DEE MACKEY
Tight End
No. 89
East Texas State
"Dee was one of the New York Jets' fine rookie performers last year. Signed just before the opening day of the season, the tight end should play a big role in the Jets' 1964 plans.
The big end has a fine pair of hands that'll pull in any ball within his reach. Dee, besides being a fine pass receiver, is also an excellent blocker."
-1964 Topps No. 119
GENE HEETER
Tight End
No. 85
West Virginia
"Gene Heeter was one of the New York Jets' highly touted rookies of 1963. The hard-running end didn't disappoint his mentors as he performed with professional skill all year long. Coach Weeb Ewbank plans to let Gene see much more action this coming season.
A big, fast runner with a fine pair of hands, Gene played in the East-West Shrine Game and the Southwest Challenge Bowl."
-1964 Topps No. 115
GENE PREBOLA
Tight End
No. 86
Boston University
"Gene is a tall, well-built young fellow who has all the makings of a terrific end for the Raiders. Blessed with the talent of being in the right place at the right time, plus lots of speed, Gene makes an excellent target for the passer under pressure.
Before turning professional with the Detroit Lions, Gene was an outstanding end at Boston University. In 1958-59, he won recognition as the leading pass receiver."
-1960 Fleer No. 61
"Gene made his high school fame in the New York Metropolitan area, and his college reputation in New England. Now he's equally well known on the coast after a rookie season with the Raiders in which he caught 33 passes for 404 yards. He's proved a fine blocker, too. Gene played the tight end slot very well last year and will be relied on for an even better second year.
He was an All-New England selection while at Boston University."
-1961 Fleer No. 194
Sunday, July 6, 2014
1964 Profiles: Clyde Washington and Marshall Starks
CLYDE WASHINGTON
Cornerback
No. 42
Purdue
"Signed as a free agent a year ago, Clyde Washington looms as a potential All-AFL defensive back this season. He wrote the Jets, asking for a tryout, and not only made the club but developed into a cornerback star.
Out of Purdue, he was a star halfback and also a .316 hitter on the baseball team. In high school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he had been a record-breaking basketball scorer. No wonder teammates call him Mr. Everything.
During the off-season, he's a phys-ed director for the Boys Club of Boston."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Rejected by the Patriots after two dull seasons, Clyde Washington was unable to find a football future until the Jets signed him as a free agent in '63. After a year of inactivity he was surprisingly alert in the defensive backfield and matured swiftly as a corner man toward the end of the season.
Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the 26-year-old believes in helping youths to better minds and bodies and is a director of physical education for the Boys' Club of Boston.
A better perception of the moves made by the receivers taking down-and-in shots will increase his playing value."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Clyde first saw action in the American Football League with the Boston Patriots in 1960 and 1961. The Jets quickly signed up the defensive back when he became a free agent in 1962.
With Purdue, Clyde put in an outstanding athletic career. Besides playing halfback for the Purdue football team, Clyde was a star basketball player- he set a record by scoring 750 points in one season."
-1964 Topps No. 129
MARSHALL STARKS
Cornerback
No. 25
Illinois
"Discovered in a free agent tryout camp a few weeks before training camp opened last season, Marshall Starks developed into a solid defensive back who should continue to improve this season. He's one of the fastest men in pro football. In addition, he's a hard worker, constantly watching movies to improve his own techniques and to pick up tell-tale secrets of enemy pass receivers.
Out of the University of Illinois, he was given a brief trial by the NFL Cardinals in 1962.
He set an AFL record with a 97-yard field goal return."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
Cornerback
No. 42
Purdue
"Signed as a free agent a year ago, Clyde Washington looms as a potential All-AFL defensive back this season. He wrote the Jets, asking for a tryout, and not only made the club but developed into a cornerback star.
Out of Purdue, he was a star halfback and also a .316 hitter on the baseball team. In high school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he had been a record-breaking basketball scorer. No wonder teammates call him Mr. Everything.
During the off-season, he's a phys-ed director for the Boys Club of Boston."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Rejected by the Patriots after two dull seasons, Clyde Washington was unable to find a football future until the Jets signed him as a free agent in '63. After a year of inactivity he was surprisingly alert in the defensive backfield and matured swiftly as a corner man toward the end of the season.
Born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the 26-year-old believes in helping youths to better minds and bodies and is a director of physical education for the Boys' Club of Boston.
A better perception of the moves made by the receivers taking down-and-in shots will increase his playing value."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Clyde first saw action in the American Football League with the Boston Patriots in 1960 and 1961. The Jets quickly signed up the defensive back when he became a free agent in 1962.
With Purdue, Clyde put in an outstanding athletic career. Besides playing halfback for the Purdue football team, Clyde was a star basketball player- he set a record by scoring 750 points in one season."
-1964 Topps No. 129
MARSHALL STARKS
Cornerback
No. 25
Illinois
"Discovered in a free agent tryout camp a few weeks before training camp opened last season, Marshall Starks developed into a solid defensive back who should continue to improve this season. He's one of the fastest men in pro football. In addition, he's a hard worker, constantly watching movies to improve his own techniques and to pick up tell-tale secrets of enemy pass receivers.
Out of the University of Illinois, he was given a brief trial by the NFL Cardinals in 1962.
He set an AFL record with a 97-yard field goal return."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
1964 Jets Safety Profiles
DAINARD PAULSON
Safety
No. 40
Oregon State
"Dainard proved his worth quickly to the New York Jets' coaches. Joining the club as a rookie in 1961, he adapted himself so quickly that before the year was over, Dainard was tabbed 'the best defensive back on the squad.'
At Oregon State, Dainard played tailback in the single-wing system. Also a top punter, he averaged 45.5 yards a kick in college.
Dainard is quiet but he always seems to do his work efficiently."
-1964 Topps No. 122
BILL BAIRD
Safety
No. 46
San Francisco State
"Another free agent find, Bill Baird is another member of the Jet defensive backfield who figures to be around for years to come. At 5-10 and 175, he's one of the smallest players in pro football, but he makes up for it in desire and skill.
Out of San Francisco State, he didn't play pro football for two years after graduation but decided to give it a try last season with the Colts. Cut by them, he signed with the Jets.
Baird set an AFL record with a 93-yard punt return.
He's a teacher in the off-season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
BOB ZEMAN
Safety
No. 43
Wisconsin
"Another ex-Charger to earn his 1962 commendation as a Bronco was Bob Zeman, a safetyman who can think as quickly as he can move. Along with Austin Gonsoulin, he helps form the best 'outfield' in the AFL. Zeman, 26, was coached by [current Denver head coach] Jack Faulkner in San Diego."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"The Jets hope that Bob Zeman can 'play back' to his form of two years ago when he was an All-AFL safety selection and one of Jack Faulkner's first trade choices when he became head Bronco coach. The former Charger and Bronc was born in Geneva, Illinois and is one of the shrewdest in the league at reading the long and short pass patterns.
Bob comes to New York as part of a nine-player deal and is the one the Jets wanted so badly in an effort to search for a leakproof secondary."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
Safety
No. 40
Oregon State
"Dainard proved his worth quickly to the New York Jets' coaches. Joining the club as a rookie in 1961, he adapted himself so quickly that before the year was over, Dainard was tabbed 'the best defensive back on the squad.'
At Oregon State, Dainard played tailback in the single-wing system. Also a top punter, he averaged 45.5 yards a kick in college.
Dainard is quiet but he always seems to do his work efficiently."
-1964 Topps No. 122
BILL BAIRD
Safety
No. 46
San Francisco State
"Another free agent find, Bill Baird is another member of the Jet defensive backfield who figures to be around for years to come. At 5-10 and 175, he's one of the smallest players in pro football, but he makes up for it in desire and skill.
Out of San Francisco State, he didn't play pro football for two years after graduation but decided to give it a try last season with the Colts. Cut by them, he signed with the Jets.
Baird set an AFL record with a 93-yard punt return.
