representative in 1974, the year the team's final preseason game was cancelled because of the players' strike.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard won four grid letters and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard was an all-state athlete in high school, earning three letters in football and one in track. He works in public relations for Falstaff Brewing Co. His hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 81
Southern
"Richard put together a consistent but injury-prone 1975 season and started nine games at defensive right end. He missed five games with ankle and knee injuries and did not dress for the club's final home game against Dallas. Richard is a strong player and solid against the run and the coaching staff thinks he's coming into his prime, but that he needs more work on his pass rush. Expected to be one of the leaders of the defense along with veteran Billy Newsome, he recorded three and one-half sacks in 1975 including a big play in the second Miami game. Richard faces a battle with Mark Lomas for the No. 1 spot.
He started eight games at right end in 1974, sharing duties with Lomas, and came on with a strong second half of the season after battling weight problems. He tied for the team leadership in sacks with five with Lomas and Carl Barzilauskas. Richard had four dumps in his final three games while the Jets reeled off six straight wins. In 1973 he played three of the four defensive line positions before settling at right tackle. Richard missed only two games in his career prior to 1975 and once played in 68 consecutive games.
Richard was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and was their captain in 1972. He was a No. 2 pick by the Saints (1969) and came to the Jets in a trade in January 1973 along with Delles Howell for No. 2 and No. 3 draft picks. He served as the Jets player representative in 1974, the year the team's final preseason game was cancelled because of the players' strike.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard won four grid letters and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard was an all-state athlete in high school, earning three letters in football and one in track. He works in public relations for Falstaff Brewing Co. His hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, January 9, 2016
1976 Profile: Joe Namath
Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"He's long been thought to be the best 'pure' thrower in football. But one critic, ex-Jet coach Ken Shipp, thinks Joe puts too much puts too much confidence in his arm. 'He thinks you can come from three touchdowns behind by throwing long,' Shipp says. 'You can't. Not with the zone defenses the teams are playing today. You have to throw short. But when the Jets are losing, Joe throws long, causes a turnover and the Jets are further behind."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"The undisputed leader of the Jets offense, Namath is coming off a somewhat disappointing but productive year. He completed 157 of 326 passing attempts for 2,286 yards, 15 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 48.2, but suffered 28 interceptions, the most in his career. The Jets quarterback situation depends on his health- a healthy Joe and a return to form could brighten the offensive picture greatly.
The overall Jets passing attack slipped to ninth in the AFC in 1975. Joe started 13 of 14 regular season games, missing his San Diego start on national TV because of a curfew violation. He had reported to camp on July 30 and signed a two-year contract after rejecting a multi-million dollar bid from the WFL. Joe missed three preseason games because of a rib injury.
Joe put together back-to-back 'control' games in wins over the Chiefs and Patriots. His best game in 1975 came against the Colts at home, completing 19 of 28 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns. He drilled four touchdown passes in an early season win over New England, yet suffered six interceptions in his home appearance against Miami.
Namath is the 12th ranked quarterback of all-time in career passes attempted (3,425) behind Bobby Layne (3,700). He also stands 14th in completions (1,722) behind Charley Johnson (1,737) and 18th in touchdown passes (166) behind Johnson (170) and 12th in yards passing (25,967) behind Layne (26,768).
Namath had an outstanding year in 1974, particularly in the second half of the year while escaping the injury dilemma. He was elected team MVP for the third time by his teammates. Joe finished on a hot streak during the six-game winning streak, completing 85 of 147 passes for 1,196 yards and 11 touchdowns, and suffered only five interceptions. He didn't throw an interception in his last 80 passes of '74, covering three and one-quarter games.
His final completion total was 191 (of 361), second only to Cincinnati's Ken Anderson in the entire NFL. 20 touchdowns was good enough to tie [Oakland's] Ken Stabler for second place in the NFL.
Joe had one of the most dramatic games of his career in the overtime triumph over the Giants, completing 20 of 31 passes for 236 yards with two touchdowns and running for one. In overtime he hit Richard Caster for a 42-yard gain to ignite the winning drive and five plays later, tossed to Emerson Boozer for the winning score. A week later, a 34-yard toss to David Knight at New England provided the winning points.
He kept the win streak alive by pitching a 45-yard touchdown pass to Richard Caster with five minutes remaining in the 17-14 upset Miami. The next Sunday while preoccupied with his seriously ill father, his arm won still another game with a 36-yard strike to Jerome Barkum with four minutes to play as the Jets upset the playoff-bound Bills, 20-10.
Namath demonstrated his full recovery from the 1973 shoulder injury [caused] when Colts middle linebacker Stan White decked him on a blitz in the second game of the year. Previous injuries which have sidelined him include a broken wrist in 1970 and torn left knee ligaments in the first preseason game of 1971.
