1971 Jets Linebacker Profiles

Al ATKINSON

Middle Linebacker

No. 62

Villanova

"Anchors the defense and captains it. Atkinson came on strong after 1969 injuries and his threat in 1970 to quit the Jets.

The front office felt he had his best year in 1970. Ewbank rates him the finest middle linebacker in the game against both the pass and the run. He intercepted three passes in 1970.

Cut by Buffalo in his rookie year (1965), Atkinson joined the Jets as a free agent. He played the second half of the 1969 Super Bowl with a separated shoulder but kept the fact from teammates and coaches.

Atkinson is a member of the Fellowship of Christain Athletes. He toured Vietnam to meet GI's a couple of years back."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"The defensive captain of the Jets, Al had his greatest year as a pro in 1970. Managing to avoid the injuries which forced him out of games in 1968 and 1969, he gave outstanding performances against Los Angeles, Minnesota and Oakland. He received the game ball for his show against the Rams after intercepting two passes, one to snuff out a Ram drive at the one-yard line and another to set up a field goal.

Al played the second half of the 1969 Super Bowl with a separated shoulder without telling anyone about it. He tipped a pass which led to the Jets' first interception of that game.

He earned a starting role for the final two games of 1965 after great work on specialty teams.

Al operates a travel agency."

-1971 Topps No. 48

""The defensive captain of the Jets, Atkinson had his greatest year as a pro in 1970. He managed to avoid injuries that forced him out of games during the 1968 and 1969 seasons.

He opened up with a standout game at Cleveland and followed it with good games against Boston and Buffalo. He gave outstanding performances against Los Angeles, Minnesota and Buffalo. He received a game ball for his show against the Rams after intercepting two passes, one to snuff out a Ram drive at the 1 and another to set up a Jim Turner field goal. His other interception came against Oakland when he ran a Lamonica pass back 32 yards to set up a field goal.

Atkinson was twice voted the 'Most Underrated' defensive player in the old AFL but came out of those shadows last season. He played the second half of the 1969 Super Bowl with a separated shoulder without telling anyone about it. He tipped the Earl Morrall pass which led to the Jets' first interception. Al has been compared to Dick Butkus by Coach Weeb Ewbank who says, 'Atkinson stands them up at the line just as well,' and is perhaps better on pass coverage.

Al was a third-round draft choice of Buffalo in '65 but came to the Jets on waivers just before the opener. He earned a starting role for the final two games of that season after great work on special teams.

Much in demand as an after-dinner speaker, Atkinson is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He made a tour of Vietnam after the '68 season in conjunction with the USO. He operates the Atkinson & Mullen travel agency in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. His hometown is Upper Darby, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOHN EBERSOLE

Linebacker

No. 55

Penn State

"Ebersole was drafted 4th in 1970 and saw duty in all 14 games, mainly on special teams where he earned the reputation of being a reckless, tough competitor. He also saw some work at middle linebacker, filling for Al Atkinson for the second half of one of the Buffalo games when Atkinson suffered a sprained back. He blocked a field goal try by Minnesota's Fred Cox in the midst of the Jets' win over the Vikings. 

Ebersole majored in physical education. He went to Altoona (Pa.) High in his hometown of Altoona with the Bengals' Mike Reid. He lists simply 'playing in the games' as his biggest athletic thrill."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

LARRY GRANTHAM

Linebacker

No. 60

Mississippi

"Larry switched to the middle linebacker spot for the Jets in 1970 after enjoying an outstanding year at right linebacker in 1969. That year he earned a spot on the AFL-East All-Star squad for the sixth time in his ten years in the league. Two of Larry's finest games of 1969 were against O.J. Simpson and the Buffalo Bills, and Larry earned O.J.'s praise after both games.

Named Pro Athlete of the Year in Mississippi for 1967, Larry was a regular at end for Ole Miss, playing three years.

Larry is a vice-president of a bank."

-1971 Topps No. 228

"The veteran outside linebacker had another outstanding year in 1970, leading the Jets defenses- he calls the defensive signals. Grantham is one of only two members of the original New York franchise who is still active with the club; Don Maynard is the other. He played the year injury-free, in contrast to 1969 when a variety of hurts kept him from playing full time.

Grantham had three interceptions, two against Miami and one against Baltimore. His Colt interception resulted in a 41-yard touchdown return, the third touchdown of his career, and the first score for him since 1963. He was a master of calling the blitz against Minnesota's Bob Lee and Gary Cuozzo in the Jets' victory over the defending NFL champions. Larry played outstanding games against O.J. Simpson and Buffalo, earning O.J.'s praise after each encounter.

He's the Jets players' representative. His fierce spirit and defensive savvy make up for his lack of size. Named Pro Athlete of the Year in Mississippi in 1967, Larry was drafted by both the Jets and Baltimore in 1960. 

Larry is vice-president in the loan department of the First National Bank of Jackson, Mississippi. He likes to spend his free time bowling, golfing or fishing. His hometown is Crystal Springs, Mississippi."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

RALPH BAKER

Linebacker

No. 51

Penn State

"Baker had a good year at left linebacker in 1970, intercepting two passes and dumping opposing quarterbacks five times. His interceptions came against Boston (to set up a touchdown) and against Los Angeles (to blunt a fourth-quarter thrust).

In the home opener against Miami, Baker made 14 tackles, two assists and dumped Bob Griese once in the finest game of his career. Later in the year, he dropped the passer twice on blitzes as the Jets defeated Minnesota. He did not miss any games, in direct contrast to the 1969 season.

In '69 Ralph missed four games and did not start until the eighth. He had calcium removed from his foot in January. Ralph had his finest year in the pros in '68 and capped it off with two big fumble recoveries in the AFL Championship and the Super Bowl. He suffered torn tendons in his foot in 1966 but made a full recovery for '67.

Defensive coach Walt Michaels has called Baker 'the most underrated linebacker in pro football.' Signed as a sixth-round draft choice in 1964, he's tough on pass coverage.

Baker majored in mathematics in college. He works for Security National Bank (Amityville) in business development during the off-season. His hobby is hunting and fishing. Ralph makes his home in Greenlawn, N.Y., and his hometown is Lewistown, Pa."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

PAUL CRANE

Linebacker-Long Snapper

No. 56

Alabama

"The reason why Weeb Ewbank says he has four starting linebackers is Crane, the number one fill-in at either outside linebacker slot, who has had a five-year career with the Jets. He was signed as a free agent after impressing Jet coaches in workouts for the Senior Bowl in 1966.  

He also makes the center snap on punts. Crane devised a bit of Jets razzle-dazzle against Baltimore that resulted in a big first down. He suggested that Jim Turner approach the line of scrimmage as if to line up a field goal try and then take a quick snap and sneak for first down.

Paul was named winner of the CYO's Most Popular Jet award. He had his finest year in 1969 when he started seven games. That year he was named winner of the Heede Award given to the most dedicated and improved defensive player. He scored two touchdowns in '69, one on a 26-yard interception return and another on a blocked punt. Crane has made a habit of blocking kicks; he batted down a field goal in 1969 and smothered three punts in 1968 against Boston, Buffalo and Houston.

A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he enjoys fishing for relaxation. His hometown is Prichard, Alabama."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

DENNIS ONKONTZ

Linebacker

No. 35

Penn State

"Dennis was making good progress as a linebacker before severely breaking his left leg on the final play of the first half against Los Angeles. His foot got caught in the turf and both bones in the lower leg shattered.

He had been used as the fourth linebacker on goal line defenses prior to that and had been a hard hitter on the special teams. Dennis should be recovered for training camp this year. He was drafted 3rd in 1970.

Dennis majored in bio-physics. He played baseball and basketball at Northampton (Pa.) High in his hometown. He scored over 1,000 points in basketball."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

BILL ZAPALAC

Linebacker

4th Round

Texas

"Zapalac has a three-way shot at the club, according to Ewbank. He has most of his experience as a linebacker, though he was a tight end as a freshman for the Longhorns. He has played defensive end (sophomore year) and strong-side linebacker (junior and senior years) on the Texas varsity. He was also a backup punter for the Longhorns.

Second team All-Southwest Conference his senior year, Zapalac was co-captain of the defense. He won the NCAA Scholar Athlete Award and also received a Red Blaik scholarship.

Zapalac played on three Cotton Bowl squads (1969. 1970, 1971) and on two national championship squads. His father, Willie, is the head offensive coordinator for the Texas squad, and his brother, Jeff, is a junior center for the Longhorns. Bill majored in architectural engineering. His hometown is Austin, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1971 Profile: Don Maynard

Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
"Pro football's all-time receiving leader (among active players), Don Maynard got into just seven games in 1970 and was able to add only 525 yards to his career total, which now stands at 10,898 yards on 582 catches and 84 touchdowns. The 34-year-old flanker started experiencing leg troubles during the 1970 preseason and they were the cause of his abbreviated regular season.
Tall and skinny, Maynard is entering his 15th season in the pro ranks, and his 13th with the Jets. Originally drafted by the New York Giants after a collegiate career at Texas Western, Don spent one unproductive season in New York and another with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian League before entering the infant American League as a member of New York's original AFL Titans in 1960. Don has enjoyed five 1,000-yard years, with a high of 1,434 in 1967."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"No. 13 is now in his 13th year. But pro football's greatest yardage gainer via pass routes had his bad luck last season. Half of his season was wiped out by injuries. Still, he shared the team lead in receptions with George Sauer with 31.

Maynard is the greatest pass receiver in AFL history. His 582 catches are second only to Ray Berry's all-pro record of 631. Maynard's announced desire to play four more years gives him ample time to surpass Berry.

Rich Caster's arrival seemed to devalue Maynard's role with the Jets but Sauer's departure enhances it again. Maynard must avoid leg injuries, though.

He has made outspoken criticism of the Jets for allowing the shabby conditions of the field at Shea Stadium. But the former New York Giant reject thinks like a winner and has given the Jets some great years. His honors include several All-League mentions, Jets' MVP in 1967 and an All-Star game selection four times.

He's married, with three kids."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"Don's total pro career pass reception yardage is an all-time pro record and his 582 catches put him second to Raymond Berry's 631 on the all-time list. He holds or shares 12 Jet records.

In 1968 Don closed out the season with four straight 100-yard games and added another 118 yards and two touchdowns in the AFL championship game.

Don works for a sporting goods company."

-1971 Topps No. 19

"The all-time pro record holder for receiving yardage with a career total of 10,898 yards through his 12 seasons to date, Maynard has also hauled in 84 touchdown passes, the all-time AFL record. 

He led the Jets in receiving for the fourth time last year but was hobbled throughout the season by a series of leg injuries. He caught only 31 passes, his fewest since coming to New York in 1960.

Don suffered a contused right calf in training camp and was forced out of four pre-season games. He started the season opener against Cleveland and caught four for 59 yards. He played briefly against Boston and then suffered a hyperextended left knee. He sat out the Buffalo and Miami games, but returned to action against Baltimore at Shea Stadium and caught nine for 148 yards, his best day of the year. He missed the Oakland and Baltimore games late in the season.

Overall, Maynard missed four games entirely and was limited in two others. Despite the injuries, he passed Lionel Taylor in total catches and now has 582 for his career. Only Raymond Berry with 631 catches stands ahead of Maynard.

He was named to four All-Star teams in the American Football League and a is member of the all-time All-AFL team as chosen by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was Jet MVP in 1967 and co-MVP of the '68 All-Star Game. 

Don has been over the 100-yard mark 48 times in his career. He closed the 1968 season with four straight 100-yard games and added 118 more and two touchdowns in the AFL Championship game. He holds or shares 12 all-time Jets records.

His biggest thrill in athletics was catching the two TD passes late in the Championship game to set up and then score the winning touchdown.

Don works for Prices Creameries of El Paso, a subsidiary of Sea Container, Inc. and a distributor of anti-pollution devices. His hometown is El Paso, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

DON MAYNARD: ONCE UNWANTED, NOW LEADING RECEIVER

He Was Dropped By Giants, Failed In Canada, But Succeeded As A Jet

"When pro football buffs laugh about 'the ones that got away,' the misjudged talent of the past, they usually recall Pittsburgh cutting John Unitas, Green Bay giving up on Timmy Brown and a number of teams banishing Lenny Dawson?

But what about Don Maynard? The guy who was unwanted in two countries.

In 1958, following an unheralded career at Texas Western University, Maynard hung on by his fingernails with the New York Giants. In those days, he was a running back- and the Giants had three fellows ahead of him named Rote, Gifford and Webster.

The following summer, he was cut. So he packed his bag and went to Canada, where he played most of the season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats- being cut loose five games before the end of the season.

So, there was Don Maynard, two years into his pro 'career'- a hardly robust 179-pounder who wasn't very fast and who had caught a total of five passes for 94 yards.

That was approximately 600 catches, more than 80 touchdowns and almost 11,000 yards ago. In the interim, between 1959 and 1971, Maynard has become the most prolific yardage receiver in pro football history.

You can talk all you want about Hutson, Berry, Mitchell, McDonald, Hirsch and Alworth- the New York Jets' skinny, slow Don Maynard has them all beat. Every one.

And the thing about the guy who wears No. 13 on his jersey, is that his circumstances haven't been the best.

What initially saved his career was the establishment of the AFL. Out of work at the end of 1959, he joined the New York Titans in '60. And for the next seven seasons, he never played on a team with a better than .500 record.

What's more, in the early days of the Titans-Jets, quarterbacks came and went with unbelievable haste. In his years in New York Maynard has caught balls thrown by no fewer than 18 quarterbacks- ranging from Donald Allard to Richard Wood and Al Woodall, with most, of course, coming from Joe Namath.

Of Maynard, Namath has said flatly: 'He's the best long receiver in the game.'

Observers who have studied the 33-year-old veteran claim that his style is deceptive. He is as fast as he has to be, going full-speed only when he is chasing the ball.

And of the delicate relationship between receiver and quarterback, Maynard comments: 'When you work with a quarterback long enough, you become part of a machine. He lifts his arm and you move your right foot. He pumps and you turn left.

'At first, it's odd, but after a while all the movements become comfortable and you can feel each other's moves, even when you don't see them.'

With statistical credentials like those mentioned, Maynard has, of course, had his share of great days- going over the 100-yard mark in receptions 48 times.

But perhaps his greatest contribution to a Jet victory came in the memorable Super Bowl upset of Baltimore. And statistically, he was less than sensational that day.

'Maynard had a bad leg,' one of the Jet coaches recalls, 'and Baltimore didn't really know how well he could run. He showed them on one play.

'After probing for a weakness, Namath unloaded a bomb for Maynard, down the right sideline, a 60-yard shot which missed by inches.

'He showed them on that one play that he could still run. They had to be ready for the rest of the game. I think that one pass put the fear of God into them.'

And Namath adds: 'While they were looking at Don, I was passing to George Sauer (eight catches for 133 yards).

Of that victory, Maynard, a slow-talking Texas, admits: 'I guess there will never be anything like it for us again. Except maybe I'll be more thrilled when I tell my grandchildren about it.'

And about how close he came to having no pro career at all."

-Rich Koster, St. Louis Globe-Democrat  (Football Digest, January 1972)

1971 Jets Running Back Profiles

MATT SNELL

Fullback

No. 41
Ohio State
"The Jets' running kingpin when healthy, 219-pound fullback Matt Snell was another of their multitude of wounded last season, seeing only enough action to bang out 281 yards and one touchdown in 64 carries. After pacing New York to first place in the AFC rushing statistics for the first three games of 1970, Snell ruptured his Achilles' tendon against Buffalo and underwent surgery.
It was a rude comedown from the 1969 campaign, during which Matt earned All-Pro honors for the first time by running for 695 yards and catching passes for 187 more. The only times Matt has failed to finish among the top ten in rushing were the two seasons missed with injuries, last year and 1967, when he was out with a knee injury.
Despite his numerous skills when in possession of the football, Snell is perhaps best known for his pass protection. Weeb Ewbank calls the 30-year-old Ohio State graduate 'the best pass protector in football.'"

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Chalked up 1970 as a lost year in a brilliant career. Regarded among the game's best all-around fullbacks during his first seven seasons, Snell holds the Jets' all-time rushing record with 4,285 yards. He's often an All-League and All-Star game selection. He was team MVP in 1965 and Namath's personal choice for MVP in the 1969 Super Bowl when he ran for 121 yards. He is a super blocker for Namath and his teammates.

Snell was the leading AFC rusher after three games in 1970, then was lost for the season with an Achilles tendon injury. He talked about quitting but had a change of heart in February after declaring the heel well again. Dick Barnett of the New York Knicks, and a former Achilles victim, convinced Snell to make a comeback.

A Wall Street broker and recent initiate to the restaurant business with the purchase of a mid-Manhattan hangout called 'Fifth Down,' Snell grew up on Long Island and chose the Jets over the Giants during the signing war between the leagues. Called 'the complete ballplayer' by Ewbank, he's married."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"The all-time rushing leader for the Jets, and All-Pro selection and three times an All-AFL choice, Matt has been the workhorse of the Jets' ground game. He was off to his greatest start in 1970 when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon against the Bills on October 4 and missed the remainder of the year. In three games he gained 281 yards including a 108-yard show against Cleveland in the opener.

Labeled the 'complete ballplayer' by Jets' Head Coach Weeb Ewbank, Ewbank also says Matt is 'the best pass protector in football.' He finished among the top ten rushers in the AFL five times.

Matt works for a brokerage firm in the off-season."

-1971 Topps No. 205

"The all-time rushing leader for the Jets, an All-Pro selection and three times an All-AFL choice. Matt Snell has been the workhorse of the Jet ground game.

Snell was off to his greatest start in 1970 when the second serious of his career struck in a game against Buffalo. He suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon when he was spun out of bounds in the fourth quarter and was operated on that night (October 4). Matt sat out the rest of the season.

In the first three games he had gained 281 yards, including a 108-yard show against Cleveland in the opener, and was leading the AFC in rushing. He had been off to a similarly great start in 1967 when he tore in his knee, also against Buffalo, and saw only limited action afterward.

Snell has led the Jets in rushing five of his seven years. He has rushed for 4,285 yards and 24 touchdowns during his career. He also ranks fourth in Jet receiving with 193 for 1,379 yards and is fifth in scoring with 186 points. He holds the Jet record for rushing in one season- 948 in 1964- and the single-game rushing mark of 180 in 1964 against Houston. Matt finished among the top 10 rushers in the AFL five times and the top ten receivers three times. 

He was named combined All-Pro by the writers and consensus All-AFL following the '69 season and was named second team All-Pro by the league's coaches. The AFL Rookie of the Year in 1964, he was the No. 1 draft choice of the Jets and No. 3 of the Giants in '64. Matt was Jet MVP in his sophomore year of 1965.

Joe Namath's nomination for Super Bowl MVP, Snell gained 121 yards on 30 carries in that game and also scored the only Jet touchdown. He is called the 'complete ballplayer' by Weeb Ewbank, who also says Snell is 'the best pass protector in football.'

Snell makes his year-round home in New Rochelle and is a partner in the Amos Treat brokerage firm. He operates a restaurant in New York City, Matt Snell's Fifth Down. He was an all-Met performer at Carle Place High on Long Island. His hometown is Locust Valley, New York."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

EMERSON BOOZER

Halfback

No. 32

Maryland State

"Talk about triple threats in football! Emerson Boozer, the 5-11, 207-pound halfback of the Jets, goes one better. In addition to being proficient in running, pass receiving and blocking, Boozer excels in public speaking. He is one the most highly sought Jets for the postseason banquet tour. Emerson also conducts a sports show on a New York radio station and aspires to a full-time broadcasting career when he's finished playing.

