1977 Profile: Larry Keller

Linebacker
No. 56
Houston
"Keller was acquired on waivers from San Diego last year after the final cut. The Jets' move from a four-three defense to a three-four plus Keller's great play on special teams were key factors in his breaking into the lineup as inside left linebacker. 'He's tough to keep out of the lineup,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a big play type of football player and a great special teamer.' He led the special teams in 'RBIs' and started three games at three different linebacker spots.
He earned game balls in both Buffalo victories: at Shea, Larry recovered two fumbles to help with a 17-14 victory; at Buffalo, he blocked a punt resulting in a touchdown, intercepted a pass to set up a touchdown and caused a fumble leading to a field goal.
Larry had 46 solo stops and 31 assists. He knocked down three passes and tied for the team lead with three fumble recoveries.
He was drafted ninth by San Diego in 1975 but did not sign. He played with Hamilton of the CFL and Memphis of the WFL before joining the Chargers in the 1976 preseason.
In college, Keller played stand-up defensive end at Houston. He was a member of the Cougars' 1973 and 1974 Astro Bluebonnet Bowl teams and played in the 1975 Hula Bowl.
Larry has a B.S. in health and physical education and enjoys hunting and fishing. His birthplace is San Benito, Texas and his hometown is Orange, Texas."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Steve Joachim

Quarterback
No. 11
Temple
"Listed as the backup to quarterback Richard Todd, Joachim was the third quarterback in 1976 behind Namath and Todd. He was signed as a free agent last October 28 and was active for seven games but played only once, against Tampa Bay; he needs experience but is intelligent and knows the coverages.
Steve was drafted seventh by the Colts in 1975 but was cut without much of a look or chance to play. He played five games in the CFL for Toronto that season, completing 20 of 41 for 228 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions. In 1976 he had a preseason tryout with the Eagles and was signed by the Jets when Namath was sidelined.
A Maxwell Award winner, Joachim led NCAA Division I schools in total offense as a senior at Temple with 222.7 yards per game. He transferred from Penn State, where he was a member of the Nittany Lions' 1972 Cotton Bowl team, and was a three-year starter for the Owls.
Steve is on the board of directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Philadelphia. He is interested in broadcasting and has been employed by the Federal Broadcasting Company as director of sales.
He enjoys tennis and public speaking. Steve's birthplace is Philadelphia, his hometown is Havertown, PA and his name is pronounced Jo-ACK-um."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Mike Hennigan

Linebacker
No. 52
Tennessee Tech
"Mike was claimed on waivers by the Jets following Detroit's final cut but failed the physical. He signed again on September 14 and went on to play in 12 of the remaining 13 games. 'He was a great free agent signing,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's an intelligent special teams player, and he can play all four of our linebacker spots.'
He played with a shoulder injury that was operated on in the off-season. Hennigan finished third in the special teams rankings behind Larry Keller and Tommy Marvaso.
Hennigan was the special teams leader for the Lions and also was used as their fourth linebacker on passing downs. He had knee and shoulder surgery following the 1975 season. Mike was the first of three Detroit picks in the fourth round of the 1973 draft.
He began his collegiate career at Parsons College (Iowa). He transferred to Tennessee Tech and was the defensive star on the 1972 team that won the Ohio Valley Conference title.
Mike has a B.S. degree. His birthplace is Davenport, Iowa and his hometown is Washington, Iowa."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Louie Giammona

Kick Returner-Running Back
No. 45
Utah State
"Louie is a hard-hitting little runner who played in all 14 games and started three last year. He wound up fourth on the club in rushing with 150 yards on 39 carries for a 3.8 average, and a touchdown, and was fifth in receiving with 15 receptions for 145 yards, a 9.7 average. Louie was second on kickoff returns with a 22.9 average on 23 returns and although his 12 punt returns didn't qualify for the AFC rankings, he recorded a 9.8 average.
'His lack of size hurts him,' says head coach Walt Michaels, 'but he is a good situation player, excels on special teams and gives an all-out effort. He has a great attitude and his blocking is adequate.'
Sharing halfback duties with Steve Davis, Giammona played with a sprained ankle and a broken wrist and was supposed be out three weeks but didn't miss a game. He had a key 35-yard run to set up the winning field goal for the Jets' first victory over Buffalo. His 146 yards on six kickoff returns against Cincinnati was the fourth best single-game effort in Jets history.
Giammona led the nation in 1974 with 1,534 yards on 329 carries with eight touchdowns, and in 1975 finished fifth in the nation in rushing with 1,454 yards on 303 carries. He topped the NCAA all-purpose running category in both 1974 (1,984 yards for a 198.4 average) and 1975 (2,045 yards for a 185.9 average). His career totals: 756 carries, 3,499 yards, a 4.6 average and 21 touchdowns. He averaged 116 yards rushing per game for three seasons, 11th best in NCAA history, and his career total in all-purpose running, 5,201 yards, ranks as fourth best in college history. Giammona holds virtually every Utah State rushing record, including the school record for most yards rushing in one game, 247 against Idaho State in 1974.
Louie is married to Kathy Bounsall. Kathy fixed Italian dinners for the offensive linemen every time Louie rushed for more than 100 yards at Utah State (17 times). As a prep athlete, Louie led his high school teams to 15 championships in five sports. Born and raised in the Napa Valley wine country, his birthplace his St. Helena, California, his hometown is Calistoga, CA and his name is pronounced GEE-a-MOAN-a.
A gregarious young man, Louis answers with a 'yes, sir,' 'no, sir' attitude, yet Shea Stadium police wouldn't let him use the players' exit after his first home game because they thought he was too small to be a player."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Clark Gaines

Running Back
No. 21
Wake Forest
"He led the team in rushing with a 4.6 average and in receptions with 41, so it was no surprise when he was named the team's offensive MVP. Signed as a free agent, he led all the NFL rookie runners with 724 yards. Clark is the first Jet to gain 100 or more yards four times in a season."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"Word around Gotham City is that Clark Gaines is really Clark Kent in disguise. He wasn't drafted by anybody but was the top rusher among NFL rookies. The scouts' mistake was going to Wake Forest to weigh and measure him instead of checking his football ability. Too small and slow to be an NFLer, but nobody told him. He agreed to sign with the Jets over the phone while a Dallas scout was sitting in the room with him.
Born in Elberton, Georgia, Gaines was the second leading rusher in the country as a sophomore in junior college and got over 900 yards at Wake his senior season. He was voted the Jets' MVP. A starter the second half of the season, Gaines led the team in rushing (724 yards) and receiving (41 catches).
He's a superb blocker, and worked with a track coach in the off-season to improve his speed."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"A most unexpected story was 1976 for Clark Gaines. He barely made the club as a free agent and then became a starter in the seventh game after Ed Marinaro suffered an injury. From then on Gaines recorded four 100-yard games (a Jet single-season record) and outrushed all NFL rookie runners with 724 yards on 157 carries, a 4.6 average and three touchdowns. He also led the club in receiving with 41 for 400 yards, a 9.8 average and two touchdowns.
Gaines was selected by teammates as club MVP, made all the NFL all-rookie teams and was selected by the NFL Players Association as AFC Rookie Offensive Player of the Year. By leading the team in rushing and receiving, he became only the second player in club annals to do so- the other was John Riggins. His five touchdowns placed him second on the club in scoring to Pat Leahy.
Until he became a starter, Clark led the special teams in 'RBI's.' 'He's a hard runner who breaks tackles, a good blocker, a fine receiver and a good special teams member,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'We're just hoping he'll take up where he left off. He's got the right attitude to do that, too.'
Gaines tied with Marinaro for the single-season rushing high last year with 119 yards at Buffalo. He also had 102 against Baltimore, 103 against Tampa Bay and 109 against Washington. His seven catches for 82 yards were club highs in both categories.
He might have been overlooked in the draft because of injuries. Clark gained 1,258 yards on 336 carries for a 3.7 average. All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior, he was named captain that year. He was an outstanding junior college runner at Lees-McRae (Banner Elk, NC). He rushed for 1,105 yards as a soph, second in the nation, and was named NJCAA All-America.
Clark majored in physical education and is nicknamed 'Super,' 'Nasty' and 'Killer' for his efforts. He worked in construction and as a watchman for 16 hours a day to help earn his degree. When Clark was in high school, his father died of lung disease from working in a quarry. Clark's birthplace and hometown is Elberton, Georgia."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Joe Fields

Center
No. 65
Widener
"A young, baby-faced 'sleeper' draft choice who wound up playing in all 14 games and starting the final 10 at center in his second year, Fields has good quickness and fine attitude. He's an excellent long snapper on punts and placements. Joe has a good future but could use more strength and weight. He played in all 14 games as a rookie while handling snaps and backup center duties.
He never missed a play at Widener College (Chester, PA) despite a contused shoulder and a sprained ankle as a senior. All-conference in 1974, Fields called the blocking assignments for the offensive line. He was a teammate of Billy 'Whiteshoes' Johnson.
Joe has a B.S. in accounting. He's nicknamed 'W.C.' His birthplace is Woodbury, New Jersey, and his hometown is Deptford, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: John Ebersole

Linebacker
No. 55
Penn State
"'Had his finest year in the pros,' says Walt Michaels. 'The extra responsibility of playing with the three rookies brought out a better quality in Ebersole.' Michaels labels Ebersole not as a killer but as an intelligent player who is equally effective against the run and the pass.
John took over at middle linebacker in the fourth game against the 49ers and started until a sprained ankle forced him to miss the season finale. He finished third on the club in total tackles behind linebacker mates Greg Buttle and Bob Martin, with 56 solos and 93 assists. John recovered three fumbles, knocked down four passes, had a quarterback sack and made an interception which set up a touchdown against Buffalo.
He has become a regular over the last four seasons. A tough player who will play hurt, he has missed only three games in seven years. In 1974 he tied for the club lead with three interceptions. He has good hands.
In college, Ebersole played two years on offense and two on defense and helped lead the Nittany Lions to second place in the national rankings in total defense. He earned the game ball against Kansas State when he played with a dislocated shoulder. John played in the Gator Bowl and in the Orange Bowl twice.
John holds a degree in health and physical education. He owns Ebersole Beverages, Inc. His birthplace hometown is Altoona, Pennsylvania."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Leonard Dunlap

Cornerback
No. 26
North Texas State
"A free agent signed by the Jets, Leonard was drafted in the first round by Baltimore in 1971. He played one season with the Colts, highlighted by a 57-yard punt return, and was traded the following year to San Diego for a draft choice. He intercepted five passes for the Chargers in 1972 and also averaged 22.6 yards on 12 kickoff returns and 9.4 yards on 19 punt returns.
Dunlap played two more years with the Chargers before being acquired by the Giants, who traded him to Detroit in 1975 for a draft choice. He missed the entire 1976 season with a knee injury and has suffered several injuries during his career which have hampered his progress.
He starred at Kilgore College in Texas before transferring to North Texas State, where he was the MVP of the Missouri Valley Conference. Leonard played in the North-South Game, the Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Leonard has a degree in physical education. His birthplace is Monroe, Louisiana and his hometown is Houston, Texas."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Steve Davis

