DAINARD PAULSON
Safety
No. 40
Oregon State
"Let's play a guessing game. What safety made the All-League team last year and led the AFL in interceptions with a record-tying 12? The answer is Dainard Paulson, named MVP in '64 by his Jet teammates.
Though not exceptionally fast, Paulson is a fine tackler and an aggressive and intelligent defender who makes few mental blunders.
The greybeard of the New York secondary, he's beginning his fifth season with the club. He weighs 190 pounds and played tailback at Oregon State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Last season this all-league safety led the AFL in interceptions and tied the league record with his 12 swipes. Dainard, who holds the Jets record with interceptions in one game, played tailback in college.
An outstanding tackler, Dainard is the acknowledged team leader of the Jets. He was voted the club's Most Valuable Player by his teammates."
-1965 Topps No. 123
RAY ABRUZZESE
Safety
No. 25
Alabama
Ray's arrival provides a steadying veteran presence in the developing Jet defensive secondary. He and Dainard Paulson should be a reliable safety tandem. As a punt returner in 1963, Ray was fourth in the league with 17 returns and also fourth with 152 punt return yards.
In his college days with the Crimson Tide, Ray registered a 4.1 rushing average and a 7.4 receiving average.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
1965 Profile: Wahoo McDaniel
Middle Linebacker
No. 54
Oklahoma
"In a moment of inspiration, the public address announcer at Shea Stadium said, 'Tackle by guess who?' and the huge big roared back, 'Wahoo!' With that, 240-pound middle linebacker Wahoo McDaniel became the 'image' player the Jets have been seeking. Maybe he didn't make the 115 tackles with which he was credited, but he made enough of them to revitalize New York's linebacking corps.
Wahoo played with Houston and Denver before coming to the Jets. His real name is Ed, but he uses his Choctaw Indian name of Wahoo. He's an off-season pro wrestler and he played his college ball at Oklahoma."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
No. 54
Oklahoma
"In a moment of inspiration, the public address announcer at Shea Stadium said, 'Tackle by guess who?' and the huge big roared back, 'Wahoo!' With that, 240-pound middle linebacker Wahoo McDaniel became the 'image' player the Jets have been seeking. Maybe he didn't make the 115 tackles with which he was credited, but he made enough of them to revitalize New York's linebacking corps.
Wahoo played with Houston and Denver before coming to the Jets. His real name is Ed, but he uses his Choctaw Indian name of Wahoo. He's an off-season pro wrestler and he played his college ball at Oklahoma."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Saturday, August 9, 2014
1965 Profile: Don Maynard
Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
"Don Maynard is a 185-pound flanker who one of these days is going to put all of his skills together and enjoy a dream season.
Maynard has tremendous speed (he can run 100 yards in under 10 seconds), good fakes and good hands. He must learn, however, to stick to his patterns and not 'bust' them.
Don holds seven team records: most points, career (234), most pass receptions, season (72), most pass receptions, career (255), most touchdown passes caught, career (39), longest pass reception (89 yards), and most yards gained receiving passes, season (1,265) and career (4,562)."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Don is one of the four remaining players who started the New York franchise when the AFL was formed in 1960. He holds eight club records, including 234 points scored during his career.
The speedy flanker back finished third on the Jets in receiving and second in touchdowns caught for the 1964 season.
Don played football for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League in 1959."
-1965 Topps No. 121
No. 13
Texas Western
"Don Maynard is a 185-pound flanker who one of these days is going to put all of his skills together and enjoy a dream season.
Maynard has tremendous speed (he can run 100 yards in under 10 seconds), good fakes and good hands. He must learn, however, to stick to his patterns and not 'bust' them.
Don holds seven team records: most points, career (234), most pass receptions, season (72), most pass receptions, career (255), most touchdown passes caught, career (39), longest pass reception (89 yards), and most yards gained receiving passes, season (1,265) and career (4,562)."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Don is one of the four remaining players who started the New York franchise when the AFL was formed in 1960. He holds eight club records, including 234 points scored during his career.
The speedy flanker back finished third on the Jets in receiving and second in touchdowns caught for the 1964 season.
Don played football for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League in 1959."
-1965 Topps No. 121
Friday, August 8, 2014
1965 Profiles: Bill Mathis and Cosmo Iacavazzi
BILL MATHIS
Halfback
No. 31
Clemson
"Self-sacrificing Bill Mathis would be a standout fullback for a lot of teams. At 6-1 and 220 pounds, he has the physique and the strength for it. But Mathis willingly switched to halfback last year - a position for which he's really not fast enough - just so the Jets could squeeze spectacular rookie Matt Snell into the starting backfield.
Bill blocks powerfully on runs and on pass plays. He also holds the club rushing mark with 2,004 yards gained. His best season came in 1961 when he carried 202 times for 846 yards - a 4.2 average."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
COSMO IACAVAZZI
Halfback
Free Agent
Princeton
"Cosmo led the Princeton Tigers to the Ivy League title in 1964. After compiling a sensational career record at Princeton, he was overlooked in the football draft and snatched up quickly by the Jets.
At the Ivy League school, Cosmo set a mark with 31 career touchdowns as he compiled 186 points. The strong running back shattered a Princeton record when he picked up 185 yards in one game and 909 yards for the season. Cosmo was named to the All-America first-team by the Associated Press."
-1965 Topps No. 118
Halfback
No. 31
Clemson
"Self-sacrificing Bill Mathis would be a standout fullback for a lot of teams. At 6-1 and 220 pounds, he has the physique and the strength for it. But Mathis willingly switched to halfback last year - a position for which he's really not fast enough - just so the Jets could squeeze spectacular rookie Matt Snell into the starting backfield.
Bill blocks powerfully on runs and on pass plays. He also holds the club rushing mark with 2,004 yards gained. His best season came in 1961 when he carried 202 times for 846 yards - a 4.2 average."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
COSMO IACAVAZZI
Halfback
Free Agent
Princeton
"Cosmo led the Princeton Tigers to the Ivy League title in 1964. After compiling a sensational career record at Princeton, he was overlooked in the football draft and snatched up quickly by the Jets.
At the Ivy League school, Cosmo set a mark with 31 career touchdowns as he compiled 186 points. The strong running back shattered a Princeton record when he picked up 185 yards in one game and 909 yards for the season. Cosmo was named to the All-America first-team by the Associated Press."
-1965 Topps No. 118
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
1965 Profiles: Jim Turner and Curley Johnson
JIM TURNER
Place Kicker
No. 11
Utah State
Last year Jim wasted no time establishing himself as the franchise's first true place-kicking specialist. As the Jets opened the season at home by inaugurating pro football in Shea Stadium, his three field goals and three extra points were part of a 30-6 New York victory.
Over the course of the season, Jim's 13 field goals, including a Jet record 50-yarder, were fourth in the AFL. He was 33-for-33 on PATs, finishing sixth in both extra points and extra point attempts, as well as sixth with 72 points.
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter-Halfback
No. 33
Houston
"Curley began his career in the American Football League with the old Dallas Texans. He was traded to the Jets midway through the 1961 season.
He's a versatile performer who can play fullback, halfback and tight end. He holds the Jets mark with a 70-yard punt. A natural born athlete, Curley won a home run hitting contest at Shea Stadium last year!"
-1965 Topps No. 119
Place Kicker
No. 11
Utah State
Last year Jim wasted no time establishing himself as the franchise's first true place-kicking specialist. As the Jets opened the season at home by inaugurating pro football in Shea Stadium, his three field goals and three extra points were part of a 30-6 New York victory.
Over the course of the season, Jim's 13 field goals, including a Jet record 50-yarder, were fourth in the AFL. He was 33-for-33 on PATs, finishing sixth in both extra points and extra point attempts, as well as sixth with 72 points.
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter-Halfback
No. 33
Houston
"Curley began his career in the American Football League with the old Dallas Texans. He was traded to the Jets midway through the 1961 season.
He's a versatile performer who can play fullback, halfback and tight end. He holds the Jets mark with a 70-yard punt. A natural born athlete, Curley won a home run hitting contest at Shea Stadium last year!"
-1965 Topps No. 119
Sunday, August 3, 2014
1965 Jets Offensive Line Profiles
MIKE HUDOCK
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Mike Hudock broke into pro football as a man without a future. He was Chuck Bednarik's understudy with the Philadelphia Eagles - and you know how indestructible Bednarik was. With the Jets, however, Mike has been the starting offensive center for five years, and in 1964 he was second-team All-AFL.
He's 6-2 and 245 pounds, and he played his college football at Miami (Florida).
Though he suffered a leg injury last year, he is expected to come back strong. With his experience, think how valuable he'll be working with expensive new quarterbacks Joe Namath and John Huarte."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
SAM DELUCA
Guard
No. 65
South Carolina
"Sam's AFL career began with the San Diego Chargers in 1960. Sam retired in 1962 but returned to the gridiron in 1963. The quick guard was purchased by the New York Jets before the 1964 season began. The local boy missed the first three games of the campaign but came on strong and was the Jets' regular starter at right guard.
An important addition to the club, Sam is a top-notch pass protector.
Sam keeps in shape during the off-season by teaching physical education in a Queens, New York high school."
-1965 Topps No. 113
DAN FICCA
Guard
No. 61
USC
Following a 14-game rookie season with the Raiders in 1962, New York traded All-AFL guard and Titan icon Bob Mischak to Oakland for Dan, and have no reason to regret the transaction. He has become one of the most feared guards in the league while playing all 14 games in both of his Jet seasons.
New York scouts and coaches have highly regarded Dan since he was an outstanding tackle at the University of Southern California.
WINSTON HILL
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"The Jets believe that big Winston Hill could blossom into one of the top offensive tackles in the league.
In 1963, Hill, a 275-pounder, started out on the New York taxi squad after signing as a free agent. Last year, he was a starter and made the East All-Star team. That's rapid progress.
Winston can also play offensive center - and he did for three games last season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Winston was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent in 1963. Last season, the big, strong tackle opened the campaign on the taxi squad, but his solid performance during team drills convinced Weeb Ewbank to activate him. Winston played three games at center when injuries rocked the Jets at that spot.
The young offensive tackle has what it takes to develop into one of the best linemen in the league. Winston played in the AFL East-West All-Star Game.
Winston was his high school's tennis singles champ from 1957-1959."
-1965 Topps No. 116
SHERMAN PLUNKETT
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Maryland State
"The only problem facing offensive tackle Sherman Plunkett is keeping his weight 'down' to 295 pounds. Last season Sherm stayed comparatively thin and he made second-team All-AFL.
He blocks on pass plays; the Jets coaches graded him at 91 percent on pass blocking, which is an almost unbelievable mark. He is also deceptively fast. How many 295-pounders do you know who can run 40 yards in 5.2 seconds? Sherman can.
In 1958 and '59, he played for Weeb Ewbank's NFL champion Colts. He came to the Jets from San Diego in 1963."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"The veteran offensive tackle showed a marked improvement last year and was named to the AFL's second All-League team. Sherman, an excellent pass protector, played in the 1964 All-Star contest for the East.
This is the second time that Sherman has played for a Weeb Ewbank team. Now beginning his third year with the New York Jets, Sherman originally played for the Baltimore Colts in the National Football League.
Sherman's big problem is keeping his weight down, yet he can run the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds."
-1965 Topps No. 125
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Mike Hudock broke into pro football as a man without a future. He was Chuck Bednarik's understudy with the Philadelphia Eagles - and you know how indestructible Bednarik was. With the Jets, however, Mike has been the starting offensive center for five years, and in 1964 he was second-team All-AFL.
He's 6-2 and 245 pounds, and he played his college football at Miami (Florida).
Though he suffered a leg injury last year, he is expected to come back strong. With his experience, think how valuable he'll be working with expensive new quarterbacks Joe Namath and John Huarte."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
SAM DELUCA
Guard
No. 65
South Carolina
"Sam's AFL career began with the San Diego Chargers in 1960. Sam retired in 1962 but returned to the gridiron in 1963. The quick guard was purchased by the New York Jets before the 1964 season began. The local boy missed the first three games of the campaign but came on strong and was the Jets' regular starter at right guard.
An important addition to the club, Sam is a top-notch pass protector.
Sam keeps in shape during the off-season by teaching physical education in a Queens, New York high school."
-1965 Topps No. 113
DAN FICCA
Guard
No. 61
USC
Following a 14-game rookie season with the Raiders in 1962, New York traded All-AFL guard and Titan icon Bob Mischak to Oakland for Dan, and have no reason to regret the transaction. He has become one of the most feared guards in the league while playing all 14 games in both of his Jet seasons.
New York scouts and coaches have highly regarded Dan since he was an outstanding tackle at the University of Southern California.
WINSTON HILL
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"The Jets believe that big Winston Hill could blossom into one of the top offensive tackles in the league.
In 1963, Hill, a 275-pounder, started out on the New York taxi squad after signing as a free agent. Last year, he was a starter and made the East All-Star team. That's rapid progress.
Winston can also play offensive center - and he did for three games last season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Winston was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent in 1963. Last season, the big, strong tackle opened the campaign on the taxi squad, but his solid performance during team drills convinced Weeb Ewbank to activate him. Winston played three games at center when injuries rocked the Jets at that spot.
The young offensive tackle has what it takes to develop into one of the best linemen in the league. Winston played in the AFL East-West All-Star Game.
Winston was his high school's tennis singles champ from 1957-1959."
-1965 Topps No. 116
SHERMAN PLUNKETT
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Maryland State
"The only problem facing offensive tackle Sherman Plunkett is keeping his weight 'down' to 295 pounds. Last season Sherm stayed comparatively thin and he made second-team All-AFL.
He blocks on pass plays; the Jets coaches graded him at 91 percent on pass blocking, which is an almost unbelievable mark. He is also deceptively fast. How many 295-pounders do you know who can run 40 yards in 5.2 seconds? Sherman can.
In 1958 and '59, he played for Weeb Ewbank's NFL champion Colts. He came to the Jets from San Diego in 1963."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"The veteran offensive tackle showed a marked improvement last year and was named to the AFL's second All-League team. Sherman, an excellent pass protector, played in the 1964 All-Star contest for the East.
This is the second time that Sherman has played for a Weeb Ewbank team. Now beginning his third year with the New York Jets, Sherman originally played for the Baltimore Colts in the National Football League.
Sherman's big problem is keeping his weight down, yet he can run the 40-yard dash in 5.2 seconds."
-1965 Topps No. 125
Friday, August 1, 2014
1965 Profile: Larry Grantham
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"The name is Larry Grantham, and there is no lighter linebacker playing regularly in professional football. Larry tips the scales at 206 pounds, yet he's been voted an All-AFL outside linebacker for four consecutive years.
He's the kind of player who invariably makes the key play. He tackles very hard, blitzes well and has the mobility to cover fast backfield men on pass plays. His ability to read a play before it unfolds is phenomenal.
Larry is one of only four players who date back to the 1960 and the original New York AFL franchise - the Titans. Remember them? The others: Bill Mathis, Don Maynard and Mike Hudock."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"For the fourth straight year, Larry was named an all-league outside linebacker. He has played in three American Football League All-Star Games. Larry's top thrill in pro ball was intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown in the 1963 AFL All-Star Game.
He has shown the skeptics by overcoming his lack of bulk with aggressiveness, agility and fast reflexes."
-1965 Topps No. 114
No. 60
Mississippi
"The name is Larry Grantham, and there is no lighter linebacker playing regularly in professional football. Larry tips the scales at 206 pounds, yet he's been voted an All-AFL outside linebacker for four consecutive years.
He's the kind of player who invariably makes the key play. He tackles very hard, blitzes well and has the mobility to cover fast backfield men on pass plays. His ability to read a play before it unfolds is phenomenal.
Larry is one of only four players who date back to the 1960 and the original New York AFL franchise - the Titans. Remember them? The others: Bill Mathis, Don Maynard and Mike Hudock."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"For the fourth straight year, Larry was named an all-league outside linebacker. He has played in three American Football League All-Star Games. Larry's top thrill in pro ball was intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown in the 1963 AFL All-Star Game.
He has shown the skeptics by overcoming his lack of bulk with aggressiveness, agility and fast reflexes."
-1965 Topps No. 114
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