For the present, Boozer, six years out of Maryland State, will let his actions speak for him. His past two seasons have been the best of his pro career. He picked up 581 yards in 1970 after a 604-yard year in '69. Emerson got off to a brilliant beginning last season, with 148 yards and three touchdowns in the first two games. But he was another victim of the injury avalanche which struck the Jets' offense in the third game of the year against Buffalo. Boozer missed four games in all with bruised rib cartilage. 

He came back late in the season with 115- and 114-yard performances against Oakland and Miami, respectively, the second and third best one-game outputs of his career. In 1969 he pounded out 129 yards against Cincinnati."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Deserving of the coveted No. 32 jersey (Jimmy Brown's old number) for a running back. Boozer rushed well in 1970 until hit by the plague of injuries that swept over the Jets. He came on strong at the end of the season with back-to-back games of 115 and 114 yards rushing.

Boozer led the team with 581 yards and a 4.2 average, plus he had five touchdowns. Despite missing four full games, he was 12th in the AFC in rushing.

An explosive runner appropriately born on the Fourth of July, he has gained from 400 to 600 yards annually as a pro. He's also a respectable pass receiver, catching a career high of 28 in 1970. The Jets got him on the sixth round of the draft."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"Emerson had his second finest season rushing in his five-year pro career in 1970, finishing as the Jets' top runner despite missing four games with bruised ribs. He had three of his best five single-game performances last year: 90 yards against the Patriots September 27; 115 yards against Oakland December 6 and 114 yards against Miami December 13. The 28 passes Emerson caught in 1970 were the most of his career as were the 258 yards.

His sophomore year of 1967 was a brilliant one and he was on his way to breaking pro records for scoring when he suffered torn knee ligaments in the year's ninth game. The 13 touchdowns he had scored at that time ranked only six short of the AFL record. In 1968, Emerson was the second leading Jet runner."

-1971 Topps No. 73

"Boozer had his second finest season rushing in his five-year career. He finished at the top of the Jets' rushing list with 581 yards and five touchdowns, despite missing four games with bruised rib cartilage. His 581 yards fell just short of his 1969 performance of 604.

He was off to his fastest start last year, with 148 yards and three touchdowns over the first two games, when the injury avalanche struck the Jets offense at Buffalo (October 4). Despite missing his usual running mate, Matt Snell, Boozer still had three of his five best individual games in 1970- 90 yards against Boston in the second game, and 115 and 114 yards against Oakland and Miami respectively late in the campaign.

Buffalo was to prove unlucky for Boozer again on October 25 when he exited the game at Shea Stadium early in the third quarter with damaged ribs. He spent the next three weeks on the move list and returned to active status, although he did not play, against Boston. Then came 61 yards against Minnesota and the back-to-back 100-yard games against the Raiders and Dolphins.

Emerson finished 12th among the AFC rushing leaders. The 28 passes he caught were the most of his career as were his 258 yards receiving.

His sophomore year (1967) was a brilliant one and he was on his way to breaking pro records for scoring when he suffered torn knee ligaments in the ninth game against Kansas City. The 13 touchdowns he had scored at that time was only six short of the AFL record. 

In 1968 he was the second-leading Jet runner and was an AFL All-Star. Emerson carried for 51 yards on 11 tries in the AFL championship game. He was praised by Weeb Ewbank for his blocking in the Super Bowl. Boozer led the way for Snell, who gained 121 yards.

His knee strengthened through '68 and '69 and showed it was back to full strength last year. Boozer ranks as the club's third-leading rusher of all time (2,523 yards) and fourth-leading scorer (198 points). He has caught 80 passes in his career.

His bouncy, high kneed style of running comes from his high school coach. Drafted sixth by the Jets in 1966, he was named AFL Rookie of the Year by the Pittsburgh Courier in '66.

Born on the Fourth of July, Boozer majored in industrial education. He does excellent work on the banquet circuit and worked for the Census Bureau during the 1970 off-season. He has a radio program on WLIB and aspires to become a broadcaster.

Emerson makes his year-round home in Huntington Station, New York. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

GEORGE NOCK

Running Back

No. 37

Morgan State

"George started the last nine games of the year after injuries had cut through the backfield. He became a regular, teaming up with Emerson Boozer, Lee White and Chuck Mercein as the fullbacks. George finished as the club's second-leading rusher with 402 yards. He also caught 18 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.

He got his first start against Buffalo at Shea. His touchdown reception was against the Giants when he took a swing pass and weaved his way into the end zone. Nock set the all-time Jets record for carries in a game with 32 against Minnesota and rolled up 117 yards in the same game, his career best. He scored five touchdowns in 1970, two of them against Boston at Shea, and scored all of his touchdowns in a four-game stretch midway through the year.

His running style is reminiscent of Emerson Boozer. He gives great second effort and makes his own holes when stopped at first.

Nock was the 16th round draft choice in 1969. He spent his rookie year on the taxi squad, activated for only two games plus the AFL playoff.

Nicknamed 'Peahead' by his Morgan State teammates, George enjoys sketching and sculpturing in his spare time. His hometown is Philadelphia, Pa."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

LEE WHITE

Running Back

No. 34

Weber State

"White started six games at fullback, though he was hobbled some of the time due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Giants. He had his best season in yardage with 215, ranking fourth among the Jets. The second-leading rusher in the pre-season, White improved his blocking last year.

He had his best efforts against the Giants and Rams. Against the Giants, he gained 42 yards in less than a quarter before exiting with a badly bruised shoulder. He saw little action the next week at Pittsburgh but came back strong against the Rams with 72 yards on 22 carries. Lee scored a touchdown in that game on a screen pass from Al Woodall as he squirmed through the defense brilliantly.

A No. 1 draft choice in 1968, Lee is fully recovered from the knee injury which eliminated his rookie season. He injured the ligaments in his right knee in the opening game in '68 and underwent surgery immediately.

Lee has worked for an insurance company in the off-season. He enjoys music and tennis. His hometown is Las Vegas, Nevada."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

CLIFF MCCLAIN

Running Back

No. 42

South Carolina State

"Drafted in the 5th round in 1970, Cliff was on the taxi squad before joining the 40-man roster. He was active for the final 11 games of the year after recuperating from rib cartilage damaged in the opening pre-season contest against Buffalo. He caught one pass for 11 yards against Pittsburgh.

McClain competed in track in college. He ran a 9.7 100, ran in the 440 relay and threw the javelin. His hometown is Orlando, Florida."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOHN RIGGINS

Running Back

1st Round

Kansas

"No. 1 draft choice of the Jets. Labeled 'best running back in the draft' by Ewbank, Riggins broke Gale Sayers' season and career rushing records at Kansas.

He has the power to go inside and 4.6 speed in the 40 to go outside. He averaged an even five yards a carry in tough college competition and was All-Big Eight.