He's a teacher in the off-season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
BOB ZEMAN
Safety
No. 43
Wisconsin
"Another ex-Charger to earn his 1962 commendation as a Bronco was Bob Zeman, a safetyman who can think as quickly as he can move. Along with Austin Gonsoulin, he helps form the best 'outfield' in the AFL. Zeman, 26, was coached by [current Denver head coach] Jack Faulkner in San Diego."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"The Jets hope that Bob Zeman can 'play back' to his form of two years ago when he was an All-AFL safety selection and one of Jack Faulkner's first trade choices when he became head Bronco coach. The former Charger and Bronc was born in Geneva, Illinois and is one of the shrewdest in the league at reading the long and short pass patterns.
Bob comes to New York as part of a nine-player deal and is the one the Jets wanted so badly in an effort to search for a leakproof secondary."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
1964 Profile: LaVerne Torczon
Defensive End
No. 87
Nebraska
"Regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the AFL, LaVerne Torczon begins his second full season with the Jets. Obtained from the Bills, with whom he was an All-AFL choice for two years.
Torczon is out of the University of Nebraska, where he was captain and the team's most valuable player. He was an All-America and All-Big Eight selection.
His Buffalo coach, Buster Ramsey, once called him, 'one of the four best defensive ends I've ever seen in pro football,' and Ramsey was a long-time NFL star.
LaVerne is an off-season school teacher."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
No. 87
Nebraska
"Regarded as one of the best defensive ends in the AFL, LaVerne Torczon begins his second full season with the Jets. Obtained from the Bills, with whom he was an All-AFL choice for two years.
Torczon is out of the University of Nebraska, where he was captain and the team's most valuable player. He was an All-America and All-Big Eight selection.
His Buffalo coach, Buster Ramsey, once called him, 'one of the four best defensive ends I've ever seen in pro football,' and Ramsey was a long-time NFL star.
LaVerne is an off-season school teacher."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
1964 Profile: Bill Mathis
Halfback
No. 31
Clemson
"One of the few players remaining from the original New York AFL franchise of 1960, Bill Mathis continues to be a solid man for the Jets. He gained 268 yards rushing last season on 107 carries and also caught 18 passes for 177 yards. He's also another solid pass blocker.
In 1961 he was the All-AFL fullback when he gained an average of 4.2 yards on 202 carries, then a league record. During his college career at Clemson, he played in four bowl games.
During the off-season he lives in Manchester, Georgia."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football 1964
"For the past four years, the Jets haven't had any problems at the fullback spot. They've got one of the AFL's top runners in powerful Bill Mathis. Bill is great at getting that extra yard or two when the New York Jets are really pushing for a first down.
An All-League selection in 1961, Bill played in the Pro Bowl and was awarded the Third Down Trophy. In college, he played in four bowl games."
-1964 Topps No. 120
No. 31
Clemson
"One of the few players remaining from the original New York AFL franchise of 1960, Bill Mathis continues to be a solid man for the Jets. He gained 268 yards rushing last season on 107 carries and also caught 18 passes for 177 yards. He's also another solid pass blocker.
In 1961 he was the All-AFL fullback when he gained an average of 4.2 yards on 202 carries, then a league record. During his college career at Clemson, he played in four bowl games.
During the off-season he lives in Manchester, Georgia."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football 1964
"For the past four years, the Jets haven't had any problems at the fullback spot. They've got one of the AFL's top runners in powerful Bill Mathis. Bill is great at getting that extra yard or two when the New York Jets are really pushing for a first down.
An All-League selection in 1961, Bill played in the Pro Bowl and was awarded the Third Down Trophy. In college, he played in four bowl games."
-1964 Topps No. 120
1964 Profile: Dick Wood
Quarterback
No. 19
Auburn
"One of the tallest quarterbacks in pro football, 6-5 Dick Wood hopes to fulfill coach Ewbank's belief that he also will be one of the best. Joining the Jets shortly before their season opener last year, he took charge immediately and completed 160 of 351 passes for 2,202 yards and 18 touchdowns before a late-season injury; he's bothered by chronic knee trouble.
