Wednesday, July 11, 2018

1977 Profile: Garry Puetz

Guard
No. 78
Valparaiso
"Garry split his playing time last year between right guard and right tackle and even filled in at center against Tampa Bay. He proved to be a versatile and hardy performer, moving to the spot he was needed most. 'He's an intelligent player who should come into his own this year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'The moving around has probably hurt him but if he keeps his weight down, guard should be his spot.' Garry has started 42 consecutive games. He gained notoriety last year when Howard Cosell singled him out for laughing during the Jets-Patriots Monday night game- Garry gained the full backing of his teammates.
He made a surprising entrance as a 12th round draft choice when he opened his rookie campaign ahead of veteran Dave Herman at right guard. Garry started the first four games before suffering a broken bone in his foot. He was on the inactive list for seven of the last nine games. He signed a WFL contract but it was breached.
Garry was a two-time college division All-American and three times All-Indiana Collegiate Conference. He has a B.S. in physical education.
An articulate and amusing speaker at banquets with an easygoing nature, Garry is the holler guy of the team. His birthplace is Elmhurst, Illinois and his hometown is Chicago. His name is pronounced 'Pets.' "

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

Monday, July 2, 2018

1977 Profile: Steve Poole

Linebacker
No. 54
Tennessee
"Steve was signed as a free agent by the Jets in the spring of 1976 and opened the season as the starting middle linebacker in an all-rookie unit but suffered a pulled hamstring in the fourth quarter that put him out for four weeks. He rejoined the club but appeared not to have recovered fully. Steve pulled another hamstring late in the year and wound up playing in eight games.
He worked on special teams and scored a touchdown at Buffalo when he returned a punt blocked by Larry Keller seven yards. Walt Michaels feels that Poole has good hitting ability and good strength but wants him to keep his weight down.
As a junior at Tennessee, Poole averaged 17 tackles per game, racking up more tackles in one season than any middle linebacker in Tennessee history (182- 111 solos, 71 assists).
He majored in business administration. His hometown is Oglethorpe, Georgia."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

Sunday, July 1, 2018

1977 Profile: Lawrence Pillers

Defensive End
No. 76
Alcorn State
"Pillers has to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. Originally drafted with thoughts of being a linebacker prospect, he came to camp at a solid 250 and still kept speed. He claimed the starting left end job in the second game and held it the rest of the season, starting 13 games. Pillers led the front four in tackles with 55 solos and 72 assists, had two quarterback sacks, knocked down two passes and recovered two fumbles.
'He has great potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He was much better against the run last year but he hadn't played that much as a down lineman as before. He grew up all of a sudden. He can develop into a leader because he loves to play.'
Lawrence helped lead Alcorn State to the black national championship in 1974. He led the defense that topped the nation against the run in 1975 (159 yards allowed in 10 games).
He was first-team AP Little All-America and was named all-conference three times. He tied for the team lead in tackles (104) as a senior. Lawrence had an incredible 12 blocked punts in his career as well as 15 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Lawrence enjoys playing basketball and riding horses. He is involved in the Easter Seals telethon among other charities. His birthplace and hometown is Hazelhurst Mississippi."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide