Quarterback
No. 14
Alabama
"As a rookie he led the Jets to two of their three victories last season. Walt Michaels says of him, 'The talent is there.'
There are those who think he will play better now that Namath's shadow is gone. His problem last year was to become accustomed to a pro offense after having played at Alabama out of the Wishbone."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Hopes to prove that all Alabama quarterbacks are created equal. All he proved as a rookie last year was his ability to trot on and off the field at the whim of then-coach Lou Holtz. Todd is still rated as a hot prospect despite a poor rookie season; he completed just 40 percent of his passes.
Todd has a powerful arm but is a long way from having a mature passing touch. He would like to make a career of playing against Buffalo- he engineered both Jet victories over the Bills last year. Todd is a good runner. With this team, he needs to be.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was the top-rated quarterback in the class of '76 and was the seventh pick in the draft. Other NFL teams were shocked he was taken so high. Todd signed a five-year contract for over $600,000."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Richard was deemed the starting quarterback in the spring by head coach Walt Michaels. 'It's his job until someone takes it away from him,' says Michaels. 'He's got great potential. He's got a strong arm and adds another dimension to our offense with his ability to scramble. He can run out of trouble on third and long situations. Richard did a good job of learning the coverages. His biggest weaknesses now are a lack of experience after coming from the wishbone and the need to work on touch because he still drills the ball. He was very impressive in our spring coaching session.' Todd likes the faith put in him by Michaels.
Last year was difficult for him competing against his boyhood idol, Joe Namath. He says that's all behind him now. 'If anyone had told me I would have started six games last year, I'd have told him he was crazy,' says Todd. But the number one draft choice did start six games and was the quarterback of record in two of the Jets' three victories, both over Buffalo. He led the Jets on the winning field goal drive against Buffalo while relieving an injured Namath. He had his best statistical day against Miami with 12 of 24 for 183 yards.
For the season Richard played in 13 games, completed 65 of 162 for 870 yards, had three touchdowns and 12 interceptions and was sacked 29 times. He rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries, a 4.4 average, with a touchdown.
Richard was hurt by the fact that he signed and reported late. He missed the basic offensive philosophy of the first three weeks of training camp.
He reported to camp and played in a game one week later. Richard did have a standout preseason game against the Raiders going 18-for-34 with 224 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He drew praise from Oakland head coach John Madden.
The Jets' scouting staff labeled Todd the 'best quarterback in the draft.' They pinpointed his 'size, release and arm.' He has the poise and desire to succeed.
For his college career, Richard completed 101 of 189 passes for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns. He rushed 1,254 yards on 304 carries for 16 touchdowns. He was named All-SEC by AP and UPI, MVP by his teammates and MVP in the 1975 Sugar Bowl. He was also MVP of the Senior Bowl, passing for 332 yards and two touchdowns as a dropback passer. Richard was picked for the College All-Star Game in Chicago but did not play.
Richard earned a degree in physical education this spring. His biggest thrill was playing under Bear Bryant. He has followed Joe Namath's career since junior high school but refers to himself as 'just plain Richard.' Polite and soft-spoken, his hobbies include fishing and boating. Richard's birthplace is Birmingham, Alabama and his hometown is Mobile, Alabama."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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