Out of Auburn, he was a member of the Colts' taxi squad in 1960 and 1961 before shuttling between the Chargers and Broncos in 1962.
Dick is a good golfer."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Two years of watching Johnny Unitas while a member of Baltimore's taxi squad and a season divided between the Chargers and Broncos helped Dick Wood secure the 1963 signal-caller's berth where he was an early-season standout before felled by injuries. Dick ended the year with 160 completions in 351 attempts for 2,202 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Coaches admire the way he moves the ball around, shooting short and long, inside and outside and feel his arm is the strongest in the league.
Now 28, he was born in Louette, Alabama."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Dick is one of the biggest and strongest quarterbacks in the business.
Signed by New York as a free agent just before the 1963 opening game, Wood quickly became the club's number one quarterback. An early season sensation, he finished seventh among the American Football League's passers last year.
Dick has also played with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers."
-1964 Topps No. 130
"Dick completed 160 passes in 1963, good for 2,202 yards. His strong pitching arm tossed 18 touchdown passes."
-1964 Topps No. 131
No. 19
Auburn
"One of the tallest quarterbacks in pro football, 6-5 Dick Wood hopes to fulfill coach Ewbank's belief that he also will be one of the best. Joining the Jets shortly before their season opener last year, he took charge immediately and completed 160 of 351 passes for 2,202 yards and 18 touchdowns before a late-season injury; he's bothered by chronic knee trouble.
Out of Auburn, he was a member of the Colts' taxi squad in 1960 and 1961 before shuttling between the Chargers and Broncos in 1962.
Dick is a good golfer."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Two years of watching Johnny Unitas while a member of Baltimore's taxi squad and a season divided between the Chargers and Broncos helped Dick Wood secure the 1963 signal-caller's berth where he was an early-season standout before felled by injuries. Dick ended the year with 160 completions in 351 attempts for 2,202 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Coaches admire the way he moves the ball around, shooting short and long, inside and outside and feel his arm is the strongest in the league.
Now 28, he was born in Louette, Alabama."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Dick is one of the biggest and strongest quarterbacks in the business.
Signed by New York as a free agent just before the 1963 opening game, Wood quickly became the club's number one quarterback. An early season sensation, he finished seventh among the American Football League's passers last year.
Dick has also played with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers."
-1964 Topps No. 130
"Dick completed 160 passes in 1963, good for 2,202 yards. His strong pitching arm tossed 18 touchdown passes."
-1964 Topps No. 131
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
1964 Profile: Larry Grantham
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"The solid man of the Jets, linebacker Larry Grantham represents their only All-AFL selection for the past two seasons. With the addition of linebacker Wahoo McDaniel, he should be even more valuable to the defensive unit. Although small (6-0, 200) as linebackers go, he is a devastating tackler who seldom can be ridden out of the play.
At Ole Miss, he was an All-Conference end but he quickly converted to defense in the AFL. A veteran of three AFL All-Star Games, he scored a touchdown on an interception in 1962."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"The only one of last year's Jet defensive regulars certain of retaining his status is a perennial all-league linebacker, Larry Grantham, who does everything so swiftly and well. He uses his speed so intelligently that he rarely runs by a pass receiver or gets too far away from blockers or from the runner. He also excels due to his knowledge of his duties and is never surprised at what the offense may throw his way.
Born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, he's 26 and still agile and quick enough to remain at the peak of his game."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Followers of the New York Jets didn't have too much to cheer about last year as the team, although considerably improved, once again finished last in the Eastern Division. But as usual, one standout performer was linebacker Larry Grantham, a 26-year-old southern gentleman from Crystal Springs, Mississippi. At six feet and 200 pounds, Larry is one of the smallest linebackers in play-for-pay ranks. But in the words of New York defensive line coach Walt Michaels: 'Grantham may weigh 200 pounds but he's 225 pounds strong.'
Grantham played his college ball for Ole Miss, where he won All-Southeastern Conference honors in 1959 as an end. Larry joined New York in 1960, the year the AFL was organized, and has won All-League recognition during the last three seasons. Against the Boston Patriots in the first game of the 1963 campaign, Grantham blocked a punt, picked up the ball and ran 20 yards for a touchdown. In the 1962 AFL Pro Bowl he intercepted a pass and scampered to a score.
