JOHNNY SAMPLE
Cornerback
No. 24
Maryland State
"For most of his ten years as a pro, Johnny Sample has been a trial to his own coaches, as well as to opposing teams. He's outspoken and individualistic, and this sometimes rubs The Establishment the wrong way. But he's also a talented cornerback who has a way of tormenting his opposition. This is why Weeb Ewbank went after him after the Redskins had dropped him.
Johnny played for two championship clubs for Weeb when they were both in Baltimore. He joined the Jets last season and immediately went to work covering the toughest receiver the other team had. Against Houston, he shut down Charley Hennigan, then would walk him back toward the huddle, saying consoling things. When the season was over, Johnny had the club lead in interceptions with six.
'The more I can irritate a player, the better for me,' he says."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Which defensive back led the Jets in interceptions in 1966? Johnny Sample- 6."
-1967 Topps No. 90
BILL BAIRD
Cornerback
No. 46
San Francisco State
"Last year Bill was second on the New York Jets in interceptions. His big day was in the season's finale when he plucked two enemy passes out of the air.
Bill is fast and always seems to make the play."
-1967 Topps No. 89
RAY ABRUZZESE
Safety
No. 25
Alabama
Playing every game last year, Ray formed an impressive safety tandem with young Jim Hudson and provided veteran leadership to New York's defensive secondary. He had two interceptions even though opposing quarterbacks avoided throwing in his direction.
As a collegian at Alabama, Ray had a 4.1 rushing average and a 7.4 receiving average.
JIM HUDSON
Safety
No. 22
Texas
Jim is a hard-nosed young safety man who gives the Jets hope of having a defense worthy of an AFL champion. Playing every game in '66 he had three interceptions even though opposing quarterbacks became increasingly reluctant to throw the ball anywhere near him.
His big moment as a collegian came when, as a quarterback for the 1964 Texas squad, he tossed a 69-yard touchdown pass to lead the Longhorns to victory over Alabama and his current Jet teammate, Joe Namath.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
1967 Profile: Don Maynard
Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
"Scrawny-looking Don Maynard holds practically every pass catching record on the Jets. He's a gifted receiver who has been known to distract both enemy defenders and his own teammates by his ad-lib patterns. These are but some of the reasons why opposing teams accorded him double coverage last year, thereby enabling George Sauer and the other Jet receivers to have big years. When he was the target, Don caught 48 passes for 840 yards, a 17.5 average, with five touchdowns, which was good enough for ninth in the league.
A ten-year pro veteran and a member of the original 1960 team, Don had his best year in 1965, when he caught 68 passes for 1,218 yards and 14 touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The veteran flanker holds 13 records for the Jets. The opposition respects this speedy player and constantly double-teams him.
In 1966, Don was second on the team and ninth in the AFL in receiving."
-1967 Topps No. 97
"Who has scored the most career touchdowns for New York? Don Maynard."
-1967 Topps No. 96
No. 13
Texas Western
"Scrawny-looking Don Maynard holds practically every pass catching record on the Jets. He's a gifted receiver who has been known to distract both enemy defenders and his own teammates by his ad-lib patterns. These are but some of the reasons why opposing teams accorded him double coverage last year, thereby enabling George Sauer and the other Jet receivers to have big years. When he was the target, Don caught 48 passes for 840 yards, a 17.5 average, with five touchdowns, which was good enough for ninth in the league.
A ten-year pro veteran and a member of the original 1960 team, Don had his best year in 1965, when he caught 68 passes for 1,218 yards and 14 touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The veteran flanker holds 13 records for the Jets. The opposition respects this speedy player and constantly double-teams him.
In 1966, Don was second on the team and ninth in the AFL in receiving."
-1967 Topps No. 97
"Who has scored the most career touchdowns for New York? Don Maynard."
-1967 Topps No. 96
Friday, September 12, 2014
1967 Jets Defensive Line Profiles
PAUL ROCHESTER
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Michigan State
"This defensive tackle played for the Dallas Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the New York Jets in 1964. Paul lists his biggest thrill as winning the 1962 AFL championship game in double overtime with Dallas.
Paul played in the 1957 Rose Bowl."
-1967 Topps No. 100
JIM HARRIS
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Utah State
"Jim certainly didn't suffer from any sophomore jinx in 1966 as he continued as a top defensive tackle. The big man is fast, smart and strong.
Nicknamed 'Diamond Jim' by his teammates, the defensive tackle works for the Police Athletic League in the off-season."
-1967 Topps No. 94
VERLON BIGGS
Defensive End
No. 86
Jackson State
"The Jets' Awesome Foursome got to opposing quarterbacks 35 times last season, piling them up for losses of 310 yards. The guy who got there more than any of the others was Verlon Biggs, the 6-4, 260-pound behemoth who plays defensive right end.
When Verlon came into the league three years ago, he had all the tools to be a great one, except for finesse. But the rough edges appear to have been polished up now, and he figures to be a perennial All-League from here on. He has amazing speed for a man his size, and he hits a ton.
Verlon came to the Jets as their No. 3 draft choice after playing college football at Jackson State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Top thrill of the year came to Verlon in the 1967 AFL All-Star contest. The big defensive end snared a pass and came up with a 50-yard touchdown to lead the East to its first victory."
-1967 Topps No. 91
GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
No. 81
Buffalo
"Gerry is one of the New York Jets' 'Awesome Foursome,' which gives the club top defense. He's got fine speed, and Coach Ewbank praises Gerry'a consistency.
In his rookie year, the defensive end was sidelined because of a shoulder separation."
-1967 Topps No. 99
BILL YEARBY
Defensive End
No. 88
Michigan
"Who was the Jets' No. 1 draft pick in 1966? Bill Yearby (defensive end)."
-1967 Topps No. 97
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Michigan State
"This defensive tackle played for the Dallas Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the New York Jets in 1964. Paul lists his biggest thrill as winning the 1962 AFL championship game in double overtime with Dallas.
Paul played in the 1957 Rose Bowl."
-1967 Topps No. 100
JIM HARRIS
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Utah State
"Jim certainly didn't suffer from any sophomore jinx in 1966 as he continued as a top defensive tackle. The big man is fast, smart and strong.
Nicknamed 'Diamond Jim' by his teammates, the defensive tackle works for the Police Athletic League in the off-season."
-1967 Topps No. 94
VERLON BIGGS
Defensive End
No. 86
Jackson State
"The Jets' Awesome Foursome got to opposing quarterbacks 35 times last season, piling them up for losses of 310 yards. The guy who got there more than any of the others was Verlon Biggs, the 6-4, 260-pound behemoth who plays defensive right end.
When Verlon came into the league three years ago, he had all the tools to be a great one, except for finesse. But the rough edges appear to have been polished up now, and he figures to be a perennial All-League from here on. He has amazing speed for a man his size, and he hits a ton.
Verlon came to the Jets as their No. 3 draft choice after playing college football at Jackson State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Top thrill of the year came to Verlon in the 1967 AFL All-Star contest. The big defensive end snared a pass and came up with a 50-yard touchdown to lead the East to its first victory."
-1967 Topps No. 91
GERRY PHILBIN
Defensive End
No. 81
Buffalo
"Gerry is one of the New York Jets' 'Awesome Foursome,' which gives the club top defense. He's got fine speed, and Coach Ewbank praises Gerry'a consistency.
In his rookie year, the defensive end was sidelined because of a shoulder separation."
-1967 Topps No. 99
BILL YEARBY
Defensive End
No. 88
Michigan
"Who was the Jets' No. 1 draft pick in 1966? Bill Yearby (defensive end)."
-1967 Topps No. 97
Thursday, September 11, 2014
1967 Profile: George Sauer
Split End
No. 83
Texas
"They are tuning up the publicity drums for young George Sauer as the league's next glamour-boy pass catcher.
In what was only his sophomore year in 1966, George finished second in receptions with 63 catches for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-2, 195-pound split end averaged 17.1 yards a catch and made one that was good for 77 yards.
A quiet, diligent type, he worked extra hard during the daily practice sessions, remaining on the field as long as there was someone to throw the ball to him.
The son of the Jets' player personnel director, he was a future pick while he still attended Texas. As a rookie, he caught 29 passes for 301 yards while trying to shake off injuries."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Last year George had a sensational season as he finished second in the A.F.L. in receiving. The big youngster has a good pair of hands and top speed which enables him to haul in teammate Namath's passes."
-1967 Topps No. 101
"Who was voted MVP of the Jets in 1966? George Sauer."
-1967 Topps No. 89
No. 83
Texas
"They are tuning up the publicity drums for young George Sauer as the league's next glamour-boy pass catcher.