Riggins is a fine all-around athlete from Centralia, Kansas, a town with a population of less than 1,000."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

BRUCE BROWN

Running Back

Free Agent

Tampa

"Bruce was a running back for three years as a teammate of [Jet second-round draft choice] John Mooring. He also played one season at the University of Miami as a freshman. Weeb Ewbank was impressed with him in films of his senior year. Bruce was signed as a free agent.

He was MVP of the Tampa-Tulsa game in 1969. He competed in track and baseball in high school, setting sprint and long jump records.

Bruce enjoys swimming and golf. His hometown is Lowell, Mass."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1971 Jets Offensive Line Profiles

JOHN SCHMITT

Center

No. 52

Hofstra

"Schmitt has been the starting center for the Jets for the past five seasons. He received All-AFL mention following the '68 and '69 campaigns. 

He had a fine year in '70 despite a painful hip injury which hobbled him for seven games. He received a hip pointer against Boston in the second game of the year and then aggravated it two weeks later against Miami. John had his best game that year against the Rams and received a game ball after his great effort against Minnesota.

John is a top-notch pass blocker. 'He plays with his heart and gives a great effort every time,' says Weeb Ewbank. He earned the Heede Award as the Jets' most dedicated offensive player in '68. Signed as a free agent, Schmitt fought his way to regular status after two years on the taxi squad.

Vice-president of the Al Vollmer Insurance Company, Schmitt is also sports director of WGBB radio for Freeport. He is an enthusiastic worker in his community.

John is chairman of Professional Athletic Speakers on Narcotics for the town of Hempstead and Nassau County, where he is also a consultant on Parks and Recreation. He is on the board of directors for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. The Chairman of the Hofstra Alumni Association, he works for the Cerebral Palsy School for the Living on Long Island and is an advisor on community relations for the Central Islip school board.

John makes his year-round home in Merrick and his hometown is Central Islip."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

"John Schmitt typifies the 'unsung hero' in pro football. The New York Jets signed him as a free agent from Hofstra in 1964. He spent two years on the taxi squad but for the last five years has been the starting center.

He has been calling the 'blocking assignments' for the Jets besides doing a good job in offering protection. He is vastly underrated. 'He plays with his heart,' says coach Weeb Ewbank, 'and gives you a great effort every time he goes out there.'

Over the years, Schmitt has had back and hip injuries but is the type of solid player who has a desire to play when hurt- and does. There have been few challengers for his job simply because he's so thoroughly entrenched.

Schmitt blocks equally well on running plays as passes. A strong, silent football player who never needs to make apologies for a bad day, he is certainly the kind of performer who mirrors the characteristics of a winner."

-John Steadman, from "5 Most Over-Rated and Under-Rated NFL Players" (Football Digest, December 1971)

DAN DYCHES

Center

15th Round

South Carolina

"The starting center for the Gamecocks for two years, Dyches is noted for his blocking ability. He has good speed and gets off the ball quickly. He's penciled in by Weeb Ewbank to help the Jets offensive line situation.

Dan played in the Peach Bowl in 1969. He set a high school record of 54 feet in the shot at Hanahan (South Carolina) High. He also participated in baseball and basketball. He lists his biggest thrill in athletics as 'winning at anything.' His hometown is Hanahan, S.C."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

DAVE HERMAN

Guard

No. 67

Michigan State

"Dave had one of his sharpest years at right guard for the Jets in 1970. He teamed up well with rookie Dave Foley alongside him to strengthen the Jets' front line. He played perhaps his best games back-to-back against Joe Greene of the Steelers and Merlin Olsen of the Rams, November 8 and 15.

In 1968 Dave moved from guard to tackle for the AFL championship game and the Super Bowl and handled Isaac Lassiter of the Raiders and Bubba Smith of the Colts with ease. He won the starting guard spot in 1965 and had a string of 66 consecutive games until missing two in 1969.

Dave is a hard-hitting, solid performer who does his job consistently well. He's a fine pass protector and is big and powerful and fast enough to lead on sweeps. Dave stays in excellent physical condition and is a dedicated competitor.

He was selected by the Jets as a future choice in the 27th round of the 1963 AFL college draft. He played in the North-South Shrine Game at the close of his college career at Michigan State.

Dave does radio sports programming in the off-season."

-1971 Topps No. 124

"Herman had one of his sharpest years at right guard in 1970. He teamed up well with rookie Dave Foley beside him to strengthen the Jets front line.

He played his best games back-to-back against Pittsburgh's Joe Greene and Los Angeles' Merlin Olsen. He rated playing against Olsen as one of his biggest thrills. A top pass blocker, Herman avoided the Jet injury jinx.

A future draft choice of both the Jets and Giants in 1963, being selected in the 27th round by the Jets and the 8th round by the Giants, Dave won a starting guard spot in 1965 and had a string of 66 straight games unitl missing two in 1969. In 1968 he moved from guard to tackle for the AFL Championship and the Super Bowl and handled Ike Lassiter and Bubba Smith superbly.

Dave is in great demand on the banquet circuit and works in radio sports programming with John Blair & Co. He makes his home in Valhalla, New York; his hometown is Edon, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

RANDY RASMUSSEN

Guard

No. 66

Kearney State

"Rasmussen was on to his way to his best season as a pro in 1970 but was hampered by a severely sprained ankle. He had great games at Cleveland, Boston and Los Angeles and at home against Oakland. He handled Alan Page superbly as the Jets upset the Vikings.

He suffered a sprained ankle at Buffalo and had to sit out the second half. He rested the next week as the Jets played Miami, but returned on the still bothersome ankle against Baltimore. He aggravated it again at Pittsburgh but returned the following week to handle Dinon Talbert of the Rams.

Randy is an outstanding pulling guard. He was the only rookie in the Jets' starting offensive lineup four years ago and split time with Bob Talamini as the Jets went to the Super Bowl. In 1969 he suffered an ankle sprain at Houston and was hobbled considerably during the Kansas City playoff game. Drafted 12th by the Jets in 1967, Randy is a very coachable player.

He grew up on a farm and likes to hunt, play golf and play tennis. He majored in mathematics and works in the brokerage business for Dean Witter. Randy makes his off-season home in New York and his hometown is Elba, Nebraska."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

ROY KIRKSEY

Guard

8th Round

Maryland State

"Kirksey played three years for Bridgeport of the Atlantic Coast Football League. He spent two years there as a fullback and last year as a guard. Highly recommended by Bridgeport coach Ray Matthews, he is a good pass blocker and has pulling ability. Kirksey has good speed (4.7) for a big man but has had a weight problem.

He carried 198 times for 902 yards and 12 touchdowns for Bridgeport. He caught 30 passes for 384 yards and two touchdowns.

Roy was an all-conference choice as a fullback for two years at Maryland State of the CIAA. His biggest thrill in athletics was being named to the All-ACFL team at Bridgeport. He enjoys hunting and fishing. His hometown is Greenville, South Carolina."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

WINSTON HILL

Offensive Tackle
No. 75
Texas Southern
"Though he had been a stalwart on New York's offensive line for six years, Winston Hill was barely heard of until his brilliant handling of Ben Davidson and Ordell Braase in the 1968 AFL Championship and Super Bowl, respectively. Now the 6-4, 270-pound offensive left tackle is universally regarded as a standout lineman.
Two of his finest games of 1970 were against Los Angeles' Coy Bacon and Minnesota's Jim Marshall. The Jets scored major upset victories in both games.
Hill was originally drafted by Baltimore out of Texas Southern, but the Colts let him go before he had played even a minute for them. The Jets saw enough in the huge but awkward youngster to sign him as a free agent. Winston has enjoyed the finest two seasons of his career the past two years since he lowered his weight from the 280-pound bracket."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"All-Pro tackle who continued to perform as one of the best in the game in 1970. Hill was a unanimous All-AFC pick and was named to the Pro Bowl after being named to the combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro team in 1969. He was also chosen as the most valuable offensive player by the Jets writers and broadcasters.

Last year Winston had outstanding games against Los Angeles' Coy Bacon and Minnesota's Jim Marshall as the Jets won both games. He also had standout games against Oakland and Miami late in the season.

Hill came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent from the Colts after Baltimore had drafted him. He was an AFL All-Star four times and won press notices with his handling of Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson in the championship games of 1968.

He's a great pass protector for Namath but says he likes to block for the run more. He came to camp lighter than ever last year at 263.

He was a Texas state high school tennis champion from Weldon High for three years, '57-'59. Weldon also won the district grid crown four years with Hill. He relaxes by playing tennis.

Winston makes his home in Littleton, Colorado. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

BOB SVIHUS 

Offensive Tackle

No. 76

USC  

"Rookie linemen usually don't break in with the splash that Bob Svihus did last season. The Raiders' No. 3 draft pick, Bob started all 14 games at offensive left tackle and impressed everyone with his pro-type pass blocking- a skill that takes most linemen several years to perfect. Bob improved noticeably each week, and also showed that he could lead a running play with bruising authority.

A 6-4, 245-pounder, he played his college ball at Southern California where he won All-Coast honors in his senior year."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"The big tackle broke into the Raiders' starting lineup as a rookie in 1965. Bob has excellent speed and often leads the fleet-footed backs downfield. He can use his big frame to block for his quarterback and give him time to complete a pass. Bob goes all out on every play!"

-1967 Topps No. 113

DAVE FOLEY

Offensive Tackle

No. 70

Ohio State

"Foley came off two knee operations to become a regular at right tackle for the Jets in 1970. Drafted 1st in 1969, he was injured in that year's opener with ruptured ligaments in his right knee and then underwent further surgery to remove the staple just as the 1970 training camp began.

He moved into a starting slot midway through the third game when Roger Finnie was injured against Buffalo and held it all the way from there. He became stronger as the season progressed, solving the problem of his leg tiring late in games. He did an outstanding job against Deacon Jones and Dave Cash of Los Angeles as the Jets won. He followed up with two more great shows, against Boston's Mel Witt and Minnesota's All-Pro Carl Eller.

Weeb Ewbank says Foley will develop into one of the best tackles in the game. 

Foley worked as an industrial engineer for the Port Authority of New York. He won the Ohio high school shot-put championship in 1965 with a 61-8 toss. He spends his free time fishing and playing handball. His hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOHN MOORING

Offensive Tackle

2nd Round

Tampa

"Labeled the 'best offensive lineman in the draft' by Jets coaches, John played under Weeb Ewbank in the Senior Bowl. He also played in the Blue-Gray Game.

Mooring is termed 'an unusually good football player' by his college coach Fran Curci. He is an excellent pass blocker and gets off the ball quickly. He should help strengthen the Jets offensive line.

He was on the track team in high school in Falfurrias, Texas as a weight man with the shot and discus. He majored in physical education and has done summer work as a signalman for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad.

Mooring makes his home in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His hometown is Falfurrias, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1971 Jets Defensive Line Profiles

JOHN ELLIOTT

Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas
"Defensive tackle John Elliott was the only member of the Jets' regular front four to escape serious injury in 1970.
At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Elliott, who once high jumped six feet, five inches in high school, is one of the quickest, most mobile linemen in the game. Sacking the opposing quarterback is his specialty. He has led New York in that category for the past two seasons, getting to the quarterback 15 times in 1969 and 16 times last year.
For his great work, the Jets voted John the team's Most Valuable Player, only the second time in the club's 11-year history that the award has gone to a defensive player. A pro for only four years, Elliott already is acclaimed as one of the super tackles in pro ball."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"A hero in defeat in 1970. Elliott is small in size [6-4, 244]  but not in stature as All-AFC honors attest. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 16 times in a banner year. He was the unanimous MVP of the Jets in a poll by teammates and a Pro Bowl selection. Elliott is coming off his best season in all respects. He went almost 12 full games before missing a play in 1970.

He's known for a running feud with the Oakland Raiders, particularly offensive guard Gene Upshaw. The Colts showed respect for him by yanking Unitas from a game at the earliest moment because they didn't want Elliott to get to him with bone-crushing tackles. He's a rugged rusher but was called for roughing only once last season.

Elliott was a star of University of Texas teams along with George Sauer and Pete Lammons. He played offensive tackle and middle guard in college. Drafted No. 7 by the Jets, he took a  little time to find a position, then was All-AFL by 1969.

Extremely athletic- a 4.7 sprinter in the 40 and a former 6-foot-5 high jumper- Elliott loves the rodeo and has a desire to compete. He's an outdoorsman and rancher at heart and is married."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"John followed up an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in 1970. Named to numerous All-AFC squads including both AP and UPI, he was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John was also named Most Valuable Jet as he led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year with 16 sackings.

He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest defensive linemen in the game. He had an outstanding game against Miami in the 1970 home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. John followed with superb defensive games against the Bills and Giants and led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland before leaving the latter game with a knee injury.

John set a high school record with a high jump of 6' 5". He was an offensive tackle and a defensive middle guard for the Texas Longhorns and played in the 1965 Orange Bowl, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches' All-America Game. During his rookie year with the Jets he played end, linebacker and tackle."

-1971 Topps No. 153

"John followed an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in the pros in 1970. He he was named to numerous All-AFC squads, including both wire services, and was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John also gathered in the NEA Third Down Trophy as the most valuable Jet by a vote of his teammates and was selected as the team's most valuable defensive player by the New York writers and broadcasters.

