Defensive End
No. 81
Southern
"'He's an old pro who knows what's going on,' says Walt Michaels. 'He gives us consistency and leadership.'
Last season Neal probably had his best year since coming to the Jets along with Delles Howell from New Orleans in a 1973 draft eve trade for the Jets' number two and three draft choices. He led last year's defensive line with four quarterback sacks. Neal had 34 solo tackles and 36 assists and played every game but the finale because of a knee injury. He was the defensive captain last season and the player representative in 1975 and 1976.
Richard played three different line spots in his first year with the Jets, then shared right end duties in 1974 and tied for the team lead with five sacks. He's been the regular defensive end the last two seasons.
Richard was the Saints' number two choice in 1969 and was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and captain in 1972. In his pro career he has nine fumble recoveries, 12 quarterback sacks and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in 1972.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard was a four-year letterman and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard works in public relations. His birthplace in Minden, Lousiana and his hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
1977 Profile: Tommy Marvaso
Strong Safety
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1977 Profile: Bob Martin
Linebacker
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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