Running Back
No. 35
Delaware State
"Davis enjoyed his best season rushing as a pro last year. He gained 418 yards on 94 carries (4.4 average), with three touchdowns and was second to Clark Gaines among club leaders. Davis already ranks eighth on the Jets' all-time rushing list with 708 yards.
He gained a career high 76 yards on 16 carries in a win over Tampa Bay last year. He missed two games with a knee injury and had fumble trouble, losing six.
The Jets third-leading rusher in 1975 with 290 yards, Steve also was the Jets' second-leading kick returner with 20 for 483 (24.2 average). He did not return any kickoffs last season.
Davis was acquired from the Steelers in [August] 1975 in exchange for a 1977 third round draft pick. He led the Steelers in kickoff returns for three consecutive seasons, ranking fifth in the AFC in 1973 (26.9 average). He was drafted third by the Steelers in 1971 but missed his entire rookie season with a viral infection.
He was the first player ever drafted from Delaware State. He was the 13th leading collegiate rusher in 1970 with 980 yards. He gained 261 yards and led the CIAA in rushing as a senior.
Davis majored in physical education. His hometown is Lexington, Virginia."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Don Coleman

Linebacker
No. 57
Michigan
"Coleman signed as a free agent with the Jets last season after two years with the Saints, who drafted him in the 16th round in 1974. He missed the entire 1976 campaign after suffering a knee injury in the Houston preseason game that required surgery.
He played 13 games at outside linebacker for the Saints in 1975 and made 33 tackles. He appeared mostly on special teams as a rookie. Coleman played for the Saints at the same time that new Jet offensive backfield coach Bob Ledbetter was an assistant there.
Coleman was second team All-Big 10 as a senior. He was a three-year starter after switching from running back.
He has a B.A. in communications and would like to operate his own ad-production company someday. He's studying for a Master's degree in business administration at Hofstra.
Don was a four-sport star at St. John's High Toledo, his birthplace and hometown, where he was an all-state running back."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Richard Caster

Tight End
No. 88
Jackson State
"He caught 31 passes last season, second [on the club] only to Clark Gaines- but down from his total of 47 the season before. With Jerome Barkum out for 10 weeks, Caster was double-teamed by opposing defenses.
He is No. 3 on the all-time list of Jet receivers [for both catches and yardage] behind Don Maynard and George Sauer."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977

"Shea Stadium boo-birds would feel lost without him. The fastest tight end in the league, Caster makes spectacular catches. He still drops too many easy ones when all alone- if anyone knows why, contact Walt Michaels.
A poor blocker, Caster played tight end and wide receiver last year. Double-teamed wherever he goes, he had the lowest number of catches (31) in five years last season when the Jets played shuffling quarterbacks.
The most dangerous touchdown threat among tight ends in the league, Caster has 35 touchdowns over the last seven years. He does 40 yards in 4.5 and knows where the sweet spots in the zone are.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was a college teammate of Jerome Barkum at Jackson State. Caster played out his option but was re-signed by the Jets last spring.
He's a good tennis player."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition


"The premier receiving tight end in pro football, Caster is an outstanding deep threat against the zone. He has steadily improved his blocking, yet fell off statistically last year when the Jets' passing game slackened; the opposition double-teamed him constantly with the threat of injured Jerome Barkum removed. Richard had 31 catches for 391 yards, a 12.6 average and only one touchdown, but tied for the third longest run in Jet history with a 60-yard end around against Washington.
Capable of being used as a wide receiver, Caster began his career as a wide receiver but switched to tight end in 1972 and did so well he earned a Pro Bowl selection. He also earned Pro Bowl honors after the 1974 and 1975 seasons. He played wide receiver in a one-game experiment at New England last year.
Richard led all AFC receivers in yardage (833) and touchdown catches (10) in 1972 and topped all NFL tight ends in yardage in 1974 and 1975. In 1974, he had 38 catches for 745 yards, a 19.6 average (third best in the NFL) and seven touchdowns. The following year he had 47 receptions for 820 yards, a 17.4 average and four touchdowns.
His career stats show 235 receptions for 4,229 yards, an 18.0 average and 35 touchdowns. His receptions rank him 10th among active AFC players. In Jets annals, Caster stands third in career catches and yardage behind Don Maynard and George Sauer and has a chance of passing Sauer (4,965) in yardage this year. He holds the club record for longest gain on a passing play with a 91-yarder from Namath against Baltimore in 1975.
His best day was in the 1972 game against Baltimore when he caught touchdown passes of 80, 79 and 10 yards and had 204 yards on only six catches, becoming the only NFL receiver to surpass 200 yards in a game that season. He has had 10 career 100-yard or more games.
Richard was a wide receiver and tight end at Jackson State where he was a teammate of Jerome Barkum. He caught 160 passes for 3,638 yards and 28 touchdowns. A Pittsburgh Courier second-team All-American, Richard was a member of the College All-Star squad.
Involved in the community, Richard has served as chairman of the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon in New York City and received the Gordon's Good Guy award for his efforts.
Rich enjoys playing tennis and basketball. He makes his off-season home in Hempstead, New York and makes many personal appearances on behalf of the Jets. His birthplace and hometown is Mobile, Alabama."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Duane Carrell

Punter
No. 3
Florida State
"Last year Duane signed with the Jets as a free agent on September 1. He'd had a tryout with the club but wasn't signed at the time. He set a Jets record for most punts in a season with 81, averaging 39.7 yards. Duane's longest career punt was 72 yards at San Francisco last fall, the third best in Jets history. His individual average placed him sixth in the AFC and 11th in the AFL. He took over as the holder in the fifth game.
Carrell started in pro ball in 1974 with the Jacksonville Sharks of the World Football League. He joined the Dallas Cowboys when the Sharks folded and averaged 39.8 on 40 punts in the last half of the 1974 season. He completed a 37-yard touchdown pass against the Redskins that year. Carrell was waived by the Cowboys in 1975 but signed with Los Angeles and averaged 39.4 on 73 punts for the Rams that year.
Duane must work to get more hang time into his punts. His distance is adequate.
A three-year letterman as a punter and place kicker at Florida State, Duane played in the 1971 Fiesta Bowl. He holds a B.S. in management.
Duane is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He's a salesman for Ward Hughes Co. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name is pronounced CAR-ol."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Greg Buttle

Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
"If the Jets regain respectability in his lifetime, he'll be All-Pro. The NFL draft wizards who left him unclaimed need a sobriety test.
A vicious hitter, Buttle made all the All-America teams at Penn State. He took over as left linebacker in his rookie year with New York and led the team with 98 tackles and 85 assists. He was the best rookie linebacker in the NFL.
Buttle takes losses extremely hard. He has the perfect attitude: 'The pay me to practice. I'll play for nothing.' He must curb his tendency to free-lance.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Buttle is outgoing and quotable. He should become a huge favorite in New York.

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"Buttle made every NFL all-rookie team last year. He led the club in tackles with 98 solos and 85 assists. He returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown against New England. He had an interception against the Patriots and one against the 49ers in the end zone. Buttle was chosen by the New York writers as the Jets' Rookie of the Year.
'When he hits you, he buries you,' says Walt Michaels. A hard hitter with quick reactions, Greg has been called 'free lance' by Michaels for his sometimes reckless play but has been tabbed by Michaels as a future All-Pro.
He was a consensus All-America choice, named first team by AP, UPI, NEA, Football Writers, Walter Camp, Sporting News and Football News.  Greg played in the Japan, Sugar, Cotton, Orange and Hula Bowls and played in the last College All-Star Game, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His college stats include 341 tackles (178 solo).
Greg majored in arts and sciences, he enjoys paddleball, and his ambition is 'to be the best at whatever.' His father is an FBI agent. Greg is articulate and is a good representative of the club on speaking engagements. He makes his home year-round in Lido Beach on Long Island, his birthplace is Atlantic City, New Jersey and his hometown is Linwood, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"They don't pay me to play on Sundays. They pay me to practice. I'd play on Sundays for nothing."

-Greg Buttle (1977 New York Jets Media Guide)

1977 Profile: Mike Burke

Punter
No. 6
Miami
"A free agent, Burke is a veteran of one season with Los Angeles (1974), plus three preseasons with the Dolphins (1973), Rams (1975) and Raiders (1976). He signed as a free agent with Miami in 1973 but was released and also was cut by the Rams in the 1974 preseason.
Mike punted five times for the Southern California Sun of the World Football League in 1974. He was working for a meat-packing plant when the Rams activated him midway through the '74 season. He played the final eight games (37.0 average in 46 kicks) plus two playoff contests. A coffin corner specialist, Mike had five punts go inside the 11-yard line in one game against Minnesota. He can also place kick.
He attended Oregon State from 1968-70 and spent a year at Chabot JC in Hayward, CA before transferring for his final two years to Miami, where he was a teammate of Jet safety Burgess Owens and Chuck Foreman. Burke swam at Miami, setting a school record in the 100-yard breaststroke, and also competed in weightlifting. He punted six times for a 50.6 average, kicked two 35-yard field goals and made six straight points after touchdown in one game against Houston.
Mike has a degree in physical education and recreation. He was a quarterback at Amador High in his hometown of Pleasanton, California. His birthplace is Sacramento, CA."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Don Buckey

Wide Receiver
No. 91
North Carolina State
"Don was re-signed as a free agent in the spring. He was waived last October 7 after playing in four games. He caught five passes for 36 yards, a 7.2 average. In the 1976 preseason, he had nine receptions for 74 yards.
Also used as a holder, Don has excellent hands and runs good patterns. He doesn't have great speed and has a slight build.
Don had an outstanding college career with his twin brother, Dave, a quarterback who was also drafted by the Jets in the 12th round. His brother was cut in the preseason and now plays for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. Don set school records for catches (102) and yards (1,735) and made the Football Writers' All-America first team. He played in two Peach Bowls and in the Liberty, Astro Bluebonnet, Hula and Japan Bowls.
An economics major, Don is five minutes younger than his brother Dave. He wears contact lenses. Don's biggest thrills include his four bowl appearances and defeating Penn State. His birthplace and hometown is Akron, Ohio."

-1977 Media Guide

1977 Profile: Carl Barzilauskas

Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Indiana
"Becoming the subject of 'Whatever happened to' questions. Facing a pivotal year of his career, Barzilauskas was super as a rookie but not much in the two years since.
The Jets thought he was the best defensive lineman in the '74 draft and made him an early first round pick after his All-American years at Indiana. Some NFL insiders think if he'd gone to a team that wasn't so weak, he could be outstanding. Barzilauskas can't do it alone. At this point in his career, he has to be discouraged by the regular diet of double-teaming he has gotten. He had just one sack last year.
Quiet off the field, has temper flares on-field. Miami All-Pro center Jim Langer calls  Barzilauskas the 'strongest I've gone against.'
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, he's nicknamed 'Brontosaurus"

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"Coach Michaels is hoping and expecting this will be Barzo's year. The huge defensive tackle had an outstanding rookie year making all the NFL all-rookie teams and finishing second to Pittsburgh's Jack Lambert as the AP's Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Barzilauskas hasn't matched that performance in the past two seasons.
'He's big and strong,' says Michaels. 'This should be his year. He played injured last season. He's strong against the rush but still has to work on pass rush techniques.'
Carl missed the Miami and San Francisco games with a rib injury suffered in the second game at Denver. He started 10 games at left tackle and played some at left end. He had 28 solo tackles and 34 assists, had one sack, knocked two passes, recovered two fumbles and blocked two PAT attempts.
Miami's All-Pro center Jim Langer called Barzo after his rookie year 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced.' Barzo was constantly double-teamed as a sophomore. He has great tenacity.
A three-year starter for Indiana, he played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl. He played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
Carl earned a B.S. in physical education. He enjoys woodcraft and landscaping and is president and owner of the J.C. & J.C. Inc., True Value Hardware store. His uncle Fritz played for the New York Football Giants is now intramural director employed at Yale. Carl makes his off-season home in Bloomington, Indiana. His birthplace and hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut and his name is pronounced BAR-zi-LAUS-kiss."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Jerome Barkum

Wide Receiver
No. 83
Jackson State
"Took him a year to do a day's work last season but it wasn't his fault. A leg muscle pull kept Barkum out of 10 games and he didn't show much after his return, catching just five passes. He's healthy again, and if the Jets can find somebody to throw the ball, he could return to top form. Barkum averaged 40 catches the previous three years and is at his best against Baltimore
Barkum's size and strength make him tough on small cornerbacks. He lacks blazing speed but is quick and has good hands. He's a good blocker for a wide receiver.
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Barkum is nicknamed 'Gee.' He once had 30 rebounds in a high school basketball game. He caught 128 passes as a four-year starter at Jackson State."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"Barkum was sidelined for 10 games last year with a severely pulled hamstring suffered in the fifth preseason game. He played in the last four games but caught only five passes for 54 yards with one touchdown.
Prior to last season Barkum was always considered among pro football's premier wide receivers and has excellent size and strength for his position. An added dimension is his blocking.
In 1972 Jerome was off to a late start in his rookie year as he was late to sign but had a 19.0 average on 16 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. He came into his own in 1973 with 44 catches for 810 yards and an 18.4 average with six touchdowns. In 1974, Jerome added 41 catches for 524 yards, a 12.8 average and three touchdowns. He led the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974 and earned a Pro Bowl appearance after the 1973 season. He followed that with another good season in 1975 with 36 catches for 549 yards, a 15.3 average and five touchdowns.
His career totals show 143 receptions for 2,241 yards, a 15.7 average and 17 touchdowns. Barkum ranks seventh among all-time Jet career leaders in receiving yardage and ninth in receptions. He had his best yardage day against Denver in 1973 with 111 on four catches, and his most catches in a day were eight against Cincinnati in 1973.
Jerome caught 128 passes for 2,130 yards and 27 touchdowns in his four-year college career, notching 10 touchdown receptions as a senior. He was a teammate of the Jets' Richard Caster and played in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Game. Barkum was an AP Little All-America and All-SWAC for two years, and a Pittsburgh Courier All-America.
Nicknamed 'Gee,' he's the cousin of Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions. His brother Melvin was a quarterback and running back at Mississippi State. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game.
Jerome spent the off-season working in the recreation program at Diamondhead Resort near New Orleans. He enjoys working with kids and relaxes by swimming and fishing. His birthplace and hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Darrell Austin

Center
No. 67
South Carolina
"Austin was acquired on waivers in 1975 from Denver. He was originally drafted in the 16th round by the Broncos in 1974.
A strong, straight ahead blocker, Darrell is good on run blocks, is developing into a good pass protector and is reckless with his body. Injuries have held back his progress.
Darrell started 11 games last year, seven at right guard and four at center. Injuries to other linemen forced him to switch positions during several games. He missed three games- New England, Washington and Cincinnati- because of a strained neck.
Darrell started every game for three years at South Carolina. He played offensive tackle as a sophomore, defensive tackle as a junior and offensive tackle as a senior and played in the East-West Game. He was named most valuable lineman as a senior.
He holds a B.S. in physical education. He's nicknamed 'Colonel' because of his likeness to television figure Steve Austin, the Bionic Man. Darrell has a plastic small finger, prompting the nickname. His father is a deputy sheriff. Union, South Carolina is his birthplace and hometown."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Bill Hampton

Equipment Manager
"Hampton is in charge of all Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round.
He started out as a stickboy for the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1945 and remained with that organization until 1964 when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year Army tour of duty from 1951-52. Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man for the Rangers in tandem with Frank Price.
A close friend of Walt Michaels, Bill was born in Astoria, New York."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Bob Reese

Trainer
"Bob Reese replaces Jeff Snedeker, Jets trainer for the past 14 years. Reese had been the assistant trainer for the Buffalo Bills since 1972.
He began his career as an assistant trainer at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tennessee. He worked with the training staff throughout his undergraduate years at Purdue, where he earned a B.S. in physical education in 1970.
Bob became the youngest head trainer in the country when he was appointed at Boston College in 1970 at the age of 21. He worked with fellow Purdue alumnus Eddie Abramoski on the Buffalo training staff.
Bob was born in Nashville."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Jim Royer

Talent Scout
"Like Carroll Huntress, Royer now serves exclusively as a Jets' scout after a stint in the Galaxy combine. He has been in coaching or scouting since 1958 when he started as a Marine football team head coach on Okinawa.
Royer coached the offensive line for the U.S. Naval Academy junior varsity from 1959-61. He went to [the University of] Buffalo as offensive line coach (1961-62) and then spent time at Tulane before returning to the Naval Academy as assistant offensive line coach (1965-66). Jim worked one year as offensive line coach at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Atlantic Coast League as defensive coordinator of the Richmond Roadrunners in 1969.
He came to the NFL in 1971 as offensive line coach with the New Orleans Saints. In 1973 he became a scout for the Redskins and joined Galaxy in 1974.
Jim was born in Baltimore, Maryland."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Carroll Huntress

Talent Scout
"Huntress now serves exclusively as a Jets scout after two years in the Galaxy combine. He has a high school and collegiate coaching record extending back to 1949.
He began at Mechanic Falls High in Maine and after two seasons moved to Portland (ME) High. He remained as head football coach until 1960 before joining the University of Maryland staff, first as freshman coach and then and then as a receiver aide. Carroll became head coach at Bucknell in 1965, serving for four years. He most recently was an assistant coach at Kentucky for four years before entering the pro ranks as a scout.
Carroll was born in Saco, Maine."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Don Grammer

Talent Scout
"Don joined the Jets staff on July 1 after serving as a scout for CEPO and United Scouting since 1973. He will work with new director of player personnel Mike Hickey.
He coached the offensive line at the University of Minnesota (1966-71) under Murray Warmath and held a similar position at his alma mater, Cincinnati (1958-60). Grammer coached on the high school level in Ohio from 1955-58 after serving in the Army for two years.
An all-state standout at Fairview High in Dayton, Ohio, Grammer lettered three years as an offensive tackle at Cincinnati under Sid Gillman and was selected All-Mid-American Conference twice. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in business administration.
Don was born in Dayton."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

R.I.P. Larry Grantham

Forever a Titan Among Jets

1977 Profile: Mike Hickey

Director of Player Personnel
"The youngest director of player personnel in the NFL at 30, Hickey replaced Mike Holovak in May. He had been personnel assistant for the Patriots under Bucko Kilroy for the past six years. His father, Red Hickey, was head coach of the 49ers from 1959-63 and has been a scout with the Cowboys since 1965.
Mike played under three present NFL coaches: Dick Vermeil (high school in San Mateo, CA), John Madden (San Diego State) and Don Coryell (San Diego State). He went to Texas on a track scholarship and won the Southwest Conference discus title in 1965. He transferred to San Diego State, where he was a reserve tight end before a knee injury ended his career.
Mike was born in Santa Monica, CA."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Dan Sekanovich

Defensive Line Coach
"Pronounced se-CAN-o-vitch, Dan's coaching background includes extensive experience in high school, college and the Canadian Football League. He served as offensive and defensive line coach with the Montreal Alouettes for the past four seasons before joining the Jets' staff. Sekanovich helped Montreal to the 1974 Grey Cup and to the Eastern Conference championship in 1975.
A 1955 graduate of the University of Tennessee where he played football for four years, Sekanovich played defensive end for Montreal in the CFL in 1955 and then served in the U.S. Army for three years. He started coaching at Southington (Conn.) High School in 1958 and served as an assistant in the college ranks from 1961-72, beginning with a three-year stint at Susquehanna.
Dan moved to the University of Connecticut in 1964 where he was defensive coordinator under Rick Forzano for two seasons and John Toner for two more. He moved to the University of Pittsburgh in 1968, rejoined Forzano at the U.S. Naval Academy for two seasons and coached the defensive line at the University of Kentucky from 1971-72 before joining the Alouettes.
Dan was born in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: John Mazur

Defensive Secondary Coach
"Pronounced MAY-zer, John comes to the Jets from the Eagles with John Idzik, the new offensive coordinator. Mazur coached with Walt Michaels from 1973-75 and replaced Michaels as defensive coordinator when he returned to the Jets. A longtime friend of Michaels, both grew up in the same Eastern Pennsylvania area and scrimmaged against each other in high school.
John played quarterback at Notre Dame from 1948-51 and began coaching at Tulane (1955-57) following one year as a quarterback for Vancouver in the CFL and two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also coached at Marquette and Boston University before joining the pro ranks under Lou Saban at Buffalo in 1962.
He spent seven years with the Bills as backfield and receivers coach and worked with Jack Kemp, Daryle Lamonica and Cookie Gilchrist. Buffalo won two AFL championships and three Eastern Division during Mazur's tenure. Mazur became offensive coordinator of the Boston Patriots in 1969 and in mid-1970 was elevated to head coach, succeeding Clive Rush. He developed Carl Garrett in 1969 when Garrett beat out O.J. Simpson as AFL Rookie of the Year. He guided the Patriots to a 6-8 record in 1971 and resigned after nine games in 1972.
John was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Bob Ledbetter

Offensive Backfield Coach
"A 17-year coaching veteran, Ledbetter will work with running backs and assist Joe Gardi with special teams. He was an assistant at Grambling last year under Eddie Robinson, whom he credits as the main influence in his coaching career.
Ledbetter coached the offensive backfield for the New Orleans Saints from 1974-75. The Saints set a club season rushing record in his first year with 1,974 yards in 503 attempts.
His first coaching position was in 1960 in the Memphis, Tennessee school system, where he remained until he was named head freshman coach at Southern Illinois University in 1968. Bob also served as a varsity assistant until 1972 when he was appointed head coach at Norfolk (VA) State.
A 1960 graduate of Mississippi Industrial College (Holly Springs, Mississippi), Bob played tackle, tight end, fullback and linebacker in college. He has a Master's degree in health education from Southern Illinois plus credits towards a doctorate. Bob boxed for seven years as an amateur in the Army. He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, best known as the home of Elvis Presley."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: John Idzik

Offensive Coordinator
"Pronounced ID-zick, John was offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Philadelphia for the past four seasons. He comes from the Eagles with John Mazur, the Jets' new defensive backfield aide. Both Idzik and Masur were aides at Philadelphia with Walt Michaels from 1973-75 before Michaels returned to the Jets last year.
Idzik has an excellent knowledge of Weeb Ewbank's passing system which will be reinstalled with the Jets this season. As an assistant at Miami, he helped develop Bob Griese and also worked with John Unitas and Roman Gabriel. He joined the Dolphins in their first year in 1966 as quarterback and receivers coach. He held a similar position under Don McCafferty at Baltimore from 1970-72 and contributed to the Colts' Super Bowl title in 1971.
John began coaching at the University of Tennessee in 1954. He moved to Ottawa of the CFL for a year before returning to the college ranks at Maryland under Jim Tatum, who coached Idzik during his outstanding playing career with the Terps from 1947-51. He moved in 1960 to the University of Detroit, where he was head coach from 1963-64 before the school dropped football. After a year as an assistant at Tulane in 1965, he started his pro coaching tenure with Miami.
An outstanding athlete at Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Idzik earned seven varsity letters in football and baseball at Maryland. He played in the Gator Bowl in 1947 and 1949 and in the North-South Shrine Game.
John was born in Philadelphia."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Dan Henning

Receivers Coach
"Henning was retained by new head coach Walt Michaels along with assistants Bob Fry and Joe Gardi. He has a wealth of experience as both a coach and player in the college and professional ranks. He has coached some of college and professional football's best passing quarterbacks including Kim Hammond, Gary Huff, Bill Cappleman, Don Strock, Tommy Warren, Dan Pastorini and Lynn Dickey.
He played quarterback at William & Mary under Lou Holtz and finished 14th in the nation in passing in 1963 behind names like Don Trull, George Mira, Jerry Rhome, Roger Staubach and Craig Morton. Dan played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers from 1964 through 1967.
Dan was an assistant coach under Bill Peterson at Florida State from 1968 through 1970 before moving to Virginia Tech in 1971. He rejoined Peterson as quarterback and receivers coach with the Houston Oilers in 1972, returned to Virginia Tech in 1973 under Charlie Coffey and returned to Florida State in 1974 under Darrell Mudra. In 1975 Dan served as resident manager of security for John C. Mandel Co. at the World Trade Center.
Born in the Bronx, Dan graduated from St. Francis Prep in Brooklyn where he was all-league and all-city."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Joe Gardi

Special Teams Coach
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi (pronounced GAR-dee) is responsible for special teams and also works with linebackers. He joined the Jets staff in 1976 after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the World Football League for three games before that league folded.
Gardi began his coaching career at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school that was 0-37 in the five years prior to his arrival. He became head coach at Roselle Park (NJ) High School in 1967. That school had not had a winning record in 10 years. Gardi put together a pair of winning campaigns in three years, including an undefeated state championship team in 1969. He was tabbed the 'Miracle Worker' by New Jersey sportswriters.
He returned to his alma mater, Maryland, as freshman coach in 1970 and was a varsity assistant from 1971-74. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL the following season as coach of special teams and running backs. Gardi was named interim head coach for the Bell in the middle of the 1975 season. He defeated Portland in his only game and was chosen head coach of the Thunder a week later.
Gardi was co-captain and named 'unsung hero' for Maryland in 1959. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club. Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey, where he was an all-state tackle at Harrison High School in 1955."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Bob Fry

Offensive Line Coach
"One of three assistant coaches retained by new head coach Walt Michaels, Fry has a background of 24 consecutive seasons in the NFL either as a player, administrator or coach.
He coached the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line under head coach Chuck Noll before coming to the Jets in 1974. The Steelers running attack established a club record [for yardage] under Fry in 1972. Last season, the Jets had the third best rushing total in the club's history.
Bob played for the Rams from 1953 through 1959 with two years out for a military hitch. He was an original member of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 through 1964.
He began his administrative career with Atlanta as a scout in 1965 and was assistant player personnel director and offensive line coach there in 1967 and 1968. He joined the Steelers in 1969.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Bob was a star tackle under Bear Bryant at Kentucky in the early 1950s."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Walt Michaels

Head Coach
"Probably the only man in NFL history elected head coach by his players. When general manager Al Ward called players in for opinions on a replacement for escapee Lou Holtz, the leading vote-getter was Michaels ... in a landslide.
Michaels gets high marks for the excellent work he did for 10 years while masterminding the Jet defense. The fifth head coach the Jets have had in the past three years, he'll need luck to serve the full three years of his contract. He faces a massive rebuilding job and has the added problem of handling a club that has had serious racial problems in recent years.
Born in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, as a player he was four times an All-Pro linebacker with the Browns, and also played for the Packers. His brother Lou was a place kicker and defensive end with the Steelers and Colts."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"'No matter where you go, you may think you've come a long way, but that's not always true,' said Walt Michaels when he was named the eighth head coach in the franchise's history last January. 'There's a lot to be done here. There's a lot of hard work involved. That's pretty basic.'
That's Walt Michaels, the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner, who has come a log way through hard work ... a strong, no-nonsense leader who deals in basics, whether it's developing an NFL all-rookie linebacker like Greg Buttle or talking to equipment manager Bill Hampton, one of Michaels' closest friends.
The 47-year-old Michaels is the first Jets head coach to come up through the ranks, first making his niche as an All-Pro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns and then as defensive coordinator with the Jets.
'It was a strange selection of a head coach,' said general manager Al Ward. 'It was as much as an election as a selection. It seems that everyone we talked to- people around the league, fans, media- all felt that Walt was our best choice. He knows the club, knows it needs, strengths and weaknesses and has the respect of everyone connected with the organization.'
Most importantly, Michaels has the support of his players.
Veteran guard Randy Rasmussen, who has played under three head coaches and two interim head coaches with the Jets, summarized much of his teammates' feelings: 'The big thing is that he was a factor in us winning the Super Bowl, and I think he will have the respect of every player on this team. I feel more confident with him being our coach. You know you stand with Walt Michaels.'
Michaels succeeds Lou Holtz, who resigned after 13 games in his first season. Despite last year's 3-11 record, Michaels feels that progress was made.
'If we can continue with the things we started last year, we can build from there,' he said. ' ... We started a program with some young players (14 rookies made the Jet squad last year) ... I think we're on a positive approach, a good path. I don't think we wasted a year. But all I can promise about the team is that it will be mentally and physically prepared to play football.'
One of Michaels' first priorities will be reinstalling the flexible passing system that Weeb Ewbank used with John Unitas and with Joe Namath in New York.
Defense, however, is where Michaels became known as both a player and coach. He enjoyed a distinguished career with the Browns in which he played on two NFL championship teams and five division titlists.
Michaels was drafted seventh by Cleveland in 1951 following his collegiate days at Washington & Lee, where he played fullback, guard and linebacker and earned a B.A. in psychology and education. (Michaels was inducted into the Commonwealth of Virginia Sports Hall of Fame this year.)
The Browns traded Michaels that same year to Green Bay for Dan Orlich and then reacquired him in 1952 for Richard Logan, Elmer Costa and Forrest Gregg. Michaels became a starting linebacker and made the Pro Bowl four straight years from 1957-60.
Michaels retired after the 1961 season and joined the Oakland Raiders as defensive line coach for a year before coming to the Jets in 1963 in a similar position under Ewbank.
Ewbank put together an outstanding four-man staff in his first year with the Jets. Joining Michaels were Chuck Knox, now head coach at Los Angeles; Clive Rush, who later became head coach of the Boston Patriots; and J.D. Donaldson, presently offensive backfield coach at Cincinnati.
For 10 years Michaels masterminded the growth of the Jets' defense, which became one of the most respected in the old AFL and AFC. Under his guidance, such players as Gerry Philbin, John Elliott, Verlon Biggs, Al Atkinson, Larry Grantham and Ralph Baker were developed.
Last season, when Michaels returned to New York after three years (1973-75) as defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, the weakest point of the Jets was linebacking. At the end of the year, the strongest unit was the linebacking despite the fact that three of the starters were rookies, and only one, Greg Buttle, was a high draft choice.
When Michaels first joined the Jets, he came out of retirement for the 1963 opener at Boston when the squad's linebacking corps was decimated by injuries. He played the entire game after not practicing for two years. Ironically, the late George Young, a teammate of Michaels in Cleveland, was the umpire for that game.
'George kept telling me, 'Walt, I'm going to call holding on you if you don't stop grabbing that tight end,'' Michaels recalled, 'And I kept yelling back, 'George, it only LOOKS like I'm holding.''
Michaels devoted all his energy to coaching after his one-game comeback. In 1967 he took over the secondary and linebackers and helped mold the Jets' 1968 defense into the number-one unit in the AFL in rushing and total defense. Again in 1970, the unit ranked on top in total defense as well as first against the rush and pass in the AFC.
Michaels finest hour came in Super Bowl III. Although the Jets' defense received little of the glamor in the stunning 16-7 upset victory, Michaels' men played a significant role by holding Baltimore scoreless until less than four minutes remained. The often-maligned secondary of four free agents intercepted four Colt passes.
The game created an unusual situation for Walt's mother, Mary, who was chosen NFL Mother of the Year in 1966. On the Baltimore side of the field was Walt's brother, Lou, a standout place kicker who played in the NFL from 1958-69 after earning All-America honors as a tackle at Kentucky. Mrs. Michaels' picture along with one of the Michaels' family appears in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Michaels remained with the Jets until 1973 when, with Charlie Winner designated as the next head coach, he left to join the Philadelphia Eagles. Two of the assistant coaches Michaels hired for the Jets' staff this season, John Idzik and John Mazur, were also aides with the Eagles at that time.
When Lou Holtz was selected as the Jets' head coach last year, Al Ward strongly recommended that Michaels be brought back as defensive coordinator, and Holtz made Michaels his first appointee.
Michaels is another in a line of Paul Brown products to become a head coach in the pros. Presently there are four others: Don Shula, Chuck Noll, Paul Wiggin and Bill Johnson.
The son of a Polish immigrant, Michaels was born October 16, 1929 in Swoyersville, Pennsylvania."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Steve Gutman