It's no coincidence that the Jets were the top defensive team in the AFL in 1968 and AFC in 1970 and that Elliott became a starter three years ago. He led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year in 1970 with 16 sackings and was the only member of the Front Four to escape injury, though he was slowed by a sprained knee in the Oakland game on December 6.

The Jet coaching staff is unanimous in the opinion that Elliott is the best in the business. He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest, most mobile defensive tackles in the game.

John had an outstanding game against Miami in the home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. He followed up that one with superb games against Buffalo and the Giants at Shea. He led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland.

He was drafted 7th in 1967. During his rookie year, Elliott played end, linebacker and tackle.

Elliott set a high school record with a high jump record with a jump of 6-5. He enjoys hunting and fishing and works as a rancher in the off-season in Camp Wood, Texas. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

STEVE THOMPSON

Defensive Tackle

No. 85

Washington

"One of the Jets' outstanding young defensive linemen, Steve had his 1970 season continually interrupted by injuries. He suffered rib, knee and shoulder ailments throughout the season after being a starter in 1969 and excelling in the 1970 preseason.

Steve suffered a fractured rib at Boston in the second game and was forced to sit out the next week. He came back for Miami, then refractured the rib the next week against Baltimore, then sat out another week. Steve then incurred a strained shoulder and hyper-extended left knee against Pittsburgh and was used sparingly after that until late in the year, when he came back for work at right end against Boston and right tackle at Miami.

He had really come into his own in 1969. He was drafted 2nd in 1968 and had his rookie year cut short with cartilage and ligament damage to his knee in the Jets-Colts rookie game in late July. He recovered to play late in the year and in the championship games.

Steve made all-conference in basketball as a senior in high school. He's interested in teaching. His hometown is Lake Stevens, Washington."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

CHUCK HINTON 

Defensive Tackle

No. 64

North Carolina College 

"You would think that it's pretty hard to overlook a 6-5, 265-pound football player, even in a football training camp. But that's about what happened to Chuck Hinton, who never got past the training season with either the Browns or the Colts, and then almost got away from the Steelers.

Only after injuries had decimated the defensive line did Chuck get a full look, and once they saw what he could do, nobody could budge him. His work at tackle helped make the Steelers one of the toughest defensive clubs in the league by the end of the year."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"There is no proof that quarterbacks keep a book on pass-rushers, but if it were so, Chuck Hinton would rate high grades. In a little less than six seasons, Chuck has matured into one of the most relentless chargers in the league.

His is one of those familiar tales of a player waiting around to be discovered by the right team. A beefy individual of 6-5 and 260 pounds, he had previous trials with the Colts and Browns before hooking on with the Steelers in 1964. The following year he became a regular member of the front foursome, and he's been nothing but trouble to opposing quarterbacks since. 

Chuck played his college football at North Carolina College."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"Some of Chuck's assets are obvious: his height (6-5), his weight (258 pounds), his experience (now in his seventh year). But he's got other factors going for him, too. One is named Joe Greene, who plays next to him on the tough Steeler defensive line. Because the rampaging Greene must be worked over by two or three blockers, Hinton has less traffic to fight through than one would normally expect.

Another factor in the Hinton success story is his attitude. He goes at the game with a special zeal and concentration that cannot be coached into a player.

The former North Carolina College star has been with Cleveland and Baltimore and in his time has also filled in at offensive tackle. The experts believe that his kind of agility and strength are better suited to defense."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"A traveling man, Chuck began his career with Cleveland and was traded to Baltimore. Given his release by the Colts, he was picked up by the Steelers and sent to Wheeling for further experience.

Coming back to the Steelers, he has been the most improved player on the squad for the past couple of seasons. Chuck is a consistent player who is an excellent pass rusher and exceptional against the run."

-1970 Topps No. 241

"In 1970, his seventh pro season, Chuck Hinton, Pittsburgh's defensive right tackle, played the finest ball of his career. The development of Joe Greene, who plays next to Chuck on the Steeler front four, into a super-star had something to do with Hinton's own success.

But Chuck has been underrated for years, say many experts. He's a diligent worker who never stops coming and has a good knack for getting to the ball carrier.

Though he was originally drafted out of North Carolina College by Cleveland in 1962, he was dealt to Baltimore almost immediately but didn't get into action until he signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent in 1964. He has missed just one game in the past seven seasons.

Now 32 years old, Hinton, who stands 6-5 and weighs 260 pounds, served a stint in the Army before going to college."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"A star now but got a real run-around in the early years of his pro career. Drafted No. 2 by Cleveland by Cleveland in 1962, Hinton was traded to Baltimore, released and picked up by Pittsburgh, then sent to a minor league team in Wheeling. He finally got back to Pittsburgh in 1964 and became a regular. He has scored a couple of touchdowns.

Hinton played both ways in college for four years. He had been in the Army before that. Married with three children, he does youth work in his hometown during the off-season."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

SCOTT PALMER

Defensive Tackle

7th Round

Texas

"Weeb Ewbank 'liked working with him at the Senior Bowl. He was the outstanding lineman for us in the game.' He pursues well and chases like John Elliott. One of the best pass rushers Texas ever had, Palmer will help add strength to the Jet defensive line and has a great attitude.

His father, Derrell, was a two-way tackle under Ewbank with the Cleveland Browns in the late 1940s. Scott majored in communications and advertising and was a roommate of Bill Zapalac at Texas. His hometown is Houston, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

GERRY PHILBIN

Defensive End

No. 81

Buffalo

"A member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gerry Philbin, the Jets' defensive left end, experienced the same frustrations in 1970 as many of his New York teammates.

Gerry dislocated his left shoulder in the first preseason game against Buffalo and underwent surgery to repair the damage before the regular season had even begun. Philbin, 6-2, 245, missed the first four championship contests and had to wear a harness for his left shoulder and arm for the first four games in which he appeared. This naturally restricted his usually formidable pass rush. By the end of 1970, Gerry was performing at close to peak efficiency, and the prospects for his eighth season in 1971 look promising.

He has excellent range and speed. When he graduated from the University of Buffalo, Philbin weighed only 205 pounds. He still isn't big as defensive ends go, but Gerry has few rivals at his position."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Reached the pinnacle of his career in 1969 by being named All-Pro. Philbin was also named to the all-time All-AFL team.

Then came 1970 and the injuries. He missed five full games and parts of others because of an aggravating shoulder harness. He suffered a dislocation of the shoulder in 1969; the problem dates back to 1964. Ewbank expects better things, regardless, for 1971: 'Gerry is healthy and should be back to All-Pro form.'

He scores the top grades year after year in coaches' statistics. He's small in size [6-2, 245], but possesses exceptional speed and range. Philbin chose the Jets over the Lions after an all-star career in college.

