1977 Profile: Randy Rasmussen

Guard
No. 66
Kearney State
"Jet problems on offense aren't his fault. Year after year, Rasmussen turns in good work at left guard, where he has been doing business for 10 years. He's the Jets' Mr. Consistency.
Rasmussen seldom gets caught holding. His diminished speed has reduced his earlier effectiveness as a pulling guard, but he's still strong on straight-ahead blocks and pass protection.
Born in Elba, Nebraska, Rasmussen was a math major at Kearney State and was three-time All-NAIA as a tackle. He was a 12th-round draft choice but won a starting role as a rookie and has been there ever since.
Rasmussen is a good speaker and popular on the banquet circuit."

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

"Rasmussen is one of the most consistent linemen in Jets history and is rated as perhaps the best pulling guard the Jets have ever had. He rarely has a bad game.
A starter as a rookie, he has started at left guard for ten consecutive seasons and has played in 94 consecutive games entering the 1977 season, all as a starter. Rasmussen ranks fifth among all Jet players in games played with 138. Only Winston Hill (195), Larry Grantham (173), Don Maynard (168) and Ralph Baker (141) have appeared in more. In his career he has recovered nine fumbles (one in 1976) and recovered a Jet fumble for a touchdown in 1972.
Known for his one-on-one blocking techniques, Randy turned in another strong campaign last year as a starter in every preseason and regular season game. He was the top-grading lineman in 1976  and his blocking was one reason the Jets gained 1,924 yards on the ground last season, the third highest total in club history. 'He was a better football player last season than a lot of guys who made All-Pro,' says Buffalo coach Jim Ringo.
Randy played offensive tackle in college and was All-NAIA for two years and was three times all-conference. He threw the shot put for the track team and majored in mathematics.
Randy grew up on a farm. He likes to hunt and play golf and is in great demand as an off-season banquet speaker. He has appeared for the March of Dimes. He makes his home in Elmsford, New York, his birthplace is St. Paul, Nebraska and his hometown is Elba, Nebraska. His name is pronounced RAZZ-mus-sen."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide