AL ATKINSON
Middle Linebacker
No. 62
Villanova
The man in the middle of the Jets' feared linebacking corps, Al was a vital part of the ascendency of the New York defense. Playing all 14 games, his five interceptions (including one returned 36 yards) were good for ninth in the league.
LARRY GRANTHAM
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"Back again after another All-Star year (his fifth), Larry Grantham remains the lightest linebacker in the game at six feet and 206 pounds.
Last year, he led the Jets' defense with five interceptions for 77 yards and was consistent both on pass coverage and against running plays.
Now in his eighth year, the knowledgeable defensive captain of the Jets calls a good game plan and still comes up with the big play. His quickness makes him a good blitzer, and he cuts down ball carriers like a lumberjack pole-axing a tree.
He's from Mississippi."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
RALPH BAKER
Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
"Coming back after a serious leg injury in 1966, Ralph solidified the Jets defense in '67 with his great ability to 'read' plays. He is a physical education instructor during the off-season."
-1968 Topps No. 38
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
1968 Profiles: George Sauer and Pete Lammons
GEORGE SAUER
Split End
No. 83
Texas
"It could be that while studying towards his master's degree in math in the off-season, George Sauer figured out that the more passes you catch, the more yards you gain. The 6-2, 195-pound split end, in his fourth season with the Jets, went on to do just that in 1967 by catching a league-leading 75 passes for 1,189 yards and an average of 15.9 - 12 more catches and 110 more yards than he had in his sophomore year.
The All-AFL receiver has good speed, strong hands and lots of determination. With his diligence and hard work he'll continue to improve his moves as long as he continues to play, which should be for quite a while."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"For the second straight year, George led the Jets in pass receptions. His 75 catches topped the American Football League. In 1966, George was the Jets' MVP."
-1968 No. 13
PETE LAMMONS
Tight End
No. 87
Texas
"The third member of the Jets' trio of receivers, Pete Lammons may have been overshadowed a little by his co-workers last season, but he wasn't overlooked by Joe Namath. For the second consecutive year, he led all AFL tight ends in receptions with 45 for 515 yards, an average of 11.4, and two touchdowns.
The 6-3, 228-pound Texan is strong enough to help the running game with his timely blocks, and can bulldog his way across the middle to grab Namath's short passes in third down situations.
He played his college ball at Texas."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Another one of the fine New York Jets ends, Pete led all American Football League tight ends in pass receptions with 41 in 1966.
Pete was the top defensive player in the 1965 Orange Bowl."
-1968 Topps No. 143
Split End
No. 83
Texas
"It could be that while studying towards his master's degree in math in the off-season, George Sauer figured out that the more passes you catch, the more yards you gain. The 6-2, 195-pound split end, in his fourth season with the Jets, went on to do just that in 1967 by catching a league-leading 75 passes for 1,189 yards and an average of 15.9 - 12 more catches and 110 more yards than he had in his sophomore year.
The All-AFL receiver has good speed, strong hands and lots of determination. With his diligence and hard work he'll continue to improve his moves as long as he continues to play, which should be for quite a while."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"For the second straight year, George led the Jets in pass receptions. His 75 catches topped the American Football League. In 1966, George was the Jets' MVP."
-1968 No. 13
PETE LAMMONS
Tight End
No. 87
Texas
"The third member of the Jets' trio of receivers, Pete Lammons may have been overshadowed a little by his co-workers last season, but he wasn't overlooked by Joe Namath. For the second consecutive year, he led all AFL tight ends in receptions with 45 for 515 yards, an average of 11.4, and two touchdowns.
The 6-3, 228-pound Texan is strong enough to help the running game with his timely blocks, and can bulldog his way across the middle to grab Namath's short passes in third down situations.
He played his college ball at Texas."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Another one of the fine New York Jets ends, Pete led all American Football League tight ends in pass receptions with 41 in 1966.
Pete was the top defensive player in the 1965 Orange Bowl."
-1968 Topps No. 143
Monday, September 22, 2014
1968 Profile: Joe Namath
Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"A record-breaking season in 1967 followed Joe Namath's second knee operation. The 6-2, 191-pound quarterback had more mobility than before and more experience in reading defenses, which enabled him to pass for 4,077 yards - the most ever in either league. Joe Willie led the AFL with 491 attempts and 258 completions (four short of the AFL record) for a second-place percentage of .525 and an average gain of 8.16. The only black mark on his record was the 28 interceptions he threw - the league high.
His trigger-quick release may too quick sometimes, causing him to throw into a crowd far too often. With more confidence in his shaky knees following a third operation in the off-season, Joe is now probably looking forward to breaking all the records he set last year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Despite several knee operations, Joe paced the AFL last season in pass completions, total yards gained and average yards gained per completion. He was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965."
-1968 Topps No. 65
No. 12
Alabama
"A record-breaking season in 1967 followed Joe Namath's second knee operation. The 6-2, 191-pound quarterback had more mobility than before and more experience in reading defenses, which enabled him to pass for 4,077 yards - the most ever in either league. Joe Willie led the AFL with 491 attempts and 258 completions (four short of the AFL record) for a second-place percentage of .525 and an average gain of 8.16. The only black mark on his record was the 28 interceptions he threw - the league high.
His trigger-quick release may too quick sometimes, causing him to throw into a crowd far too often. With more confidence in his shaky knees following a third operation in the off-season, Joe is now probably looking forward to breaking all the records he set last year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Despite several knee operations, Joe paced the AFL last season in pass completions, total yards gained and average yards gained per completion. He was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965."
-1968 Topps No. 65
Saturday, September 20, 2014
1968 Profile: Weeb Ewbank
Head Coach
"In the past couple of years, being the coach of the New York Jets has required a unique amalgam of patience, resourcefulness, insouciance and tolerance. Miraculously, Weeb Ewbank has filled the bill on all accounts.
He has had to smile through jibes that some of his moves were dictated by former owner Sonny Werblin, he has had to endure the off-the field-capers of his prize quarterback, Joe Namath, and he has had to watch his leviathan offensive line slow his running game down to waltz. Through it all he was expected to win. He did. Not the big brass ring the Jets have been after since the coming of Namath, but at least the role of a ranking contender.
The reason for even this modest success is Ewbank himself, because behind his elfin-like exterior breathes a real flesh-and-blood coach. It has been said on more than one occasion that there is no team in either professional league that goes into a game better prepared than a Ewbank-coached team. And it's probably true.
Weeb's track record since his days as an assistant to Paul Brown in Cleveland includes his rebuilding of a doormat Baltimore club into one of the league's perennial powerhouses; he won two NFL championships in Baltimore, and along the way uncovered such stars as Johnny Unitas, Gino Marchetti, Jim Parker, Big Daddy Lipscomb and Don Shula, among others.
Since coming to New York, he has helped to erase the torpid image of the old Titans and shape the Jets into one of professional football's most exciting teams. All he needs to complete the picture now is an AFL title. He may get one soon."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"In the past couple of years, being the coach of the New York Jets has required a unique amalgam of patience, resourcefulness, insouciance and tolerance. Miraculously, Weeb Ewbank has filled the bill on all accounts.
He has had to smile through jibes that some of his moves were dictated by former owner Sonny Werblin, he has had to endure the off-the field-capers of his prize quarterback, Joe Namath, and he has had to watch his leviathan offensive line slow his running game down to waltz. Through it all he was expected to win. He did. Not the big brass ring the Jets have been after since the coming of Namath, but at least the role of a ranking contender.
The reason for even this modest success is Ewbank himself, because behind his elfin-like exterior breathes a real flesh-and-blood coach. It has been said on more than one occasion that there is no team in either professional league that goes into a game better prepared than a Ewbank-coached team. And it's probably true.
Weeb's track record since his days as an assistant to Paul Brown in Cleveland includes his rebuilding of a doormat Baltimore club into one of the league's perennial powerhouses; he won two NFL championships in Baltimore, and along the way uncovered such stars as Johnny Unitas, Gino Marchetti, Jim Parker, Big Daddy Lipscomb and Don Shula, among others.
Since coming to New York, he has helped to erase the torpid image of the old Titans and shape the Jets into one of professional football's most exciting teams. All he needs to complete the picture now is an AFL title. He may get one soon."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Thursday, September 18, 2014
1968 New York Jets Outlook
"The airlines will dispute this, of course, but you can't get everywhere by air. Just ask the Jets. With Joe Namath winging the ball for more yards last year than any other passer in history, the Jets still finished short of their destination, which was first place. This trip though, they'll get to where they're going on the combined efforts of Joe's passing and a revved-up running attack.
Perhaps the most staggering statistic of last year was the 368 yards of total offense the Jets galvanized per game with 274.6 in passing alone. How could a team capable of this kind of production fail to win the title? It's easy, when you have to depend on passing alone. (Sonny Jurgensen and the Washington Redskins can probably embellish that statement.) As the Jets will demonstrate, you have to come down to earth once in a while, and that's why they'll finally win this year.
Namath commandeers the exciting passing game. His knees are reported sound. His mind is on football during the game. And his arm is young and supple. Should he need any relief, there is always dependable Mike Taliaferro to run in for a couple of plays.
When the ball is put up in the air, the Jets will have the best in the business tracking them in George Sauer and Don Maynard, who were only the most dangerous pair of outside receivers in the league last year. Maynard, incidentally, enjoyed a rare 12-catch day against Oakland's Kent McCloughan. Tight end Pete Lammons is not winning as many personal notices as his two colleagues, but he comes in for his share of catches and just missed making the top ten in '67. Double-teaming this trio is almost suicidal. Coach Weeb Ewbank doesn't need too many reserves in this department, and he'll keep veteran Bake Turner ready on the sidelines as his No. 1 spare. Two rookies who will be tested are Harvey Nairn (Southern U.) and Gary Houser (Oregon State).
Don't blame Namath for the lack of a running game. It's not that he's greedy, it's simply that the Jets two ace backs, Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer, were wiped out by injuries last year, and that virtually eliminated the ground game. Both runners are back now and the Jets should have their strongest running game ever - with plenty of depth to boot. Bill Mathis, Mark Smolinski and Billy Joe from a veteran crew or reliable subs; but they will have to withstand the challenge of two highly promising rookies - Lee White, a 6-4, 240-pounder from Weber State drafted in the first round, and Bob Taylor, a 5-11, 210-pounder from Maryland State picked in the eighth round. White could be a star. He runs with exceptional speed (4.7 for 40 yards) and he's a tireless worker (he chalked up 3,062 yards on 648 carries in three collegiate seasons).
The annual rap hung on the Jets' offensive line is that it is there strictly to protect Namath. Ewbank would like to debunk that tale this year and he's going to do something about it. He's given 320-pound tackle Sherman Plunkett an ultimatum to get his weight down below the 300 level or lose his job. Big Sherm's probable replacement will be Jim Harris, a three-year starter of the defensive line. At the other tackle is Winston Hill, who made the All-Star team last year, and the guards are Dave Herman and second-year man Randy Rasmussen, who Ewbank says had 'an outstanding year for a rookie' in 1967. But both must learn that football is a two-way game and will have to sharpen their blocking on running plays. The center is John Schmitt, returning for his third season. He'll have to go most of the way himself unless Ewbank can find a capable sub. Rookie Sam Walton (East Texas State) will move up as the spare tackle, Harrison Rosdahl, formerly with the Bills and Chiefs, and soph Jeff Richardson are the extra guards, and Paul Crane will come in at center to handle the snaps on punting downs.
There should be no letdown in the relentless Jet defense that last year finished third overall in the league. The Jets give you a pretty strong rush from the outside, but it could be stronger on the inside, and this is where they'll look for their biggest improvement in 1968. Gerry Philbin at one end is rated as one of the best in the league, and Verlon Biggs at the other end is a potential All-Star if he can return to his 1966 form; his play slackened off last year. Paul Rochester is the incumbent at left tackle and John Elliott, who was a first-stringer the last three games of '67, will take Harris' place at right tackle. He was only 229 pounds by the end of the year, however, and the Jets want him up to 245, which his 6-4 frame should be capable of handling. He could provide the quick inside rush. Backup duty will fall to holdovers Steve Thompson, Dennis Randall and Bert Wilder and rookies Ray Hayes (Toledo), Steve Chomyszak (Syracuse) and Karl Henke (Tulsa).
The linebackers are tough enough to patrol Central Park at night. They are Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson and Ralph Baker, who have played together long enough to know each other's moves. This year the Jets hope to realize their investment in Carl McAdams, their No. 1 draft choice for '66 who has been sidelined the past two years with a fractured ankle and a broken toe. Crane will also help out at one of the corners and other candidates will rookie Lee Jacobsen (Kearney State) and taxi-squaders Bill Yearby and Mike Stomberg.
In the old days, if the enemy wanted a quick strike, he would pick on the Jet cornerbacks. But that's now a thing of the past. The secondary is now bolstered by veteran cornerback Johnny Sample and Randy Beverly, who turned in a brilliant rookie campaign after Cornell Gordon was injured last year. Gordon is now trying to reclaim his old job and two rookies who will be on hand are John Dockery (Harvard) and Jim Richards (VPI). The safeties are adequately manned by Jim Hudson on the strong side and Billy Baird on the right side. Challenges will come from Henry King and Bill Rademacher."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
IN BRIEF
Probable 1968 Finish: 1st
Strengths: Namath's aerial wizardry combined with the glue-fingered receiving of Sauer and Maynard, good running (if Snell and Boozer are healthy) and tough linebacking.
Biggest Needs: better blocking on the offensive line on running plays; some help in the front four and in the deep secondary.
1967 finish: 2nd (8-5-1)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Weeb Ewbank's five-year plan for the New York Jets finally expired without the anticipated championship, though there was one bit of solace. The Jets finally came up with a winning season, believe it or not- their first in an eight-year history.
They finished one game out for the Eastern Division crown because they didn't have the depth to compensate for key injuries to their running backs, first Matt Snell and then Emerson Boozer. Boozer had already established himself as the most effective back in the AFL by scoring 10 touchdowns in the first seven games, until his knee was racked up. If the surgery was successful (and that goes for the knee operation on Snell, too), the Jets can expand with optimism. Their rookie prospect, Lee White of Weber State, has the size and speed to fill in the running gaps.
Joe Namath, with love beads, ringlets and llama rug, is still the greatest asset a team can have. He had another knee operation, on a tendon, but that's like getting another shot of cortisone for him. Joe even showed some mobility last year. The passing arm, as usual, was great, though Joe still has that insouciant tendency to put the ball in the air when he shouldn't. His 28 interceptions led the league.
As a brace of receivers for Namath's passes, Don Maynard and George Sauer merit comparisons with any. Pete Lammons is a rugged target at tight end."
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
1968 New York Jets Preseason Roster
62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova
46 Bill Baird (DB) San Francisco State
51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State
Lou Bell (TE) North Carolina
42 Randy Beverly (DB) Colorado State
86 Verlon Biggs (DE) Jackson State
Tom Bilotta (DE) Adams State
Gene Bledsoe (OG) Tulsa
32 Emerson Boozer (HB) Maryland State
Tommy Burnett (FL) Arkansas
77 Steve Chomyszak (DT) Syracuse
45 Earl Christy (DB) Maryland State
Jim Corcoran (QB) Maryland
56 Paul Crane (LB) Alabama
Mike D'Amato (DB) Hofstra
*John Dockery (DB) Harvard
80 John Elliott (DT-DE) Texas
Vic Esposito (OT-G) North Carolina
48 Cornell Gordon (DB) North Carolina A & T
60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi
Dave Hankee (OG) Catawba State
78 Jim Harris (OT) Utah State
Ray Hayes (DT) Toledo
28 Abner Haynes (HB) West Texas State
Karl Henke (DE) Tulsa
67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State
75 Winston Hill (OT) Texas Southern
*Gary Houser (P-TE) Oregon State
22 Jim Hudson (DB) Texas
Lee Jacobsen (OT) Kearney State
35 Billy Joe (FB) Villanova
33 Curley Johnson (P-TE) Houston
40 Henry King (DB) Utah State
87 Pete Lammons (TE) Texas
*Oscar Lubke (OT) Ball State (Indiana)
*Gary Magner (DT) USC
31 Bill Mathis (HB) Clemson
13 Don Maynard (FL) Texas Western
50 Carl McAdams (LB) Oklahoma
Tom Myslinski (OG) Maryland
Harvey Nairn (FL-DB) Southern
12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama
Henry Owens (HB-SP) Weber State
81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo
79 Sherman Plunkett (OT) Maryland State
23 Bill Rademacher (DB) Northern Michigan
73 Dennis Randall (DE) Oklahoma State
66 Randy Rasmussen (OG) Kearney State
Jim Richards (DB-FL) Virginia Tech
74 Jeff Richardson (G) Michigan State
Wayne Richardson (OE) Newark C. of E.
72 Paul Rochester (DT) Michigan State
24 John Sample (DB) Maryland State
83 George Sauer (OE) Texas
52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra
20 Bob Schweikert (OB-FL) Virginia Tech
Ray Scott (TE-P) Prairie View
71 Paul Seiler (C-OT) Notre Dame
30 Mark Slominski (FB) Wyoming
41 Matt Snell (FB) Ohio State
Bill Starr (TE) Hofstra
Miles Strasser (RB) Oshkosh State
Mike Stromberg (LB) Temple
17 Mike Taliaferro (QB) Illinois
*Robert Taylor (HB) Maryland State
*Steve Thompson (DE-DT) Washington
29 Bake Turner (OE) Texas Tech
11 Jim Turner (K-QB) Utah State
Sam Walton (OT) East Texas State
*Lee White (FB) Weber State
82 Bert Wilder (DT) North Carolina State
Ron Wyka (DE) Memphis State
* rookie
-Pro Football 1968
1968 New York Jets Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12, Mike Taliaferro (Illinois) 17, Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32, Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Robert Taylor (Maryland State)*
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41, Mark Smolinski (Wyoming) 30, Lee White (Weber State)*
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75, Oscar Lubke (Ball State)*
G - Randy Rasmussen (Kearney State) 66, Jeff Richardson (Michigan State) 74
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67, Harrison Rosdahl (Penn State)
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78, Sherman Plunkett (Maryland State) 79
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87, Gary Houser (Oregon State)*
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13
DEFENSE
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81, Gary Magner (USC)*
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72, Steve Chomyszak (Syracuse) 77
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80, Bert Wilder (North Carolina State) 82
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86, Steve Thompson (Washington)*
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62, Carl McAdams (Oklahoma) 50
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Bill Yearby (Michigan) 88
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24, John Dockery (Harvard)*
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Henry King (Utah State) 40
CB - Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48, Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42
* rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12, Babe Parilli (Kentucky) 15, Mike Taliaferro (Illinois) 17
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32, Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45, Lee White (Weber State)*,
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41, Mark Smolinski (Wyoming) 30, Billy Joe (Villanova) 35
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75, Sam Walton (East Texas State)*
G - Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66, Bob Talamini (Kentucky) 61
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78, Jeff Richardson (Michigan State) 74
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87, Gary Houser (Oregon State)*
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
DEFENSE
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81, Bert Wilder (North Carolina State) 82
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72, Ray Hayes (Toledo)*
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80, Steve Thompson (Washington)*
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86, Karl Henke (Tulsa)*
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62, Carl McAdams (Oklahoma) 50
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Mike Stromberg (Temple)*
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24, Henry King (Utah State) 40
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Jim Richards (VPI)*
CB - Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42, Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48
SPECIALISTS
K - Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
PR - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
* rookie
1968 New York Jets Profile Summary
Head Coach - Weeb Ewbank
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12
QB - Babe Parilli (Kentucky) 15
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32
HB - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67
G - Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66
G - Bob Talamini (Kentucky) 61
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24
CB - Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46
DB - Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48
DB - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
K - Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
PR - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46
Perhaps the most staggering statistic of last year was the 368 yards of total offense the Jets galvanized per game with 274.6 in passing alone. How could a team capable of this kind of production fail to win the title? It's easy, when you have to depend on passing alone. (Sonny Jurgensen and the Washington Redskins can probably embellish that statement.) As the Jets will demonstrate, you have to come down to earth once in a while, and that's why they'll finally win this year.
Namath commandeers the exciting passing game. His knees are reported sound. His mind is on football during the game. And his arm is young and supple. Should he need any relief, there is always dependable Mike Taliaferro to run in for a couple of plays.
When the ball is put up in the air, the Jets will have the best in the business tracking them in George Sauer and Don Maynard, who were only the most dangerous pair of outside receivers in the league last year. Maynard, incidentally, enjoyed a rare 12-catch day against Oakland's Kent McCloughan. Tight end Pete Lammons is not winning as many personal notices as his two colleagues, but he comes in for his share of catches and just missed making the top ten in '67. Double-teaming this trio is almost suicidal. Coach Weeb Ewbank doesn't need too many reserves in this department, and he'll keep veteran Bake Turner ready on the sidelines as his No. 1 spare. Two rookies who will be tested are Harvey Nairn (Southern U.) and Gary Houser (Oregon State).
Don't blame Namath for the lack of a running game. It's not that he's greedy, it's simply that the Jets two ace backs, Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer, were wiped out by injuries last year, and that virtually eliminated the ground game. Both runners are back now and the Jets should have their strongest running game ever - with plenty of depth to boot. Bill Mathis, Mark Smolinski and Billy Joe from a veteran crew or reliable subs; but they will have to withstand the challenge of two highly promising rookies - Lee White, a 6-4, 240-pounder from Weber State drafted in the first round, and Bob Taylor, a 5-11, 210-pounder from Maryland State picked in the eighth round. White could be a star. He runs with exceptional speed (4.7 for 40 yards) and he's a tireless worker (he chalked up 3,062 yards on 648 carries in three collegiate seasons).
The annual rap hung on the Jets' offensive line is that it is there strictly to protect Namath. Ewbank would like to debunk that tale this year and he's going to do something about it. He's given 320-pound tackle Sherman Plunkett an ultimatum to get his weight down below the 300 level or lose his job. Big Sherm's probable replacement will be Jim Harris, a three-year starter of the defensive line. At the other tackle is Winston Hill, who made the All-Star team last year, and the guards are Dave Herman and second-year man Randy Rasmussen, who Ewbank says had 'an outstanding year for a rookie' in 1967. But both must learn that football is a two-way game and will have to sharpen their blocking on running plays. The center is John Schmitt, returning for his third season. He'll have to go most of the way himself unless Ewbank can find a capable sub. Rookie Sam Walton (East Texas State) will move up as the spare tackle, Harrison Rosdahl, formerly with the Bills and Chiefs, and soph Jeff Richardson are the extra guards, and Paul Crane will come in at center to handle the snaps on punting downs.
There should be no letdown in the relentless Jet defense that last year finished third overall in the league. The Jets give you a pretty strong rush from the outside, but it could be stronger on the inside, and this is where they'll look for their biggest improvement in 1968. Gerry Philbin at one end is rated as one of the best in the league, and Verlon Biggs at the other end is a potential All-Star if he can return to his 1966 form; his play slackened off last year. Paul Rochester is the incumbent at left tackle and John Elliott, who was a first-stringer the last three games of '67, will take Harris' place at right tackle. He was only 229 pounds by the end of the year, however, and the Jets want him up to 245, which his 6-4 frame should be capable of handling. He could provide the quick inside rush. Backup duty will fall to holdovers Steve Thompson, Dennis Randall and Bert Wilder and rookies Ray Hayes (Toledo), Steve Chomyszak (Syracuse) and Karl Henke (Tulsa).
The linebackers are tough enough to patrol Central Park at night. They are Larry Grantham, Al Atkinson and Ralph Baker, who have played together long enough to know each other's moves. This year the Jets hope to realize their investment in Carl McAdams, their No. 1 draft choice for '66 who has been sidelined the past two years with a fractured ankle and a broken toe. Crane will also help out at one of the corners and other candidates will rookie Lee Jacobsen (Kearney State) and taxi-squaders Bill Yearby and Mike Stomberg.
In the old days, if the enemy wanted a quick strike, he would pick on the Jet cornerbacks. But that's now a thing of the past. The secondary is now bolstered by veteran cornerback Johnny Sample and Randy Beverly, who turned in a brilliant rookie campaign after Cornell Gordon was injured last year. Gordon is now trying to reclaim his old job and two rookies who will be on hand are John Dockery (Harvard) and Jim Richards (VPI). The safeties are adequately manned by Jim Hudson on the strong side and Billy Baird on the right side. Challenges will come from Henry King and Bill Rademacher."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
IN BRIEF
Probable 1968 Finish: 1st
Strengths: Namath's aerial wizardry combined with the glue-fingered receiving of Sauer and Maynard, good running (if Snell and Boozer are healthy) and tough linebacking.
Biggest Needs: better blocking on the offensive line on running plays; some help in the front four and in the deep secondary.
1967 finish: 2nd (8-5-1)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Weeb Ewbank's five-year plan for the New York Jets finally expired without the anticipated championship, though there was one bit of solace. The Jets finally came up with a winning season, believe it or not- their first in an eight-year history.
They finished one game out for the Eastern Division crown because they didn't have the depth to compensate for key injuries to their running backs, first Matt Snell and then Emerson Boozer. Boozer had already established himself as the most effective back in the AFL by scoring 10 touchdowns in the first seven games, until his knee was racked up. If the surgery was successful (and that goes for the knee operation on Snell, too), the Jets can expand with optimism. Their rookie prospect, Lee White of Weber State, has the size and speed to fill in the running gaps.
Joe Namath, with love beads, ringlets and llama rug, is still the greatest asset a team can have. He had another knee operation, on a tendon, but that's like getting another shot of cortisone for him. Joe even showed some mobility last year. The passing arm, as usual, was great, though Joe still has that insouciant tendency to put the ball in the air when he shouldn't. His 28 interceptions led the league.
As a brace of receivers for Namath's passes, Don Maynard and George Sauer merit comparisons with any. Pete Lammons is a rugged target at tight end."
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
1968 New York Jets Preseason Roster
62 Al Atkinson (LB) Villanova
46 Bill Baird (DB) San Francisco State
51 Ralph Baker (LB) Penn State
Lou Bell (TE) North Carolina
42 Randy Beverly (DB) Colorado State
86 Verlon Biggs (DE) Jackson State
Tom Bilotta (DE) Adams State
Gene Bledsoe (OG) Tulsa
32 Emerson Boozer (HB) Maryland State
Tommy Burnett (FL) Arkansas
77 Steve Chomyszak (DT) Syracuse
45 Earl Christy (DB) Maryland State
Jim Corcoran (QB) Maryland
56 Paul Crane (LB) Alabama
Mike D'Amato (DB) Hofstra
*John Dockery (DB) Harvard
80 John Elliott (DT-DE) Texas
Vic Esposito (OT-G) North Carolina
48 Cornell Gordon (DB) North Carolina A & T
60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi
Dave Hankee (OG) Catawba State
78 Jim Harris (OT) Utah State
Ray Hayes (DT) Toledo
28 Abner Haynes (HB) West Texas State
Karl Henke (DE) Tulsa
67 Dave Herman (G) Michigan State
75 Winston Hill (OT) Texas Southern
*Gary Houser (P-TE) Oregon State
22 Jim Hudson (DB) Texas
Lee Jacobsen (OT) Kearney State
35 Billy Joe (FB) Villanova
33 Curley Johnson (P-TE) Houston
40 Henry King (DB) Utah State
87 Pete Lammons (TE) Texas
*Oscar Lubke (OT) Ball State (Indiana)
*Gary Magner (DT) USC
31 Bill Mathis (HB) Clemson
13 Don Maynard (FL) Texas Western
50 Carl McAdams (LB) Oklahoma
Tom Myslinski (OG) Maryland
Harvey Nairn (FL-DB) Southern
12 Joe Namath (QB) Alabama
Henry Owens (HB-SP) Weber State
81 Gerry Philbin (DE) Buffalo
79 Sherman Plunkett (OT) Maryland State
23 Bill Rademacher (DB) Northern Michigan
73 Dennis Randall (DE) Oklahoma State
66 Randy Rasmussen (OG) Kearney State
Jim Richards (DB-FL) Virginia Tech
74 Jeff Richardson (G) Michigan State
Wayne Richardson (OE) Newark C. of E.
72 Paul Rochester (DT) Michigan State
24 John Sample (DB) Maryland State
83 George Sauer (OE) Texas
52 John Schmitt (C) Hofstra
20 Bob Schweikert (OB-FL) Virginia Tech
Ray Scott (TE-P) Prairie View
71 Paul Seiler (C-OT) Notre Dame
30 Mark Slominski (FB) Wyoming
41 Matt Snell (FB) Ohio State
Bill Starr (TE) Hofstra
Miles Strasser (RB) Oshkosh State
Mike Stromberg (LB) Temple
17 Mike Taliaferro (QB) Illinois
*Robert Taylor (HB) Maryland State
*Steve Thompson (DE-DT) Washington
29 Bake Turner (OE) Texas Tech
11 Jim Turner (K-QB) Utah State
Sam Walton (OT) East Texas State
*Lee White (FB) Weber State
82 Bert Wilder (DT) North Carolina State
Ron Wyka (DE) Memphis State
* rookie
-Pro Football 1968
1968 New York Jets Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12, Mike Taliaferro (Illinois) 17, Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32, Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Robert Taylor (Maryland State)*
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41, Mark Smolinski (Wyoming) 30, Lee White (Weber State)*
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75, Oscar Lubke (Ball State)*
G - Randy Rasmussen (Kearney State) 66, Jeff Richardson (Michigan State) 74
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67, Harrison Rosdahl (Penn State)
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78, Sherman Plunkett (Maryland State) 79
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87, Gary Houser (Oregon State)*
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13
DEFENSE
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81, Gary Magner (USC)*
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72, Steve Chomyszak (Syracuse) 77
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80, Bert Wilder (North Carolina State) 82
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86, Steve Thompson (Washington)*
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62, Carl McAdams (Oklahoma) 50
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Bill Yearby (Michigan) 88
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24, John Dockery (Harvard)*
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Henry King (Utah State) 40
CB - Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48, Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42
* rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
OFFENSE
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12, Babe Parilli (Kentucky) 15, Mike Taliaferro (Illinois) 17
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32, Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45, Lee White (Weber State)*,
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41, Mark Smolinski (Wyoming) 30, Billy Joe (Villanova) 35
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75, Sam Walton (East Texas State)*
G - Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66, Bob Talamini (Kentucky) 61
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78, Jeff Richardson (Michigan State) 74
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87, Gary Houser (Oregon State)*
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
DEFENSE
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81, Bert Wilder (North Carolina State) 82
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72, Ray Hayes (Toledo)*
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80, Steve Thompson (Washington)*
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86, Karl Henke (Tulsa)*
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51, Paul Crane (Alabama) 56
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62, Carl McAdams (Oklahoma) 50
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Mike Stromberg (Temple)*
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24, Henry King (Utah State) 40
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22, Bill Rademacher (Northern Michigan) 23
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Jim Richards (VPI)*
CB - Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42, Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48
SPECIALISTS
K - Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45, Bake Turner (Texas Tech) 29
PR - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46, Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
* rookie
1968 New York Jets Profile Summary
Head Coach - Weeb Ewbank
QB - Joe Namath (Alabama) 12
QB - Babe Parilli (Kentucky) 15
HB - Emerson Boozer (Maryland State) 32
HB - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
FB - Matt Snell (Ohio State) 41
FL - Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13
SE - George Sauer (Texas) 83
TE - Pete Lammons (Texas) 87
C - John Schmitt (Hofstra) 52
G - Dave Herman (Michigan State) 67
G - Randy Rasmussen (Nebraska-Kearney) 66
G - Bob Talamini (Kentucky) 61
T - Winston Hill (Texas Southern) 75
T - Jim Harris (Utah State) 78
DT - Paul Rochester (Michigan State) 72
DT - John Elliott (Texas) 80
DE - Gerry Philbin (Buffalo) 81
DE - Verlon Biggs (Jackson State) 86
MLB - Al Atkinson (Villanova) 62
LB - Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60
LB - Ralph Baker (Penn State) 51
CB - Johnny Sample (Maryland State) 24
CB - Randy Beverly (Colorado State) 42
S - Jim Hudson (Texas) 22
S - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46
DB - Cornell Gordon (North Carolina A & T) 48
DB - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
K - Jim Turner (Utah State) 11
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Earl Christy (Maryland State) 45
PR - Bill Baird (San Francisco State) 46
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
1967 Profile: Pete Lammons
Tight End
No. 87
Texas
"No matter which side he plays on, Pete Lammons always seems to be coming with a Joe Namath pass. As a collegian at Texas, he played tight end and linebacker, and against Namath's team in the 1965 Orange Bowl, he intercepted two passes.
Last year, as the Jets' rookie at tight end, he captured 41 passes for 565 yards and four touchdowns to lead the AFL at his position. A 6-3, 238-pounder, Pete made a rapid adjustment to the pro game for a rookie, finishing fourth in the league in receptions."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Who was the Jets' top rookie last season? Tight end Pete Lammons."
-1967 Topps No. 101
No. 87
Texas
"No matter which side he plays on, Pete Lammons always seems to be coming with a Joe Namath pass. As a collegian at Texas, he played tight end and linebacker, and against Namath's team in the 1965 Orange Bowl, he intercepted two passes.
Last year, as the Jets' rookie at tight end, he captured 41 passes for 565 yards and four touchdowns to lead the AFL at his position. A 6-3, 238-pounder, Pete made a rapid adjustment to the pro game for a rookie, finishing fourth in the league in receptions."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Who was the Jets' top rookie last season? Tight end Pete Lammons."
-1967 Topps No. 101
Monday, September 15, 2014
1967 Jets Halfback Profiles
EMERSON BOOZER
Halfback
No. 32
Maryland State
"As the 1966 season unfolded, Emerson Boozer began to emerge as the exciting breakaway runner the Jets have been seeking for years. By year's end, he was running at full gallop. He finished tenth in the league in rushing with 455 yards gained on 97 carries for a 4.7 average and five touchdowns. The 5-11, 207-pound halfback also had the club's three longest runs of the campaign, clicking off gains of 54, 46 and 39 yards.
He was the Jets' sixth-round draft choice after the 1965 season and played college ball at Maryland State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
BILL MATHIS
Halfback
No. 31
Clemson
"In 1966, Bill split the halfback duties with Emerson Boozer. The good running back is one of the three remaining players from the 1960 team."
-1967 Topps No. 96
ABNER HAYNES
Halfback
No. 28
North Texas
"One of the greatest backs ever produced at North Texas State, a school which has gained considerable renown for producing topflight professionals, Abner Haynes was the Missouri Valley Conference's 'Back of the Year' in both 1958 and 1959.
A quick, elusive running back with 1,890 yards on 347 carries, Haynes excelled also as a receiver with 46 receptions for 579 yards, and as a defender. He scored a total of 158 points during his three seasons at North Texas."
-1960 Fleer No. 73
"Mr. Big of the AFL in 1960: Abner Haynes, a 23-year-old all-duty durable halfback who learned it all at tiny North Texas State. Ab gained more yards than all other league backs, finishing No. 1 in rushing with 875 yards and taking the leadership in punts returned, gaining 215 yards with 14. He was also fifth in pass receptions, going 576 yards with 55, and No. 8 in bringing back kickoffs, earning 434 yards with 19- all of these jobs leading to his selection as player of the year."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"This small but durable performer was named Player of the Year in the inaugural AFL season. Abner led the league in rushing with 875 yards on 156 carries and in punt returns with 14 for 215 yards. He caught 55 passes for 576 yards, scored 12 touchdowns for 72 points and returned 19 kickoffs for 434 yards.
A workhorse of the first order, Abner carried the ball 27 times in one game last year."
-1961 Fleer No. 203
"Snaked-hipped Ab, a 'one-man gang,' was the AFL Player of the Year in 1960. He led the league in rushing (5.6-yard average) and punt runbacks. Abner caught 55 passes."
-1961 Topps No. 133
"Slick as a sleet-coated highway is Abner Haynes, particularly when he's in full flight on a sweep. First among ball-carriers in 1960, he was No. 3 in '61 with 841 yards on 179 carries. His nine touchdowns by land tied for the top AFL mark and his five in one game (vs. Oakland) is a one-game standard. The 25-year-old Dallas dynamiter added another three tallies as a receiver and gained 558 yards with 34 receptions."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"The American Football League's Player of the Year in 1960, Ab missed three games in 1961 due to injuries, but still accumulated enough yardage to finish third in the league's rushing race. Fleet, shifty Haynes sprinted 841 yards on 179 carries for an average of 4.7. He ranked sixth in punt returns, hauling in 19 and running them back at the pace of 10.3 yards per return.
In 1961, Haynes was also sixth in scoring. He ran for nine touchdowns, caught three touchdown passes and finished with 78 points."
-1962 Fleer No. 25
"The man with the most moves with or without the ball is Abner Haynes, 25, the deer-swift smoothie who set the circuit mark of 19 touchdowns in 1962 while operating as a halfback and a flanker man. He was No. 2 in rushing, going 1,049 yards in 221 attempts; he also kept busy as a returner of punts and kickoffs.
Haynes is considered the most exciting runner around and has been an All-AFL choice for three years. He now lives in Dallas."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
'Abner is undoubtedly the outstanding star bred within the AFL. He was the most valuable player in its first year and has continued to be a unanimous all-league selection.
Abner runs with a deceptively long stride that effectively sheds tacklers. Last season he paced the AFL with 19 touchdowns and finished second in rushing with 1,049 yards on 221 carries. He also grabbed 39 passes when the Texans put him out on the flank."
-1963 Fleer No. 48
"What made Abner Haynes stop rushing after he gained 1,049 yards in rushing and paced AFL scorers in 1962? The sudden slump of the 26-year-old flash was totally unexpected and his '63 credentials were the lowest in a four-year career that has earned him All-AFL plaudits three times. Reduced to second-string flanker status after he couldn't shape up in his early games, he carried only 99 times for 352 yards and took 33 passes for 470 yards, far below his combined rushing-passing statistics of 1,622 in 1961."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"The first great player in the AFL, Abner Haynes hopes to bounce back to top form after a mediocre 1963 season. His rushing yardage dropped to 352 on only 99 carries. In 1962, he gained 1,049 yards- runnerup to league leader Cookie Gilchrist.
He's also a top pass catcher, grabbing 33 last season for 470 yards. Counting kickoff and punt returns, Haynes has been responsible for 6,932 yards in four years. A college hero at North Texas State, he holds the AFL record with 19 touchdowns in one season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Abner was the first big-name star produced by the American Football League. The shifty running back takes great pleasure in teasing his would-be tackler and breaking into the clear for a big gain.
A top runner and pass receiver, Ab had his best year in 1962. During that season he scored 114 points as he picked up 1,049 yards rushing. In '61, he scored five touchdowns in one game!"
-1964 Topps No. 98
"A return to near-perennial form by Abner Haynes couldn't have been better timed. His acquisition by Denver gives the running game added legs.
After a record-shattering season in 1962, when he scored 19 touchdowns and gained 1,622 yards by rushing and pass-catching, he tailed off suddenly and drastically in '63; he picked up only 352 yards. But with the Chiefs last season, he finished fifth in the league in the league in rushing with 713 yards on 137 carries.
He's still one of the most breathtaking runners in the AFL."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs for Jim Fraser, Abner is one of the greatest stars in the AFL. He holds the all-time AFL rushing record of 3,830 yards for five seasons. He is the fourth highest scorer in AFL history and tops all players in the league in touchdowns. Abner was the AFL Player of the Year in 1960.
A perfect halfback, Abner is swift, shifty and a brilliant runner."
-1965 Topps No. 53
"One of the pioneer players in the AFL, Abner is a perfect halfback. He is fast, elusive and has good balance. He tops all players in the AFL in runs scored.
Abner was the top kickoff return specialist last year. He averaged 26.5 yards in 34 attempts."
-1966 Topps No. 35
"At 30, Abner Haynes may not be the same whirlwind he was when he became the AFL's first Player of the Year in 1960, but he still was good enough last season to pace the Broncos in total offense. He gained 304 yards rushing and picked up another 480 on the receiving end of passes for an aggregate of 784 yards.
He's a shifty, unpredictable runner and a sure-fingered pass catcher. Abner now ranks third on the all-time list of AFL rushers with 4.284 yards; he's scored more touchdowns on the ground than anyone else in the league- 44.
Before coming to Miami in 1967, he played for Dallas and Denver. In 1962 he gained 1,049 yards rushing and 573 receiving, along with a combined total of 19 touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Swift and extremely shifty, Abner is the third leading ground-gainer in American Football League history. He was the player of the year in 1960, his rookie season."
-1967 Topps No. 35
Halfback
No. 32
Maryland State
"As the 1966 season unfolded, Emerson Boozer began to emerge as the exciting breakaway runner the Jets have been seeking for years. By year's end, he was running at full gallop. He finished tenth in the league in rushing with 455 yards gained on 97 carries for a 4.7 average and five touchdowns. The 5-11, 207-pound halfback also had the club's three longest runs of the campaign, clicking off gains of 54, 46 and 39 yards.
He was the Jets' sixth-round draft choice after the 1965 season and played college ball at Maryland State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
BILL MATHIS
Halfback
No. 31
Clemson
"In 1966, Bill split the halfback duties with Emerson Boozer. The good running back is one of the three remaining players from the 1960 team."
-1967 Topps No. 96
ABNER HAYNES
Halfback
No. 28
North Texas
"One of the greatest backs ever produced at North Texas State, a school which has gained considerable renown for producing topflight professionals, Abner Haynes was the Missouri Valley Conference's 'Back of the Year' in both 1958 and 1959.
A quick, elusive running back with 1,890 yards on 347 carries, Haynes excelled also as a receiver with 46 receptions for 579 yards, and as a defender. He scored a total of 158 points during his three seasons at North Texas."
-1960 Fleer No. 73
"Mr. Big of the AFL in 1960: Abner Haynes, a 23-year-old all-duty durable halfback who learned it all at tiny North Texas State. Ab gained more yards than all other league backs, finishing No. 1 in rushing with 875 yards and taking the leadership in punts returned, gaining 215 yards with 14. He was also fifth in pass receptions, going 576 yards with 55, and No. 8 in bringing back kickoffs, earning 434 yards with 19- all of these jobs leading to his selection as player of the year."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"This small but durable performer was named Player of the Year in the inaugural AFL season. Abner led the league in rushing with 875 yards on 156 carries and in punt returns with 14 for 215 yards. He caught 55 passes for 576 yards, scored 12 touchdowns for 72 points and returned 19 kickoffs for 434 yards.
A workhorse of the first order, Abner carried the ball 27 times in one game last year."
-1961 Fleer No. 203
"Snaked-hipped Ab, a 'one-man gang,' was the AFL Player of the Year in 1960. He led the league in rushing (5.6-yard average) and punt runbacks. Abner caught 55 passes."
-1961 Topps No. 133
"Slick as a sleet-coated highway is Abner Haynes, particularly when he's in full flight on a sweep. First among ball-carriers in 1960, he was No. 3 in '61 with 841 yards on 179 carries. His nine touchdowns by land tied for the top AFL mark and his five in one game (vs. Oakland) is a one-game standard. The 25-year-old Dallas dynamiter added another three tallies as a receiver and gained 558 yards with 34 receptions."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"The American Football League's Player of the Year in 1960, Ab missed three games in 1961 due to injuries, but still accumulated enough yardage to finish third in the league's rushing race. Fleet, shifty Haynes sprinted 841 yards on 179 carries for an average of 4.7. He ranked sixth in punt returns, hauling in 19 and running them back at the pace of 10.3 yards per return.
In 1961, Haynes was also sixth in scoring. He ran for nine touchdowns, caught three touchdown passes and finished with 78 points."
-1962 Fleer No. 25
"The man with the most moves with or without the ball is Abner Haynes, 25, the deer-swift smoothie who set the circuit mark of 19 touchdowns in 1962 while operating as a halfback and a flanker man. He was No. 2 in rushing, going 1,049 yards in 221 attempts; he also kept busy as a returner of punts and kickoffs.
Haynes is considered the most exciting runner around and has been an All-AFL choice for three years. He now lives in Dallas."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
'Abner is undoubtedly the outstanding star bred within the AFL. He was the most valuable player in its first year and has continued to be a unanimous all-league selection.
Abner runs with a deceptively long stride that effectively sheds tacklers. Last season he paced the AFL with 19 touchdowns and finished second in rushing with 1,049 yards on 221 carries. He also grabbed 39 passes when the Texans put him out on the flank."
-1963 Fleer No. 48
"What made Abner Haynes stop rushing after he gained 1,049 yards in rushing and paced AFL scorers in 1962? The sudden slump of the 26-year-old flash was totally unexpected and his '63 credentials were the lowest in a four-year career that has earned him All-AFL plaudits three times. Reduced to second-string flanker status after he couldn't shape up in his early games, he carried only 99 times for 352 yards and took 33 passes for 470 yards, far below his combined rushing-passing statistics of 1,622 in 1961."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"The first great player in the AFL, Abner Haynes hopes to bounce back to top form after a mediocre 1963 season. His rushing yardage dropped to 352 on only 99 carries. In 1962, he gained 1,049 yards- runnerup to league leader Cookie Gilchrist.
He's also a top pass catcher, grabbing 33 last season for 470 yards. Counting kickoff and punt returns, Haynes has been responsible for 6,932 yards in four years. A college hero at North Texas State, he holds the AFL record with 19 touchdowns in one season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Abner was the first big-name star produced by the American Football League. The shifty running back takes great pleasure in teasing his would-be tackler and breaking into the clear for a big gain.
A top runner and pass receiver, Ab had his best year in 1962. During that season he scored 114 points as he picked up 1,049 yards rushing. In '61, he scored five touchdowns in one game!"
-1964 Topps No. 98
"A return to near-perennial form by Abner Haynes couldn't have been better timed. His acquisition by Denver gives the running game added legs.
After a record-shattering season in 1962, when he scored 19 touchdowns and gained 1,622 yards by rushing and pass-catching, he tailed off suddenly and drastically in '63; he picked up only 352 yards. But with the Chiefs last season, he finished fifth in the league in the league in rushing with 713 yards on 137 carries.
He's still one of the most breathtaking runners in the AFL."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs for Jim Fraser, Abner is one of the greatest stars in the AFL. He holds the all-time AFL rushing record of 3,830 yards for five seasons. He is the fourth highest scorer in AFL history and tops all players in the league in touchdowns. Abner was the AFL Player of the Year in 1960.
A perfect halfback, Abner is swift, shifty and a brilliant runner."
-1965 Topps No. 53
"One of the pioneer players in the AFL, Abner is a perfect halfback. He is fast, elusive and has good balance. He tops all players in the AFL in runs scored.
Abner was the top kickoff return specialist last year. He averaged 26.5 yards in 34 attempts."
-1966 Topps No. 35
"At 30, Abner Haynes may not be the same whirlwind he was when he became the AFL's first Player of the Year in 1960, but he still was good enough last season to pace the Broncos in total offense. He gained 304 yards rushing and picked up another 480 on the receiving end of passes for an aggregate of 784 yards.
He's a shifty, unpredictable runner and a sure-fingered pass catcher. Abner now ranks third on the all-time list of AFL rushers with 4.284 yards; he's scored more touchdowns on the ground than anyone else in the league- 44.
Before coming to Miami in 1967, he played for Dallas and Denver. In 1962 he gained 1,049 yards rushing and 573 receiving, along with a combined total of 19 touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Swift and extremely shifty, Abner is the third leading ground-gainer in American Football League history. He was the player of the year in 1960, his rookie season."
-1967 Topps No. 35
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)