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER AND SECRETARY
"Steve Gutman was appointed to the newly created position of administrative manager on April 1 and also assumed the duties of secretary of the club. In this role, he oversees the Jets' fiscal and marketing operations.
Prior to joining the Jets, Gutman was executive director of the Westchester County Guidance Center of New Rochelle. He has had extensive experience as a financial consultant in areas of security, research sales, underwriting, investment banking, and management.
Gutman received both a B.S. in accounting and a Masters in business administration from New York University. He was born January 24, 1935 in New York City."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Al Ward

General Manager
"Soft-spoken general manager Al Ward begins his third year as one of the engineers behind the Jets' drive to become a winner.
He was instrumental in getting new head coach Walt Michaels to return to New York in 1976 as defensive coordinator after Michaels had served three seasons as chief defensive aide with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ward is a product of the the highly successful Dallas Cowboys franchise, where he rose from Director of Public Relations to Vice-President of Administration (assistant general manager) under Cowboy chief Tex Schramm.
Appointed Jets' general manager on February 13, 1975, Ward is charged with the responsibilities of negotiating player contracts, booking preseason games, handling radio and preseason television agreements, administering the training complex at Hofstra University and working with Michaels on trades and player development.
Ward began his pro football career as director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 as director of promotions.
He joined the Cowboys after the 1965 season as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Schramm in 1966. He was named vice-president in 1972.
Ward was born October 24, 1927 in Brownsville, Texas."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 Profile: Jim Kensil

PRESIDENT
"Jim Kensil, one of the most respected administrators in the National Football League, had to move only several blocks from Park to Madison Avenue when he was named the Jets' new President and Chief Operating Officer on June 6.
For the past nine years, Kensil has been Executive Director of the NFL, the man Pete Rozelle called 'my offensive and defensive coordinator.' For seven years before that, he was the NFL's public relations director.
'Jim Kensil has had a wide-ranging background,' said Jets owners Mrs. Helen Dillon, Leon Hess and Townsend Martin in a statement. 'He fully understands and is superbly equipped to take on the tough job of administering a pro football team. He will have full responsibility ... '
Kensil succeeds Hess, who had served as acting President since January following the death of Phil Iselin. Hess will now take on the responsibilities of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Corporate Matters.
One of Kensil's biggest boosters is Rozelle, who says, 'Jim will work as hard- probably harder- than any club president. He's honest and completely dedicated.'
Kensil's 16 years of experience in the NFL office will be invaluable to the Jets. 'I think it's good after a long number of years in one position to take over a new one where you can still use the experience accumulated during that time,' he says.
'I want to help continue the Jets' resurgence started with Al Ward and Walt Michaels. I'm interested in working with people. That's how you achieve things.'
After graduating from Pennsylvania in 1952, Kensil went to work for the Associated Press in New York on the sports and news desk before being drafted. He served in Germany and edited the Seventh Army newspaper.
Kensil returned to the AP in 1954 and worked nearly two years in Columbus, Ohio before coming back to the New York bureau, where he covered general sports assignments, edited the Sports Wire and wrote a weekly column about sports called 'The Sports Dial.' He left the Associated Press in 1961 to join the NFL as public relations director.
Kensil was born August 19, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA. He and his wife, Catherine, have four children and reside in Massapequa, Long Island. Their oldest son, Mike, 21, is an administrative assistant for the Jets. They also have two other sons, Joe, 19, and Danny, 15, and a daughter, Mary Jo, 17."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles

"'It all starts at the top.'
That's a common phrase when talking about the success of any professional operation, and it particularly holds true with the steps taken since last season to bring about the resurgence of the New York Jets.
In three bold moves, the Jets' Board of Directors has demonstrated its leadership and guidance in trying to return the team to competitiveness: 1. Walt Michaels was appointed head coach. 2.Jim Kensil was named President. 3. The team and its fans have been guaranteed four early season home games for the remainder of the Jets' six-year lease with the city at Shea Stadium, beginning in 1978.
Directors Leon Hess, Townsend B. Martin and Mrs. Helen Dillon showed their desire to return the club to the forefront of the National Football League when they selected Michaels, the longtime Jets assistant coach and the architect of the Jets' Super Bowl defense, to be their leader on the field.
In a similar move, the Jets also chose Kensil, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle's right-hand man, as President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Kensil will have the full responsibility of administering the overall operation of the club.
In between naming Michaels and Kensil, the directors fought long and hard to secure early home dates. For the past decade, the Jets had been 'orphans' of the NFL, never being allowed to play preseason or regular season games before its fans before 'the so-called baseball season.'
Hess and Martin have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise in 1963. Mrs. Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald C. Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 upon the death of her father and has been active ever since.
Leon Hess, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive for Corporate Affairs, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He is a respected member the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Townsend B. Martin, Vice-President and Treasurer, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses and also an honored member of the Jockey Club. He is engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President, is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association. Mrs. Dillon was honored this past winter by that organization for her contributions to football.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

1977 New York Jets Outlook

"The sentimentalists say it's a tragedy that Joe Namath will not be a New York Jet in 1977. The realists say it's a good thing Namath is gone. The real tragedy, according to them, is that Tony Dorsett won't be a Jet in 1977. The New Yorkers could almost see him in green and white before Seattle made that silly trade that allowed the Dallas Cowboys to draft the Heisman Trophy winner.
Despite failing to get Dorsett, the Jets did appear to have a good draft. But the new coach, Walt Michaels, is building one step at a time. All but one of the premium picks were used for offensive players.
The defense will have to wait a year.
The No. 1 pick was the finest offensive lineman in the draft, possibly in the last five drafts, Southern California tackle Marvin Powell. If he doesn't start for the Jets there should be an investigation.
The No. 2 pick was Wesley Walker, the California comet who was the highest rated of the college receivers until he tore up a knee last November. The knee is supposed to be healed. If it is, he may beat out David Knight to give the Jets some breathtaking receivers.
It would not be a shock to see the fourth-round pick, Purdue fullback Scott Dierking, starting. The Jets just aren't that deep in ball-carriers.
The X factor in any improvement by the Jet offense is quarterback Richard Todd, who played a lot as a rookie but may not have benefited from the exposure. The former coach, Lou Holtz, couldn't seem to make up his mind what he wanted to do with Todd. Holtz used some veer formation, some shotgun, a little of this and a little of that before fleeing south to rejoin the collegians at Arkansas.
Michaels will make or break Todd from the pro set.
Todd's rookie statistics were not thrilling. He he had a 40.1 per cent completion average, 870 yards and three touchdowns and 12 interceptions. But he kept looking over his shoulder and seeing Namath.
If he can stabilize, he'll have some fantastic catchers. Jerome Barkum spent most of last season on the injury list, but when well he'll terrorize any cornerback. Richard Caster may be the most dangerous pass receiver among NFL tight ends, even though his '76 stats don't testify to it. Knight averaged 20.2 yards on his 20 catches, but Walker is a flyer with good hands who could chase him back to the bench if Wes is healthy and ready to go.
Powell will go directly to right offensive tackle. The left tackle is improving Robert Woods. Left guard Randy Rasmussen still has plenty left at 32. If Darrell Austin doesn't get nicked again, he can beat out Gary Puetz at right guard. Joe Fields is the center- which doesn't excite- and there's little behind him.
Ed Marinaro had consecutive 100-yard games before getting hurt last year. He's a sound runner if the foot he hurt gets better, but it continued to trouble him well into the off-season. Free agent Clark Gaines picked up 724 yards and made the All-Rookie team in Marinaro's absence. Former Steeler Steve Davis is another experience back, but he is the soul of inconsistency. Little Louie Giammona and Bob Gresham are also available, with the latter probably the greatest preseason runner in NFL history.
Defensively, last season's Jets have to get better on their own.
The best bet for improvement is at linebacker, where three top rookies were developed in 1976. The cream of that crop is Greg Buttle, whom Michaels characterizes as a 'future All-Pro.' Buttle is listed as an outside linebacker, but he'll take over in the middle if Larry Keller, a special teams ace, proves he can start. The third kid, Bob Martin, did excellent work on the weak side. If Buttle stays on the outside, veteran John Ebersole will man the middle.
The Jets had one of the lowest sack totals in their history, 16. The only hope for improvement lies in a bunch of 'ifs.' If Billy Newsome comes back from injury; if Carl Barzilauskas regains his rookie form; if kids like Lawrence Pillers and Larry Faulk continue to improve; if Richard Neal has something left; if third-round rookie Tank Marshall proves to be of immediate help.
With a pass rush, the secondary could be decent. The safeties are decent, with Burgess Owens at free safety and Phil Wise on the strong side. Ed Taylor, a hitter, and Shafer Suggs, who showed moxie when he started as a rookie, are the cornerbacks.
The kicking isn't bad. Pat Leahy tried 16 field goals and made 11. Punter Duane Carrell, the ex-Cowboy, averaged 39.7 yards, but Coach Michaels hopes to find more efficiency at that spot. It could come from Mike Burke, who'll get first crack at the job."

