1978 Profile: Jerome Barkum

Tight End

No. 83

Jackson State

Ol' Debbil injury's got him. Barkum has been bothered the last two years by pains and sprains. He was given a new outlook on a successful NFL career by switching to tight end last year. He stayed healthy long enough to catch 26 passes (17.3 yards per reception) for six touchdowns. Barkum remains one of the game's finest deep threats, with many good years ahead.

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, he set a high school single-game rebounding record of 30 in Gulfport, where he still lives. A teammate of Rich Caster at Jackson State, Barkum was a No. 1 draft pick in 1972. His career average per catch is 16.0.

He's light for a tight end; his blocking won't remind anyone of Dave Casper. So figure on Todd to keep the ball in the air."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)

"Always considered among pro football's premier receivers, Jerome has excellent size and strength. His most catches in a game were the eight he snared against the Bengals in 1983. He has also become a fine blocker for the Jets.

Jerome is a cousin of the Lions' Lem Barney."

-1978 Topps No. 442