In 1972 he passed for more yards than anyone in football and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with 19. He won All-Pro honors and earned his fifth selection to the Pro Bowl, though he had to decline due to ankle injuries late in the season. Joe put together some memorable days in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history (George Blanda and Sonny Jurgensen) to have two 400-yard games in one year.
Joe enjoyed his best day ever [September 24, 1972] as he tore the Colts apart with six touchdown passes and 496 yards, the third best [yardage] in football history. He completed 15 of 28 that day and the six touchdowns came off drives totalling only 15 plays, three of them on first down passes to Richard Caster. He teamed with Johnny Unitas that day to set an NFL record for combined passing yards- 872. Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland, [completing] 26 of 46.
Though famed for his passing performances, he is master of calling the running game. When the defensive situation dictates, Namath isn't afraid to call the running play as witnessed in the Jets' 333-yard ground effort at New England in 1972 and in their rushing dominance at Kansas City in 1975.
Namath is a member of the all-time All-AFL team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the 1968 and 1969 seasons, he also earned that honor in 1972. He gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore; he was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Player. Namath was Jets MVP in 1968, 1969 and 1974 and has captained the Jets four times- 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1972. He won the New England Writers Colclough Award as the most courageous following his return to action after knee surgery in 1971 when he came in to throw for three touchdowns against San Francisco.
During the Super Bowl drive, he played six consecutive games without a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games. He threw for three touchdowns in the AFL Championship Game (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons) and called nearly a perfect game in the Super Bowl, completing 17 of 28 passes for 208 yards.
Joe owns the Jet record for the longest pass- 91 yards to Richard Caster against Baltimore in 1975 and owns the [Jet] record for longest touchdown pass- 89 yards to Caster at Miami in 1974. He also hit on an 87-yarder to Maynard and an 83-yarder to Ed Bell.
Namath has been over 300 yards [in a game] a total of 21 times in his career (three of those being over 400). He shared the NFL record for consecutive completions (15) until Bert Jones hit 17 straight against him in a game. Namath is the only passer to go over 4,000 yards in a season with 4,007 in 1967.
He holds the Jets records for most passes attempted in a game (62 against Baltimore, October 18, 1970), in a season (491 in 1967) and in a career (3,425); most passes completed in a game (34 against Baltimore, 10-18-70), in a season (258 in 1967) and in a career (1,722); most yards passing in a game (496 at Baltimore, September 24, 1972), in a season (4,007 in '67) and in a career (25,937); most touchdown passes completed in a game (six at Baltimore, 9-24-72), in a season (26 in '67, tied with Al Dorrow in 1960) and in a career (166); and most passes intercepted in a game (six, three times) and in a career (199).
Since coming to the Jets in 1965, he has appeared in 125 of 154 regular season games, 39 of 60 preseason games and three of three postseason games. During that time, the Jets are 71-79-0 while Namath's record as a starting or 'resposible' quarterback is 59-55-0. Prior to 1970, Namath had played in 74 consecutive regular games plus three postseason games.
He was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, AFL All-Star Game MVP in 1965 and [All-Star Game] co-MVP in 1967. A fine runner during his collegiate days, Namath has carried the ball 65 times for 130 yards and seven touchdowns as a pro. His longest run was 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Drafted first by both the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. His right knee was operated for removal or cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after signing his first contract. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966, his left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968, and a 'five-in-one' operation on his left knee on August 8, 1971 for ligament and cartilage damage and a tendon transfer after suffering an injury against Detroit when hit by Paul Naumoff while trying to tackle Mike Lucci who had recovered a fumble. All the operations were performed by Jet team orthopedist Dr. James Nicholas.
'The greatest athlete I've ever coached,' said Paul (Bear) Bryant. During Namath's three years, the Tide lost only three regular season games and made three bowl appearances- 1963 Orange, 1964 Sugar and 1965 Orange. He was the outstanding offensive player in the 1963 Orange Bowl and MVP of the 1965 Orange Bowl on the eve of signing with the Jets.
Joe completed 64 percent of his passes as a senior. His career stats: 230 of 428, 54 percent, for 3,055 yards and 29 touchdowns. He rushed 213 times for 597 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel' with Clint Eastwood. He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' He has pursued acting lessons during his free moments. Joe has his own syndicated TV show, has made numerous guest appearances on TV shows and has hosted the Tonight Show many times.
He operates the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. He owns a Joe Namath restaurant in Tuscaloosa.
Namath resides in New York and Florida during the off-season. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 12
Alabama
"He's long been thought to be the best 'pure' thrower in football. But one critic, ex-Jet coach Ken Shipp, thinks Joe puts too much puts too much confidence in his arm. 'He thinks you can come from three touchdowns behind by throwing long,' Shipp says. 'You can't. Not with the zone defenses the teams are playing today. You have to throw short. But when the Jets are losing, Joe throws long, causes a turnover and the Jets are further behind."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"The undisputed leader of the Jets offense, Namath is coming off a somewhat disappointing but productive year. He completed 157 of 326 passing attempts for 2,286 yards, 15 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 48.2, but suffered 28 interceptions, the most in his career. The Jets quarterback situation depends on his health- a healthy Joe and a return to form could brighten the offensive picture greatly.
The overall Jets passing attack slipped to ninth in the AFC in 1975. Joe started 13 of 14 regular season games, missing his San Diego start on national TV because of a curfew violation. He had reported to camp on July 30 and signed a two-year contract after rejecting a multi-million dollar bid from the WFL. Joe missed three preseason games because of a rib injury.
Joe put together back-to-back 'control' games in wins over the Chiefs and Patriots. His best game in 1975 came against the Colts at home, completing 19 of 28 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns. He drilled four touchdown passes in an early season win over New England, yet suffered six interceptions in his home appearance against Miami.
Namath is the 12th ranked quarterback of all-time in career passes attempted (3,425) behind Bobby Layne (3,700). He also stands 14th in completions (1,722) behind Charley Johnson (1,737) and 18th in touchdown passes (166) behind Johnson (170) and 12th in yards passing (25,967) behind Layne (26,768).
Namath had an outstanding year in 1974, particularly in the second half of the year while escaping the injury dilemma. He was elected team MVP for the third time by his teammates. Joe finished on a hot streak during the six-game winning streak, completing 85 of 147 passes for 1,196 yards and 11 touchdowns, and suffered only five interceptions. He didn't throw an interception in his last 80 passes of '74, covering three and one-quarter games.
His final completion total was 191 (of 361), second only to Cincinnati's Ken Anderson in the entire NFL. 20 touchdowns was good enough to tie [Oakland's] Ken Stabler for second place in the NFL.
Joe had one of the most dramatic games of his career in the overtime triumph over the Giants, completing 20 of 31 passes for 236 yards with two touchdowns and running for one. In overtime he hit Richard Caster for a 42-yard gain to ignite the winning drive and five plays later, tossed to Emerson Boozer for the winning score. A week later, a 34-yard toss to David Knight at New England provided the winning points.
He kept the win streak alive by pitching a 45-yard touchdown pass to Richard Caster with five minutes remaining in the 17-14 upset Miami. The next Sunday while preoccupied with his seriously ill father, his arm won still another game with a 36-yard strike to Jerome Barkum with four minutes to play as the Jets upset the playoff-bound Bills, 20-10.
Namath demonstrated his full recovery from the 1973 shoulder injury [caused] when Colts middle linebacker Stan White decked him on a blitz in the second game of the year. Previous injuries which have sidelined him include a broken wrist in 1970 and torn left knee ligaments in the first preseason game of 1971.
In 1972 he passed for more yards than anyone in football and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns with 19. He won All-Pro honors and earned his fifth selection to the Pro Bowl, though he had to decline due to ankle injuries late in the season. Joe put together some memorable days in 1972, becoming only the third quarterback in history (George Blanda and Sonny Jurgensen) to have two 400-yard games in one year.
Joe enjoyed his best day ever [September 24, 1972] as he tore the Colts apart with six touchdown passes and 496 yards, the third best [yardage] in football history. He completed 15 of 28 that day and the six touchdowns came off drives totalling only 15 plays, three of them on first down passes to Richard Caster. He teamed with Johnny Unitas that day to set an NFL record for combined passing yards- 872. Later in the year Namath tossed for 403 yards against Oakland, [completing] 26 of 46.
Though famed for his passing performances, he is master of calling the running game. When the defensive situation dictates, Namath isn't afraid to call the running play as witnessed in the Jets' 333-yard ground effort at New England in 1972 and in their rushing dominance at Kansas City in 1975.
Namath is a member of the all-time All-AFL team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the 1968 and 1969 seasons, he also earned that honor in 1972. He gained almost every possible honor after guiding the Jets to the Super Bowl win over Baltimore; he was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Player. Namath was Jets MVP in 1968, 1969 and 1974 and has captained the Jets four times- 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1972. He won the New England Writers Colclough Award as the most courageous following his return to action after knee surgery in 1971 when he came in to throw for three touchdowns against San Francisco.
During the Super Bowl drive, he played six consecutive games without a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games. He threw for three touchdowns in the AFL Championship Game (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons) and called nearly a perfect game in the Super Bowl, completing 17 of 28 passes for 208 yards.
Joe owns the Jet record for the longest pass- 91 yards to Richard Caster against Baltimore in 1975 and owns the [Jet] record for longest touchdown pass- 89 yards to Caster at Miami in 1974. He also hit on an 87-yarder to Maynard and an 83-yarder to Ed Bell.