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1977

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: In his debut, Todd didn't look up to making Jet fans forget about Joe Namath. Steve Joachim can't play at the pro level.
Performance Quotient: 5 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Gaines came out of nowhere to win a spot on the All-Rookie team. If Marinaro gets over foot problems, he could contribute. Davis seems unable to make up his mind whether to play or to retire. Giammona can only help as a spot player and kick returner. Gresham has shown that he can't do it, despite preseason splurges.
Performance Quotient: 4
Receivers: Barkum is quality; he should recover from the injury that ruined 1976. Knight is in-and-out; he's not up to the standards of the other starters. The Jet front office avoided disaster by signing Caster after he played out his option.
The drop in quality behind the starters is precipitous. Richard Osborne isn't bad in a double-tight end formation. Howard Satterwhite and Lou Piccone don't matter, though Lou is good on special teams. Clint Haselrig has floated from team to team.
Performance Quotient: 3
Interior Linemen: There should be some shaking up here once training camp gets under way. Woods has the best future among the starters. He's finally settling down to improve his play. Al Krevis never justified his high draft selection (Cincinnati picked him on the second round). Rasmussen is first-rate but he's 32. Puetz is only so-so. Fields, Austin and John Roman are the type usually found on waiver lists. Winston Hill will probably pack it in before the season starts; he's had a distinguished career. Steve King was a prospect last season; there's question whether he can come back from the injury that sidelined him.
Performance Quotient: 4
Kickers: Leahy does a quietly competent job. He connected on 11 of 16 field goals. Carrell was with the team last year; both he and Burke have been around, and neither has proven to be exceptional.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1977

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: If there were any new bodies available, there could be a total turnover among the starters. Patience is running out with Neal. Pillers and Faulk get partial pardons because they're young. Barzo might be salvaged, though he's never played as well as in his first year.
Newsome got hurt last year, Mark Lomas in 1974. Neither of them is counted on this time around. Dave Wasick was a prospect for Kansas City in 1976, then got hurt. At 220, he's awfully light for the line.
Performance Quotient: 5
Linebackers: Coach (and former linebacker) Michaels can hang his hat on these youngsters. He says Buttle is a sure All-Pro, and the kid played very well as a rookie. Martin is small, but he's smart and he'll hit. Ebersole is the man for the middle only by default. Keller came up with up some big plays to help win two games- no small thing on a 3-11 team. If we wins a spot, Buttle goes to the middle and Ebersole to the bench.
Steve Poole deserves a patient look. Mike Hennigan never made it in Detroit. Carl Russ and Don Coleman are long shots.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Suggs gave the Jets something to pin future hopes until he got hurt. Taylor will hit anything that moves.
Jet fans are getting tired of watching Sowells make mistakes. Len Dunlap, once a Colts's No. 1, gets a last look. He could help.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Wise does a competent job. Owens is about to become a polished player. These starters' ability makes this the Jets' best defensive area.
Tommy Marvaso, a Redskin reject, hasn't shown much.
Performance Quotient: 2"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1977

1977 DRAFT SELECTIONS
"Powell should be a top NFL tackle for the next decade. The Jets have to build a line so that Todd can be protected. Then maybe he can connect with his first-rate receivers, who will include Walker, provided his knee is mended.
Marshall should beef up the pass rush. Dierking and Charles White should play a lot. Perry Griggs, Gary Gregory and Joe Klecko can all make this squad, not so much because of their potential as because of the team's lack of quality.
Performance Quotient: 2"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1977


"Having been mired in the lower depths of the NFL in recent years due to inept management, inept coaching and inept player talent, the Jets enter the upcoming season seeking to apply the breaks to their backsliding trend and commence a climb back to respectability. The youth movement, started last season with the addition of 13 rookies, moves into its second phase under tough Walt Michaels, the new field boss.
With Joe Namath no longer on hand, the quarterbacking remains rather suspect. The pressure is on young Richard Todd, a strong and mobile soph who looked good in spots last season; an exceptionally fine runner, Todd should be most effective throwing off rollouts that offer him the run option. Steve Joachim, another untested soph, gets first crack at the backup job; should he disappoint, a trade will be a necessity.
Jerome Barkum, the great clutch receiver and power blocker, returns from injury and will likely team on the flanks with prized rookie Wes Walker of California, a little speed-burner in the Cliff Branch mode. Hustling Howard Satterwhite, David Knight, Lou Piccone and newcomer Perry Griggs of Troy State will compete for reserve roles. Barkum and Walker should take the double coverage off tight end Rich Caster, who can be a big play man due to his speed. Rich Osborn has the inside track on the backup tight end job.
Clark Gaines, the unheralded free agent sensation, led all NFL rookie runners with 724 yards rushing and had 41 receptions to boot, a performance that earned him All-Rookie Team honors and the club MVP Award. Dependable Ed Marinaro, burly Steve Davis, shifty Louie Giammona and veteran Bob Gresham are the other returning running backs but a trio of muscular rookies may make one or more of them expendable. Scott Dierking (5-10, 215) of Purdue is a Nottingham-type pinball runner; Charles White (6-1, 215) of Bethune-Cookman could be a real sleeper; Kevin Long (6-1, 205) of South Carolina gets a vote of approval from many pro scouts.
The top draft pick, All-American Marvin Powell (6-4, 270) of USC, was by far the best offensive lineman in the nation last year and will move right into the starting lineup at tackle where he'll team with standout blocker Robert Woods (6-4, 260). Steady Randy Rasmussen (6-2, 255) and hustling Gary Puetz (6-4, 260) will be the guards and versatile Darrell Austin (6-4, 250) the center. Quality depth is provided by center Joe Fields, guards Joe Wysock and Steve King and tackles Al Krevis, John Roman, Winston Hill and rookie prospect Gary Gregory (6-3, 245) of Baylor who doubles at center.
Pat Leahy handles the placekicking and connected on 11 of 16 field goal tries last season; the punting will be the domain of Duane Carrell in light of his respectable 39.7-yard average on 81 attempts in '76. Giammona and Piccone are dependable kick returners if not breakaway threats but both may give way to rookie flash Griggs.
Only Tampa Bay and Seattle allowed more points to opponents than did the Jets last year (383), indicating the prime problem area confronting Michaels this season. The only returning linemen sure of their jobs are Lawrence Pillers (6-3, 250) and Larry Faulk (6-3, 255), both of whom turned in workmanlike performances as novices. Rookie Tank Marshall (6-5, 250) of Texas A & M has the physical tools to be a good one and could win a starting job. Other candidates include massive Carl Barzilauskas (6-6, 280), Richard Neal (6-3, 260), Billy Newsome (6-5, 255) and rookies Joe Klecko (6-2, 255) of Temple and Dan Alexander (6-6, 240) of LSU. Former starting end Mark Lomas (6-4, 250) has missed two seasons with injuries and is questionable.
The linebacking crew is primarily manned by sophomores, all of whom impressed in their rookie seasons. Greg Buttle, another All-Rookie designee, plays the strong side while clever Bob Martin holds down the right flank. Steve Poole may win out over veteran John Ebersole in the middle. Larry Keller, another soph, heads the reserve group that includes Carl Russ, Mike Hennigan and Don Coleman.
The total lack of pressure by the weak defensive line put unfair responsibility on an exceptionally aggressive and hard-hitting set of secondary defenders. Tough Phil Wise and talented Burgess Owens return at the deep posts, with strong Ed Taylor and soph Shafer Suggs the probable starters on the corners. Rich Sowells, Leonard Dunlap and Tom Marvaso come back as reserves, [joined by] rookie Bob Grupp of Duke who can also handle the punting chores if needed.
The Jets, with their abundance of young players and new philosophy, enter the '77 campaign with nothing to lose and everything to gain. 'We are committed to our rebuilding program and to our young quarterback,' states Michaels, explaining the main challenges of the coming season. While they do not loom as any threat to their divisional rivals, they could spring a few upsets along the way, particularly if Michaels is able to put together a defensive line.
'77 Forecast: 5th Place"

-Football Forecast 1977, published by Lexington Library, Inc.


"Now that the Jets have gone through the '76 season without finding out whether Richard Todd can play quarterback in the pros, they'll try to find out in '77. One thing's for sure. For the first time in 13 years Joe Namath isn't expected to be around.
Things haven't been the same for the Jets since 1970 when they posted a 4-10 mark. Injuries murdered them. Then their stars from the 1969 Super Bowl began to fade and the Jets organization couldn't come up with anybody to replace them.
Jet fans are fed up waiting for Namath to go. As great as he was in his heyday, he's been a hobbled, immobile quarterback for the past few years. And what's the use of having him with a team that is continually rebuilding?
Lou Holtz, who signed a five-year contract to rebuild the Jets last year, was a sham. He's quite a standup comedian and was hilarious as a coach. He cut several good players and picked up worse from the waiver list. He gave the club cheerleading songs. He called plays for Namath, then didn't call plays for Namath. Joe Baby was man enough not to mouth off publicly against this little man with glasses, who quit before the end of the season and now is back in the college ranks.
Walt Michaels, a longtime Jets organization man who was an All-Pro linebacker, finally landed the head job this January. It was a job he was passed over twice for. In 1974 Weeb Ewbank passed the job to his son-in-law, Charlie Winner, who did a bad job and eventually was fired.
'I've known our owners a long time,' said Michaels. 'They know what it takes to produce a winner and they are with Al Ward and me in this challenge.' Both Michaels and Ward received three-year contracts.
After accepting the job as coach of the club with two straight 3-11 seasons, Michaels said, 'Nothing is improbable. We'll try to get the best players as fast as we can. Last year was a building year and I don't think we lost anything. If we can continue with the things we did, we can build from there.'
The Jets are committed full scale with Todd unless they can land a veteran in a trade. Holtz's indecisiveness hampered the former Alabama star's progress last year. The coach seemed to be phasing out Namath for the youngster, but kept changing his mind about the starting quarterback throughout the season. Todd hit on 40 per cent of his passes for 870 yards. He also was intercepted 12 times. Namath made 50 per cent of his aerials for 1,090 yards. He had 16 interceptions and got sacked 16 times as the enemy surged through the porous Jets offensive line with regularity. Namath has spent too much time playing 'catch-up' football and would be helpful to a contender.
In evaluating the season after a 42-3 loss to Cincinnati in which he made good on four of 15 passes for 20 yards, Namath said, 'When a team's been down as long as we have, everyone's at fault. The players need direction. You start rebuilding from the bottom, where the players are, and if that doesn't work, you look somewhere else. We need guidance and leadership.'
Only Tampa Bay had a worse offense last season and the Jets defense was only a little better. One good find was rookie free agent running back Clark Gaines, who gained 724 yards. He moved in for Ed Marinaro, the former Viking in his first year with the Jets. An injury shelved the former Cornell star for the remainder of the season. Steve Davis, who quit summer camp then rejoined the club, was the next best rusher, but he suffered from a bad case of fumble-itis.
Little Louie Giammona, 5-9, and Bob Gresham were the backup running backs. Losing John Riggins, who played out his option, to Washington was another blow.
The Jets do have a dandy bunch of receivers in Richard Caster, who played out his option and may be going elsewhere; Jerome Barkum, who was hurt most of last year; and David Knight, who wasn't his usual glue-fingered self last year.
With Winston Hill retiring after seeing little action last year, his 14th in the pros, the offensive line shapes with Gary Puetz, Randy Rasmussen, Joe Fields and Robert Woods among the leading holdovers.
Defensive linemen Richard Neal, Billy Newsome and Carl Barzilauskas are among those whose production fell short in '76. Tackle Ed Galigher played out his option. There should be plenty of jobs up for grabs, but Larry Pillers, brilliant as a rookie end, should hold on to his. For secondary men, the choice is Burgess Owens, Shafer Suggs, Phil Wise, Rich Sowells and Ed Taylor. John Ebersole, Greg Buttle, Steve Poole, Larry Keller and Bob Martin are the returning linebackers.
Pat Leahy proved to be a capable place kicker. Duane Carrell is the punter. It looks like another long season."

-Dick Joyce, Complete Sports 1977 Pro Football Special Preview


"Aside from the end of Joe Namath's legendary career as a Jet quarterback, the biggest offensive news of 1976 (among the Jets) was a running back whose name is, appropriately, Gaines- Clark Gaines, that is. He's the hero of a very unusual story.
A total of 68 running backs were chosen during the 1976 NFL collegiate draft in New York. Gaines, a six-one, 198-pound speedster from Wake Forest, wasn't among those selected by the 28 NFL clubs. But the Jets were alert in this instance at least, and signed Gaines as a free agent. And what happened? Gaines ran for 724 yards to lead all NFL rookie rushers and became the Jets' Most Valuable Player. Who needs the draft?
Veteran tackle Winston Hill extended his consecutive-games-played streak to 195. He now faces his fifteenth NFL season.
On the defensive unit, there were also some shining moments for the rookies, even though such instances were few. The first year linebacking trio of Greg Buttle, Bob Martin and Larry Keller highlighted an otherwise unimpressive performance as a defense as a whole. The front line, too, had first-year standouts in Larry Pillers, an eleventh-round pick from Alcorn State, and Larry Faulk, a seventh-round choice from Kent State.
The most momentous development for the Jets, however, is the departure of Joe Namath and what that will mean to the club's offensive style. Thirty-three-year-old Joe, as every fan knows, has gimpy knees- knees that have definitely seen better days. The opposition knew the way to get the Jets was to get Joe, and they did.
Unlike most successful modern quarterbacks, Namath has little or no mobility. He takes the ball from the center, fades back and uncorks his arm in a long or short pass- and that's it. If anything interferes with that procedure, like onrushing defensive end types, then it's just a part of the game. Joe is a lot of things, but a scrambler he is not.
There's some question as to whether Richard Todd, Namath's protege in his closing days with the Jets, can step into the breach. The Jets may need more than Todd is able to provide. And the new quarterback, whoever he is, may be much more mobile than Namath, necessitating changes to an offensive line that, for years, has been used to protecting a drop-back-no-scramble passer.
The announcement that Namath was being put on waivers by the Jets brought back a flood of memories. Joe's problems came into focus during a preseason game with the Detroit Lions back in 1971. The contest was played one Saturday night in Tampa. Joe had just thrown a pass that was intercepted by Detroit linebacker Mike Lucci- and Lucci was running for a touchdown with only Namath standing in the way. Namath was ready, but Detroit's Paul Naumoff, another linebacker, blocked him out of the play- and Joe came up holding his left knee and its torn ligaments. He had missed most of the previous season with a broken wrist; now he was facing his fourth knee operation.
Five years later, and it was a long time, a sad-eyed Joe was waving good-bye to New York- for he had just become a waiver himself."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Now that Joe has been let out to sunnier pastures, fellow Alabama quarterback Todd seems the likely successor- or does he? Todd's performance as Joe's stand-in hasn't been all that impressive, and Walt Michaels may to rethink the entire situation.
Steve Joachim is an untried second-year rookie who may now get a chance to show his stuff.
Running Backs: See how they run. This group has lots of ball-carrying ability, light and fast as they are. Louie Giammona (and wide receiver Lou Piccone) earned their jobs as 'quick returners' on punts and kickoffs. Bob Gresham carried only 30 times in 1976 for a 3.1-yard average.
Ed Marinaro ran two straight 100-yard games, tying a club record, but then hurt his foot and had to stop for a while. Taking Marinaro's place was rookie free agent Gaines who, at season's end, wound up leading the Jet rushers with 724 yards (and a 4.6 average). He led in pass receptions as well, with 41. Steve Davis didn't slough off, either; he racked up 418 yards in 94 attempts.
Receivers: Jerome Barkum, one of the best, was hampered with a severely pulled muscle all last year, and Richard Caster carried much of the receiving load. But Caster had to struggle with double-teaming defense all season. If both of these speedsters are in good shape, the Jets' passing game will get a big boost. In 1976 David Knight came along fast, then slowed down, but he has potential.
Howard Satterwhite got attention as a rookie, catching seven for 110 yards. Don Buckey gets another chance this year.
Rookie Wesley Walker holds the NCAA mark of 25.7 yards per pass catch.
Interior Linemen: The Jets' offensive unit finished way down the list in 1976. Overall, the club could gain only 252.1 yards per game, so they came out ranking 25th among the NFL's 28 teams. The rushing and passing offenses were equally ineffective. Jet quarterback were sacked 45 times.
Hill has played many games since joining the Jets in 1963. He's now 36 and retirement beckons. Randy Rasmussen has put in a lot of time, too, but he's still one of the best guards around. Darrell Austin was bothered last season with a recurring neck injury.
Michaels is already blueprinting the offensive line to make room for Marvin Powell, the USC All-America tackle.
Kickers: Quarterback Todd has also been know to punt a few, but Duane Carrell's 39.7 average was good enough to place him among the league's top ten punters last season. One of Pat Leahy's field goals was a 47-yarder."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1977

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets finished 1976 ranked twenty-fifth in league total offense, and they achieved the same distinction on defense, allowing an overall average of 351.1 yards per game. The passing defense was somewhat more impressive than the defense against the rush, but not much.
On the pass rush, the Jets sacked quarterbacks only occasionally. Opposing passers, it would seem, practically had time to rewrite playbooks if they so desired. Michaels could spend all his time working here. Tank Marshall is reputed to resemble his nickname.
Linebackers: Michaels was a four-time All-Pro linebacker in his playing days with the Browns, so he should know whereof he speaks. And he says Buttle is a future All-Pro. It figures- Buttle is a linebacker out of Penn State, where they have the patent on good ones.
In fact, Michaels is strong here since his three second-year linebackers have come through their rookie seasons in style; the other are Bob Martin and Larry Keller. Keller was especially impressive in the two Jet victories over Buffalo, intercepting a pass that led to a touchdown, blocking a punt for six points, recovering two fumbles and causing a fumble that set up a field goal.
As for Buttle, Michaels declares: 'When he hits people, he buries them.'
Cornerbacks: The Jets' secondary was a disaster area at season's end. Ed Taylor sustained both knee and ankle sprains in late-season contests, and Shafer Suggs was hobbled by an ankle that sidelined him the last two games. In addition, safety Phil Wise's severe knee  sprain kept him out of the last two contests, forcing a general shuffling of linebacker and secondary personnel in order to field a defensive unit.
In fact, at one point only three men were available for the defensive secondary- safety Burgess Owens, corner Rich Sowells and swing man Tommy Marvaso. General Manager Al Ward got on the telephone trying to find a fourth ... and not for bridge.
Safeties: The Jets intercepted only 11 passes in 1976, and opposition quarterbacks successfully completed 55 percent of their throws. Injuries hampered both the cornerbacks and safeties as the season ground to a close. There's work to be done here."

-Norman MacLean and Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football  1977


"Gone is Joe Namath, who had only one great season with the Jets, that Super Bowl season of 1968, but the memory of that glorious year made New York fans smile and forget all his mediocre seasons. Without him, the team will be more unified, but unity without quality isn't going to win many ball games.
Gone also is last year's rookie coach, Lou Holtz, replaced by Walt Michaels. Who could blame Lou for fleeing back to a college campus after a look at last season's stats- the Jets ranked 13th of 14 in total offense, 11th in rushing, 13th in passing. On defense they were 12th- 13th against the rush, ninth against the pass.
The official Jet line was that 1976 was a year of learning and building, with 14 rookies on the squad. At best, however, 1977 will be another year of learning and building.
OFFENSE: Young Richard Todd, who completed only 40% of his passes while splitting the quarterback job with Namath, inherits the steering wheel of a rickety offense. Rookies Phil Gargis (Auburn) and Matt Robinson (Georgia) are backup possibilities.
Running back Clark Gaines led all rookie rushers with 724 yards and a 4.6 average. He was the club's MVP. The other running back figures to be Ed Marinaro, out half the season with a bad foot. A high draft choice was Scott Dierking (Purdue). He'll join Steve Davis and Louie Giammona as backups.
'We need strong performances from both Jerome Barkum and Richard Caster to make the passing game go,' says Michaels, perhaps thinking of the inexperience of his quarterback. The other wide receiver is David Knight, with Lou Piccone in reserve. Wes Walker (California) was a No. 2 pick.
The offensive line will look like a musical chair game as Michaels tries to cement a leaky wall that saw its quarterback dumped 45 times. The No. 1 [draft choice] was Marvin Powell, a USC tackle, and No. 5 was Gary Gregory, a tackle from Baylor. Right now Randy Rasmussen and Gary Gregory figure to be the guards; Joe Fields is the center.
DEFENSE: The front four sacked only 16 quarterbacks, lowest in the NFL. A defensive end, Tank Marshall (Texas A & M) was the Jets' third pick in the draft. Larry Pillers, a rookie last season, and Richard Neal are the incumbent ends. Billy Newsome and Carl Barzilauskas are the probable tackles, but Michaels has to make changes here.
The linebacking seems set with Greg Buttle, John Ebersole and Bob Martin, backed by Larry Keller. In the secondary are a capable foursome of Burgess Owens, Phil Wise, Ed Taylor and Shafer Suggs, all crying for a stronger pass rush.
SPECIALISTS: Pat Leahy kicks long and accurately (11 of 16), but Duane Carrell's punts could hang longer. Fleet Lou Piccone and tough Louie Giammona return the kicks.
STRENGTHS: Promising deep backs on defense; reliable field goal kicker; solid linebacking.
WEAKNESSES: Sluggish pass rush; an offensive line lacking both quality and experience; no proven quarterback; glaring holes spotted all through the offense and the defense.
THE CRYSTAL BALL SAYS: In a tough division, last year's 3-11 record may not equalled."