Says New York Jets' able head coach Weeb Ewbank: 'Larry's strong points are his quick reflexes and his ability to readily diagnose a play. He has an excellent pair of hands which accounts for his outstanding interception record.'
One of Larry's greatest thrills took place early last year when the Jets beat the Houston Oilers, 24-17. The curly-haired linebacker set up New York's first touchdown when he returned an intercepted pass 25 yards.
'Ten times they beat us, including exhibition games,' Grantham said after the game, 'and they beat us bad. The eleventh time we got them. It's the sweetest victory I've ever had.'
Does Larry feel his lack of size is a handicap?
'It just depends how much you want to play football. If you happen to lack a certain asset, determination can offset it.'"
-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac
"It's hard to find a man in pro football who works harder than Larry Grantham.
The Jets' powerful linebacker came to New York after three great seasons as an all-conference end with Mississippi. Under the guidance of New York coaches, Larry switched to his linebacker role almost overnight. For the past two years he has been one of the top linebackers in the AFL."
-1964 Topps No. 113
No. 60
Mississippi
"The solid man of the Jets, linebacker Larry Grantham represents their only All-AFL selection for the past two seasons. With the addition of linebacker Wahoo McDaniel, he should be even more valuable to the defensive unit. Although small (6-0, 200) as linebackers go, he is a devastating tackler who seldom can be ridden out of the play.
At Ole Miss, he was an All-Conference end but he quickly converted to defense in the AFL. A veteran of three AFL All-Star Games, he scored a touchdown on an interception in 1962."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"The only one of last year's Jet defensive regulars certain of retaining his status is a perennial all-league linebacker, Larry Grantham, who does everything so swiftly and well. He uses his speed so intelligently that he rarely runs by a pass receiver or gets too far away from blockers or from the runner. He also excels due to his knowledge of his duties and is never surprised at what the offense may throw his way.
Born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, he's 26 and still agile and quick enough to remain at the peak of his game."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Followers of the New York Jets didn't have too much to cheer about last year as the team, although considerably improved, once again finished last in the Eastern Division. But as usual, one standout performer was linebacker Larry Grantham, a 26-year-old southern gentleman from Crystal Springs, Mississippi. At six feet and 200 pounds, Larry is one of the smallest linebackers in play-for-pay ranks. But in the words of New York defensive line coach Walt Michaels: 'Grantham may weigh 200 pounds but he's 225 pounds strong.'
Grantham played his college ball for Ole Miss, where he won All-Southeastern Conference honors in 1959 as an end. Larry joined New York in 1960, the year the AFL was organized, and has won All-League recognition during the last three seasons. Against the Boston Patriots in the first game of the 1963 campaign, Grantham blocked a punt, picked up the ball and ran 20 yards for a touchdown. In the 1962 AFL Pro Bowl he intercepted a pass and scampered to a score.
Says New York Jets' able head coach Weeb Ewbank: 'Larry's strong points are his quick reflexes and his ability to readily diagnose a play. He has an excellent pair of hands which accounts for his outstanding interception record.'
One of Larry's greatest thrills took place early last year when the Jets beat the Houston Oilers, 24-17. The curly-haired linebacker set up New York's first touchdown when he returned an intercepted pass 25 yards.
'Ten times they beat us, including exhibition games,' Grantham said after the game, 'and they beat us bad. The eleventh time we got them. It's the sweetest victory I've ever had.'
Does Larry feel his lack of size is a handicap?
'It just depends how much you want to play football. If you happen to lack a certain asset, determination can offset it.'"
-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac
"It's hard to find a man in pro football who works harder than Larry Grantham.
The Jets' powerful linebacker came to New York after three great seasons as an all-conference end with Mississippi. Under the guidance of New York coaches, Larry switched to his linebacker role almost overnight. For the past two years he has been one of the top linebackers in the AFL."
-1964 Topps No. 113
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