In what was only his sophomore year in 1966, George finished second in receptions with 63 catches for 1,079 yards and five touchdowns. The 6-2, 195-pound split end averaged 17.1 yards a catch and made one that was good for 77 yards.
A quiet, diligent type, he worked extra hard during the daily practice sessions, remaining on the field as long as there was someone to throw the ball to him.
The son of the Jets' player personnel director, he was a future pick while he still attended Texas. As a rookie, he caught 29 passes for 301 yards while trying to shake off injuries."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Last year George had a sensational season as he finished second in the A.F.L. in receiving. The big youngster has a good pair of hands and top speed which enables him to haul in teammate Namath's passes."
-1967 Topps No. 101
"Who was voted MVP of the Jets in 1966? George Sauer."
-1967 Topps No. 89
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
1967 Profiles: Jim Turner and Curley Johnson
JIM TURNER
Place Kicker
No. 11
Utah State
"Who led the Jets in scoring last year? Jim Turner, 88 points."
-1967 Topps No. 95
"How many extra points did Jim Turner kick in 1966? 34."
-1967 Topps No. 100
Last year Jim's 18 field goals (3rd in the AFL) in 35 attempts (2nd) were good for a 51.7 % mark (5th), he made 34 of 35 extra points, and his 88 points were fourth in the league and led the Jets.
Jim's three field goals on September 25 at Bears Stadium against the Broncos were the winning margin in a 16-7 Jet win. His 33-yarder two weeks later at home against the Chargers made the difference in a 17-16 New York victory.
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter
No. 33
Houston
Curley once again greatly helped the Jet defense with his long punts last year. His 62 punts (6th in the AFL) for 2,633 yards (6th) were good for a 42.5-yard average (3rd). None of his punts were blocked.
Curley joined New York in 1962 while they were still the Titans and coach Ewbank has greatly appreciated his work as a Jet. By the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record for career punts.
Place Kicker
No. 11
Utah State
"Who led the Jets in scoring last year? Jim Turner, 88 points."
-1967 Topps No. 95
"How many extra points did Jim Turner kick in 1966? 34."
-1967 Topps No. 100
Last year Jim's 18 field goals (3rd in the AFL) in 35 attempts (2nd) were good for a 51.7 % mark (5th), he made 34 of 35 extra points, and his 88 points were fourth in the league and led the Jets.
Jim's three field goals on September 25 at Bears Stadium against the Broncos were the winning margin in a 16-7 Jet win. His 33-yarder two weeks later at home against the Chargers made the difference in a 17-16 New York victory.
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter
No. 33
Houston
Curley once again greatly helped the Jet defense with his long punts last year. His 62 punts (6th in the AFL) for 2,633 yards (6th) were good for a 42.5-yard average (3rd). None of his punts were blocked.
Curley joined New York in 1962 while they were still the Titans and coach Ewbank has greatly appreciated his work as a Jet. By the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record for career punts.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
1967 Jets Offensive Line Profiles
JOHN SCHMITT
Center
No. 52
Hofstra
John played all 14 games after backing up Mike Hudock for two seasons. He's the pivot man on a young and aggressive offensive line where each man knows that New York's AFL title hopes depend on them giving quarterback Namath the protection he needs for his passing brilliance, and on them blasting holes in defenses for running backs Snell and Boozer.
A Brooklyn boy who played his college ball out on Long Island at Hofstra, John majored in business administration.
SAM DELUCA
Guard
No. 65
South Carolina
"Anyone who saw the moving job Sam DeLuca did on massive Ernie Ladd last season knows why he can always get work with the Seven Santini Brothers. The stubby-looking 245-pound guard pushed Ladd all over Shea Stadium even though he was giving away about 85 pounds and seven inches in height.
The performance didn't surprise anybody connected with the Jets. They are accustomed to the grueling, all-out effort Sam gives in every game, a trait which compensates for his lack of speed. All Joe Namath cares is that he's quick enough on his feet to give him the protection he needs to get off one of his bombs.
A Brooklynite who played college football at South Carolina, Sam came to the Jets in 1964 after previous service with the Chargers and the Toronto Argos. He's in his tenth year as a pro."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The offensive team captain of the New York Jets, Sam is one of the club's most consistent performers.
In 1960 and 1961, Sam played for the champion San Diego Chargers. After a year of retirement from pro ball in 1962, Sam was acquired by New York in 1964."
-1967 Topps No. 92
DAVE HERMAN
Guard
No. 67
Having started every game the past two seasons, Dave once again proved himself a superior pass protector for Joe Namath. He's a vital cog in New York's fast-improving offensive line.
Dave somehow does his best against the league's best defensive tackles.
WINSTON HILL
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"This is Winston's fourth year at left tackle for the Jets. The good pass protector is also capable of playing at center. In 1964, Winston played tackle for the East in the AFL All-Star contest.
From 1957-59, Winston was the high school tennis champ of Texas."
-1967 Topps No. 95
PAUL SEILER
Offensive Tackle
1st Round
Notre Dame
"Seiler was on the professional scouts second-team All-America (the Sporting News poll of scouts from both leagues). Picked in the first round by the New York Jets, he was the 12th player selected in the first combined draft.
He was a complete surprise to everyone last season, including Notre Dame people- he played only 52 minutes as a junior. Scouts said Paul was the best blocker on the team."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Who was the Jets' No. 1 draft choice in 1967? Paul Seiler of Notre Dame (guard)."
-1967 Topps No. 91
JEFF RICHARDSON
Offensive Tackle-Defensive Tackle
6th Round
Michigan State
"Jeff was a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Jets.
He didn't play much in his first two years on the varsity (33 minutes, to be precise) but had a great year in 1966. Jeff is very strong and has good quickness and agility for his size. He was a fine wrestler, finishing second in the Big Ten championships."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
Center
No. 52
Hofstra
John played all 14 games after backing up Mike Hudock for two seasons. He's the pivot man on a young and aggressive offensive line where each man knows that New York's AFL title hopes depend on them giving quarterback Namath the protection he needs for his passing brilliance, and on them blasting holes in defenses for running backs Snell and Boozer.
A Brooklyn boy who played his college ball out on Long Island at Hofstra, John majored in business administration.
SAM DELUCA
Guard
No. 65
South Carolina
"Anyone who saw the moving job Sam DeLuca did on massive Ernie Ladd last season knows why he can always get work with the Seven Santini Brothers. The stubby-looking 245-pound guard pushed Ladd all over Shea Stadium even though he was giving away about 85 pounds and seven inches in height.
The performance didn't surprise anybody connected with the Jets. They are accustomed to the grueling, all-out effort Sam gives in every game, a trait which compensates for his lack of speed. All Joe Namath cares is that he's quick enough on his feet to give him the protection he needs to get off one of his bombs.
A Brooklynite who played college football at South Carolina, Sam came to the Jets in 1964 after previous service with the Chargers and the Toronto Argos. He's in his tenth year as a pro."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"The offensive team captain of the New York Jets, Sam is one of the club's most consistent performers.
In 1960 and 1961, Sam played for the champion San Diego Chargers. After a year of retirement from pro ball in 1962, Sam was acquired by New York in 1964."
-1967 Topps No. 92
DAVE HERMAN
Guard
No. 67
Having started every game the past two seasons, Dave once again proved himself a superior pass protector for Joe Namath. He's a vital cog in New York's fast-improving offensive line.
Dave somehow does his best against the league's best defensive tackles.
WINSTON HILL
Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"This is Winston's fourth year at left tackle for the Jets. The good pass protector is also capable of playing at center. In 1964, Winston played tackle for the East in the AFL All-Star contest.
From 1957-59, Winston was the high school tennis champ of Texas."
-1967 Topps No. 95
PAUL SEILER
Offensive Tackle
1st Round
Notre Dame
"Seiler was on the professional scouts second-team All-America (the Sporting News poll of scouts from both leagues). Picked in the first round by the New York Jets, he was the 12th player selected in the first combined draft.
He was a complete surprise to everyone last season, including Notre Dame people- he played only 52 minutes as a junior. Scouts said Paul was the best blocker on the team."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Who was the Jets' No. 1 draft choice in 1967? Paul Seiler of Notre Dame (guard)."
-1967 Topps No. 91
JEFF RICHARDSON
Offensive Tackle-Defensive Tackle
6th Round
Michigan State
"Jeff was a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Jets.
He didn't play much in his first two years on the varsity (33 minutes, to be precise) but had a great year in 1966. Jeff is very strong and has good quickness and agility for his size. He was a fine wrestler, finishing second in the Big Ten championships."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
Monday, September 8, 2014
1967 Profiles: Matt Snell and Billy Joe
MATT SNELL
Fullback
No. 41
Ohio State
"The mere presence of Matt Snell in the Jet backfield doubles Joe Namath's effectiveness as a passer. Enemy defenses have to be rigged to stop the powerhouse fullback's quick bursts up the middle or to the outside.
In three seasons, he has gained more than 2,300 yards on the ground for a 4.2 average. And if that weren't enough, Matt is also an excellent pass receiver. In all three years with the Jets, he has finished among the top ten in the league in both rushing and receiving. In 1966, he ran for 644 yards for sixth place and he caught 48 passes for 346 yards to rank tenth.
As the Jets' No. 1 draft pick for 1964, Matt gained 948 yards on 215 carries and was named the AFL's Rookie of the Year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Matt holds the New York Jets mark of 180 yards rushing in one game. In 1964, he was voted Rookie of the Year. The following season, the fullback was voted Most Valuable Jet. Matt played in the 1966 AFL All-Star game."
-1967 Topps No. 102
"How many yards did Matt Snell gain rushing in 1966? 644."
-1967 Topps No. 93
BILLY JOE
Fullback
No. 35
Villanova
"The biggest and best rookie of the 1963 AFL year was the heaviest fullback (250 pounds) with the shortest name, Billy Joe, whose only defect was the inability to supply the vicious pass blocking from his position. He was the club's No. 1 rusher (642 yards on 154 carries) and caught 15 passes for another 90 yards.
Joe was born in Aynor, South Carolina."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Now in his second season, fullback Billy Joe hopes to justify his selection as AFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 in both wire-service polls. He pounded out 649 yards on 154 carries for a steady 4.2 average- the best totals ever by a Bronco runner. He also caught 15 passes for 90 yards.
Out of Villanova, Joe was selected as the Broncos' No. 11 choice and the NFL Redskins' No. 9- so he proved to be better than most observers thought he would be. Ranked as the third-best college shot putter as a senior, he's a law student."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Billy lived up to all the predictions and expectations during his rookie American Football League season in 1963. Considered one of the most powerful runners in college in 1962, the young man from Villanova stepped into the Broncos fullback job and gained 642 yards on the ground. His best run last year was good for 68 yards."
-1964 Topps No. 50
Fullback
No. 41
Ohio State
"The mere presence of Matt Snell in the Jet backfield doubles Joe Namath's effectiveness as a passer. Enemy defenses have to be rigged to stop the powerhouse fullback's quick bursts up the middle or to the outside.
In three seasons, he has gained more than 2,300 yards on the ground for a 4.2 average. And if that weren't enough, Matt is also an excellent pass receiver. In all three years with the Jets, he has finished among the top ten in the league in both rushing and receiving. In 1966, he ran for 644 yards for sixth place and he caught 48 passes for 346 yards to rank tenth.
As the Jets' No. 1 draft pick for 1964, Matt gained 948 yards on 215 carries and was named the AFL's Rookie of the Year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Matt holds the New York Jets mark of 180 yards rushing in one game. In 1964, he was voted Rookie of the Year. The following season, the fullback was voted Most Valuable Jet. Matt played in the 1966 AFL All-Star game."
-1967 Topps No. 102
"How many yards did Matt Snell gain rushing in 1966? 644."
-1967 Topps No. 93
BILLY JOE
Fullback
No. 35
Villanova
"The biggest and best rookie of the 1963 AFL year was the heaviest fullback (250 pounds) with the shortest name, Billy Joe, whose only defect was the inability to supply the vicious pass blocking from his position. He was the club's No. 1 rusher (642 yards on 154 carries) and caught 15 passes for another 90 yards.
Joe was born in Aynor, South Carolina."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Now in his second season, fullback Billy Joe hopes to justify his selection as AFL Rookie of the Year in 1963 in both wire-service polls. He pounded out 649 yards on 154 carries for a steady 4.2 average- the best totals ever by a Bronco runner. He also caught 15 passes for 90 yards.
Out of Villanova, Joe was selected as the Broncos' No. 11 choice and the NFL Redskins' No. 9- so he proved to be better than most observers thought he would be. Ranked as the third-best college shot putter as a senior, he's a law student."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Billy lived up to all the predictions and expectations during his rookie American Football League season in 1963. Considered one of the most powerful runners in college in 1962, the young man from Villanova stepped into the Broncos fullback job and gained 642 yards on the ground. His best run last year was good for 68 yards."
-1964 Topps No. 50
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