-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977


OFFENSE
"So bad last year that three plays and punt was considered a good drive. Nobody in the league lost the ball more often on fumbles and interceptions, so all the Jets have to do to improve the 25th best (fourth worst) offense is merely learn to hold the ball.
To call New York efforts with the ball an attack is a misnomer. It's a surrender. But things should get better, if for no other reason than the departure of Joe Namath. He no longer has the ability to carry a weak offense, and now the Jets won't continue to waste time with him, instead turning attention to finding a quarterback of the future.
The first try goes to Richard Todd, who proved little last year. He'll have a tough time because he lacks much of a supporting cast. The Jets have a gutsy runner (Clark Gaines), one of the better tight ends (Richard Caster), a highly rated wide receiver (Jerome Barkum) and holes in most of the other positions. Despite the great future expected from No. 1 draftee Marvin Powell at tackle, the offensive line is mediocre. The fullback position is poor and the wide receiving spot opposite Barkum will be a revolving door unless rookie Wesley Walker can take over. He missed much of '76 with a knee injury. The picture is bleak."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

DEFENSE
"Like the offense, ranked 25th. Equally adept at yielding yardage to the run and the pass. But when you stir around the ashes, if there's a spark of hope anywhere, it's on defense, where the Jets of '76 came up with a handful of kids who showed promise for the future.
Three of them, Greg Buttle, Bob Martin and Larry Keller, are linebackers, and Shafer Suggs and Burgess Owens hold the promise of some quality in the secondary.
But it's what's up front that counts, and that's where the Jets ain't got it. Nobody, not even Tampa Bay, had less than New York's 16 sacks. Consider that Coy Bacon alone had 26 for Cincinnati, and you get an idea of how weak the Jet rush is. Rush? It's a walk, a Sunday afternoon stroll.
Apparently Jets management believe the fault lies entirely with the players and not the coaching, because defensive coordinator Walt Michaels was rewarded with the head coaching job."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

KICKING GAME
"Not much here, either. Punt returns and kickoff coverage were poor, while punt coverage, kickoff returns, punting and placekicking were mediocre. The Jets aren't likely to win many on the strength of the kicking game."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

THE ROOKIES
"The addition of Marvin Powell (USC) to the offensive line is likely to add years to Richard Todd's life expectancy and another 100 or so yards to Clark Gaines' stats. He was the best offensive lineman in the draft. Wide receiver Wesley Walker (California) could also find an immediate starting berth. He's a good one."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

OUTLOOK
"The Jet problems weren't created overnight and they won't be solved overnight, either. The offense is poor, the defense is poor, the city treasury is poor ... everybody's poor except Joe Namath, and he took the money and ran. The Jets are a solid bet for last place in their division, down from fourth a year ago."

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

1976 New York Jets Preseason Depth Charts

OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath 12, J.J. Jones 11, Al Woodall 18, Richard Todd*, Dave Buckey*, Gary Sheide*
RB - Carl Garrett 26, Steve Davis 35, Emerson Boozer 32, Bob Gresham 36, Jazz Jackson 43, James Richards*, Louie Giamona*, James Godwin*, Ken Strayhorn*, Ike Grant*, Richard Holmes*, James Anderson*, Clark Gaines*, Lawrence Parker*, Sandas Turner*, Irvin Stevenson*
RB - Steve Davis 35, Ed Marinaro 49, Bob Burns 33, Robert Wyatt*, Tom Wilhelm*, J.C. Chadband*, Rick Pawlewicz*
WR - Jerome Barkum 83, David Knight 82, Tim George 95, Eldridge Small 94, Marshall Mills*, Frank Brown*, Robert Durrett*
LT - Robert Woods 72, Steve King*, Bruce Baker*, John Taylor*
LG - Randy Rasmussen 66, Joe Davis*, Mike Green*, Morrison England*
C  - Wayne Mulligan 50, Joe Fields 65, Garry Puetz 78, Al Gluchoski*, Mike Green*, Mike Owens*, John Morgan*
RG - Garry Puetz 78, Darrell Austin 67, Joe Wysock*, Joe Davis*, Bob Bolick*
RT - Winston Hill 75, Gordie Browne 79, John Chaney*, John Whitacre*
TE - Richard Caster 88, Willie Brister 86, Darwin Willie 96, Rick Pawlewicz*, Anthony Hill*
WR - Ed Bell 7, James Scott*, Lou Piccone 89, Ronnie Moore*, Don Buckey*, Bernard Smith*

DEFENSE
LDE - Billy Newsome 87, Ed Galigher 85, Larry Faulk*, Steve Brown*, Jeff Spittel*, Greg Harris*
LDT - Carl Barzilauskas 77, Larry Faulk*, Odell Jones*, Paul Brock*
RDT - Ed Galigher 85, Jim Bailey 76, Red McDaniel*, Odell Jones*
RDE - Richard Neal 81, Mark Lomas 84, Jim Bailey 76, Lawrence Pillers*, Jeff Spittel*
LLB - John Ebersole 55, Greg Buttle*, Jere Brown*, Ray King*, Robert Moss*, Frank Jones*
MLB - Jamie Rivers 54, Godwin Turk 56, Al Atkinson 62, Ken Bernich 53, Ed Shubert*, Wally Sonnie*, Steve Poole*, Jim Stock*
RLB - Richard Wood 58, Bob Martin*, Lawrence Pillers*
LCB - Rich Sowells 46, Burgess Owens 22, Ed Taylor 38, Delles Howell 20, Harry Howard*, Ken Scarpa*, Bucky Burkhart*, Jamie Franklin*
SS  - Burgess Owens 22, Ed Taylor 38, Shafer Suggs*, Ken Schroy*, Mark McCluskey*
FS  - Phil Wise 27, Ed Taylor 38, Steve Tannen 21, Delles Howell 20, Carl Capria 29, Leroy Hughes*
RCB - Roscoe Word 47, Ed Taylor 38, George Hoey 23, Gene Williams*, Willy Thompson*, Mike Lightbourn*

SPECIALISTS
P - Greg Gantt 8, Rick Faulk*, Linc Welles*, Don Warner*
K - Pat Leahy 5, Rick Faulk*, Bob Cooper*
PR/KR - Lou Piccone 89, Roscoe Word 47, Ronnie Moore*, Louie Giamonna*, James Richards*

* rookie or first-year player

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide


OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Joe Namath (Alabama)
Richard Todd (Alabama)*
J.J. Jones (Fisk)

Running Backs
Carl Garrett (New Mexico Highlands)
John Riggins (Kansas)
Bob Gresham (West Virginia)
Steve Davis (Delaware State)
Emerson Boozer (Maryland Eastern Shore)
James Richards (Florida)*
Louie Giammona (Utah State)*

Receivers
Jerome Barkum (W) (Jackson State)
Ed Bell (W) (Idaho State)
Richard Caster (T) (Jackson State)
David Knight (W) (William & Mary)
Ronnie Moore (W) (VMI)*
Willie Brister (T) (Southern)
Lou Piccone (W) (West Liberty State)
(W)-Wide Receiver  (T)-Tight End

Interior Linemen
Robert Woods (T) (Tennessee State)
Winston Hill (T) (Texas Southern)
Randy Rasmussen (G) (Kearney State)
Garry Puetz (G) (Valparaiso)
Wayne Mulligan (C) (Clemson)
Gordie Browne (T) (Boston College)
Joe Fields (G-C) (Widener)
Steve King (T-G) (Michigan)*
Joe Davis (G) (USC)*
Darrell Austin (G-T) (South Carolina)
(T)-Tackle  (G)-Guard  (C)- Center

Kickers
Pat Leahy (PK) (St. Louis)
Greg Gantt (P) (Alabama)
Rick Faulk (P) (San Francisco State)*
(PK)-Place Kicker  (P)-Punter

DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Billy Newsome (E) (Grambling)
Richard Neal (E) (Southern)
Carl Barzilauskas (T) (Indiana)
Ed Galigher (T-E) (UCLA)
Jim Bailey (T-E) (Kansas)
(E)-End  (T)-Tackle

Linebackers
Godwin Turk (O) (Southern)
Richard Wood (O) (USC)
Jamie Rivers (M) (Bowling Green)
Greg Buttle (M-O) (Penn State)*
John Ebersole (M-O) (Penn State)
(O)-Outside Linebacker  (M)-Middle Linebacker)

Cornerbacks
Roscoe Word (Jackson State)
Shafer Suggs (Ball State)*
Rich Sowells (Alcorn A & M)
Ed Taylor (Memphis State)

Safeties
Burgess Owens (S) (Miami)
Delles Howell (W) (Grambling)
Phil Wise (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)
Steve Tannen (S-W) (Florida)
(S) Strong Side  (W) Weak Side or "Free" Safety

* Rookie

-Pro Football 1976, published by Ballantine Books


OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath, J.J. Jones, Al Woodall, Richard Todd
RB - Carl Garrett, Steve Davis, Bob Gresham
RB - John Riggins, Bob Burns, Robert Wyatt
WR - Jerome Barkum, David Knight, Tim George
LT - Robert Woods, Steve King, Buck Baker
LG - Randy Rasmussen, Joe Davis, Mike Green
C - Wayne Mulligan, Joe Fields, Garry Puetz
RG - Garry Puetz, Darrell Austin, Joe Wysock
RT - Winston Hill, Gordie Browne, John Chaney
TE - Richard Caster, Willie Brister, Darwin Willie
WR - Ed Bell, James Scott, Lou Piccone

DEFENSE
LDE - Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher, Larry Faulk
LDT - Ed Galigher, Jim Bailey, William McDaniel
RDT - Carl Barzilauskas, Larry Faulk
RDE - Richard Neal, Mark Lomas, Jim Bailey, Lawrence Pillers
LLB - John Ebersole, Greg Buttle, Jere Brown, Ray King, Robert Moss
MLB - Jamie Rivers, Godwin Turk, Al Atkinson, Ken Bernich, Ed Shubert
RLB - Richard Lewis, Richard Wood, Bob Martin, Lawrence Pillers
LCB- Rich Sowells, Burgess Owens, Ed Taylor, Delles Howell, Harry Howard
SS - Burgess Owens, Ed Taylor, Shafer Suggs, Ken Schory, Mark McCluskey
FS - Phil Wise, Steve Tannen, Delles Howell, Carl Capria, Leroy Hughes
RCB - Roscoe Word, Ed Taylor, George Hoey, Gene Williams

SPECIALISTS
P- Greg Gantt, Rick Faulk, Linc Welles
K - Pat Leahy, Rick Faulk, Bob Cooper

-Gridiron News 1976 Pro Yearbook


OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath, J.J. Jones, Al Woodall, Richard Todd*, Dave Buckey*
RB - Carl Garrett, Steve Davis, Bob Gresham, Jazz Jackson
RB - Bob Burns
WR - Jerome Barkum, David Knight, Tim George
LT - Robert Woods, Steve King*
LG - Randy Rasmussen, Joe Davis
C - Wayne Mulligan, Joe Fields
RG - Garry Puetz, Darrell Austin
RT - Winston Hill, Gordie Browne
TE - Richard Caster, Willie Brister
WR - Ed Bell, James Scott, Lou Piccone

DEFENSE
LDE - Billy Newsome, Ed Galigher, Jim Bailey
LDT - Carl Barzilauskas, Larry Faulk*
RDT - Ed Galigher, Jim Bailey
RDE - Richard Neal, Mark Lomas, Jim Bailey
LLB - John Ebersole, Greg Buttle*
MLB - Jamie Rivers, Godwin Turk
RLB - Richard Lewis, Richard Wood
LCB- Rich Sowells, Burgess Owens, Ed Taylor
SS - Burgess Owens, Ed Taylor, Shafer Suggs*
FS - Phil Wise, Ed Taylor, Steve Tannen
RCB - Roscoe Word, George Hoey, Ed Taylor

*rookie

-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1976, published by Pocket Books