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