Namath has been over 300 yards [in a game] a total of 21 times in his career (three of those being over 400). He shared the NFL record for consecutive completions (15) until Bert Jones hit 17 straight against him in a game. Namath is the only passer to go over 4,000 yards in a season with 4,007 in 1967.
He holds the Jets records for most passes attempted in a game (62 against Baltimore, October 18, 1970), in a season (491 in 1967) and in a career (3,425); most passes completed in a game (34 against Baltimore, 10-18-70), in a season (258 in 1967) and in a career (1,722); most yards passing in a game (496 at Baltimore, September 24, 1972), in a season (4,007 in '67) and in a career (25,937); most touchdown passes completed in a game (six at Baltimore, 9-24-72), in a season (26 in '67, tied with Al Dorrow in 1960) and in a career (166); and most passes intercepted in a game (six, three times) and in a career (199).
Since coming to the Jets in 1965, he has appeared in 125 of 154 regular season games, 39 of 60 preseason games and three of three postseason games. During that time, the Jets are 71-79-0 while Namath's record as a starting or 'resposible' quarterback is 59-55-0. Prior to 1970, Namath had played in 74 consecutive regular games plus three postseason games.
He was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, AFL All-Star Game MVP in 1965 and [All-Star Game] co-MVP in 1967. A fine runner during his collegiate days, Namath has carried the ball 65 times for 130 yards and seven touchdowns as a pro. His longest run was 39 yards against Oakland in 1966.
Drafted first by both the Jets and the Cardinals in 1965, Joe has had four knee operations. His right knee was operated for removal or cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after signing his first contract. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966, his left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968, and a 'five-in-one' operation on his left knee on August 8, 1971 for ligament and cartilage damage and a tendon transfer after suffering an injury against Detroit when hit by Paul Naumoff while trying to tackle Mike Lucci who had recovered a fumble. All the operations were performed by Jet team orthopedist Dr. James Nicholas.
'The greatest athlete I've ever coached,' said Paul (Bear) Bryant. During Namath's three years, the Tide lost only three regular season games and made three bowl appearances- 1963 Orange, 1964 Sugar and 1965 Orange. He was the outstanding offensive player in the 1963 Orange Bowl and MVP of the 1965 Orange Bowl on the eve of signing with the Jets.
Joe completed 64 percent of his passes as a senior. His career stats: 230 of 428, 54 percent, for 3,055 yards and 29 touchdowns. He rushed 213 times for 597 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Joe has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret and 'The Last Rebel' with Clint Eastwood. He received favorable notices for his starring role in 'C.C. and Company.' He has pursued acting lessons during his free moments. Joe has his own syndicated TV show, has made numerous guest appearances on TV shows and has hosted the Tonight Show many times.
He operates the 'Joe Namath Instructional Football Camp' for youngsters in Dudley, Mass. during June and July. He owns a Joe Namath restaurant in Tuscaloosa.
Namath resides in New York and Florida during the off-season. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, January 3, 2016
1976 Profile: Wayne Mulligan
Center
No. 50
Clemson
"A durable veteran who started started every Jets preseason and regular season game in 1975, Mulligan battled injuries the entire season, including bone chips in his ankle which were repaired by surgery in the off-season. He suffered a concussion in the first Colts game and a rib injury against San Diego.
He came to the Jets in 1974 and was installed as the Jets' number one center, playing in 13 games and starting 12. A solid run blocker and good protector of Joe Namath, Wayne had a fumble recovery against Miami in '74 to save Namath from an interception and prevent the Dolphins from gaining good field position.
Wayne was the regular starting center for St. Louis from 1970 through 1973, missing only the last game of the '73 campaign with a broken arm. He was drafted eighth by the Cardinals in 1969 [when Charley Winner was head coach].
A three-year letterman and standout offensive lineman at Clemson, Mulligan was an all-state high school lacrosse star in Maryland. He enjoys music. His hometown is Towson, Maryland."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 50
Clemson
"A durable veteran who started started every Jets preseason and regular season game in 1975, Mulligan battled injuries the entire season, including bone chips in his ankle which were repaired by surgery in the off-season. He suffered a concussion in the first Colts game and a rib injury against San Diego.
He came to the Jets in 1974 and was installed as the Jets' number one center, playing in 13 games and starting 12. A solid run blocker and good protector of Joe Namath, Wayne had a fumble recovery against Miami in '74 to save Namath from an interception and prevent the Dolphins from gaining good field position.
Wayne was the regular starting center for St. Louis from 1970 through 1973, missing only the last game of the '73 campaign with a broken arm. He was drafted eighth by the Cardinals in 1969 [when Charley Winner was head coach].
A three-year letterman and standout offensive lineman at Clemson, Mulligan was an all-state high school lacrosse star in Maryland. He enjoys music. His hometown is Towson, Maryland."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
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