Philbin owns a restaurant called 'Goat Post' on Long Island."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"An All-Pro defensive end and a member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Gerry was a combined AFL-NFL All-Pro following the 1968 season and was twice an AFL All-Star. He was rated as the top defensive lineman in 1968, the third consecutive year he had been awarded that honor.

Gerry had an outstanding year in 1969 but dislocated his shoulder at Houston when the Jets clinched the Eastern Division title. He came back two weeks later for the Playoff against and tackled Len Dawson twice. He suffered a frustrating year in 1970 due to injuries.

Gerry has good range and speed. He was also drafted by the Lions but chose the Jets."

-1971 Topps No. 98

"Philbin is an All-Pro defensive end, a member of the all-time All-AFL team as selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, twice an AFL All-Star, and a combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro following the '68 campaign.

He suffered a frustrating year in 1970 due to injuries. He dislocated his left shoulder in the first preseason game against Buffalo and underwent an operation on August 12 to repair the damage.

Gerry missed the first four games of the regular season, but returned to play against Baltimore at Shea on October 18, two weeks ahead of the original schedule. He played four games with his left shoulder and arm in a harness which restricted his pass rush. Against the Giants, he incurred a sprained foot on the first play of the game but managed to stay in for the entire contest. He sat out the next week at Pittsburgh, seeing duty only on the field goal unit. Philbin took his arm out of the harness for the encounter with Los Angeles a week later and finished out the year in good form. He had his appendix removed during the Christmas holidays last year.

He had an outstanding year in 1969 but dislocated his shoulder at Houston when the Jets clinched the AFL Eastern Division title. He was ready two weeks later for the playoff against Kansas City and dumped Lenny Dawson twice in that game.

Gerry graded out as the top defensive lineman in 1968, the third consecutive year he had that honor. He has good range and speed. He's a very coachable player and works hard to improve himself.

He has been a regular since 1965 after missing most of 1964 with the first of his three shoulder injuries. He was drafted in 1964 by the Jets, in the third round, and by the Detroit Lions.

Philbin majored in sociology and is a fine speaker, doing an excellent job of public relations for pro football. His off-season time is spent as a restaurateur at Gerry Philbin's Goal Post in West Amityville, Long Island. He has another Goal Post in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, his hometown. Gerry makes his year-round home in Dix Hills, Huntington, N.Y."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

MARK LOMAS

Defensive End

No. 84

Northern Arizona

"Drafted 8th in 1970, Mark handled the left tackle and end slots throughout the 1970 season as a rookie. He was one of three Jets rookies to start on defense- Steve Tannen and Earlie Thomas were the others. He played left end for the first four games of the year while Gerry Philbin was mending. He then moved inside to tackle for the rest of the way. Lomas proved to Jet defensive coaches that he can handle either job.

He played left end at Buffalo in the third game, dumping the quarterback four times; he had a total of seven dumps for the season. He put on a good pass rush throughout the year.

Lomas played on a championship high school football team in Garden Grove, California, his hometown. He enjoys handball and weight lifting."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

ROGER FINNIE

Defensive End-Offensive Tackle

No. 61

Florida A & M) 

"Roger was named 'the most improved player in training camp' and received a game ball following the last preseason game against Dallas. He was off to a great start in 1970 when an ankle injury sidelined him for the season after only three games. Roger was expected to solve the Jets' right tackle problems and played outstanding football in the first two games before dislocating his left ankle against Buffalo.

He was placed on the move list after that. He was activated for Los Angeles but did not play and was moved again for the remainder of the year.

Finnie broke into the starting lineup as a rookie in 1969, taking over the tackle job from the fifth game on. He did a fine job that year handling Buffalo's Ron McDole, Miami's Manny Fernandez and Oakland's Ike Lassiter. He was even better in 1970 before troubles beset him.

Coaches feel he could be moved inside to guard or to defensive end.

Finnie was drafted 14th in 1969. His hometown is Miami, Florida."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOHN LITTLE

Defensive End

No. 57

Oklahoma State

"Little became a valuable member of the defensive line last year as a rookie, filling at tackle and end. He played tackle against Buffalo, Boston, Baltimore and Los Angeles and was a starter at Los Angeles. He started at left end at Pittsburgh when Gerry Philbin had his shoulder problems.

He was drafted 14th in 1970. He has good quickness and strength which more than compensate for his size- he played at 217 last year.

John majored in education. He was a halfback and offensive end in high school. He enjoys hunting, fishing and playing cards in his spare moments. His hometown is Hot Springs, Arkansas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

JOHN EGGOLD 

Defensive End

13th Round

Arizona

"John was the fastest lineman on the Arizona squad and a defensive co-captain. He transferred from Laney J.C. and played two seasons with the Wildcats. He played his freshman football at Washington State in 1967. Scouting reports indicate John has a good pass rush and good agility. He majored in physical education.

The first pro game he ever saw was a Jet game at Shea Stadium. He grew up on Long Island where his father was principal of Luthern High School. John was a hurdler in high school and lettered three times in football at Skyline High in Oakland, California, his home town."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

1971 Profile: Joe Namath

Quarterback
No. 12
Alabama
"His ailing knees long have made him susceptible to injury, but until Joe Namath fell heavily on his throwing arm five plays from the end of a game against Baltimore last October 18, causing him to miss the last nine games of the schedule, Joe never had missed any action because of injury in six pro years. Ironically, the wrist fracture he sustained came near the conclusion of one of the greatest passing performances in Namath's career, a game in which he set Jet records for attempts (62), completions (34), and rolled up his third highest one-game yardage total, 397. Joe remained in the Baltimore game after suffering his injury because the Jets were trying to pull out a game in which they were trailing, 29-22. Joe hit on three of his final five throws but couldn't pull out the victory.
The irrepressible Broadway Joe had nursed notions of retiring from football before last season, but disclaimed any such notion this season, indicating almost immediately after being sidelined in 1970 that he would be back in 1971."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"The $400,000 quarterback's stock went down a few points in 1970 because of a broken wrist and a mediocre performance on the field. The Jets lost four of five games with him at the helm.

His record-breaking 34-for-62 passing day against Baltimore (setting Jet marks for attempts and completions) was marred by six interceptions- he broke his wrist that day, too, to worsen matters. In another 1970 game, he threw 40 passes and couldn't get a touchdown on the scoreboard.

Namath completed 50.3 per cent of 179 passes for five touchdowns in 1970. A 64-per cent passer one year in college, he rarely completes more than 50 or 51 per cent in the pros. But his overall leadership has meant a lot to the Jets.

Clutch playing has been his mark throughout his career- star of the 1964 Orange Bowl, MVP of the College All-Star Game, hero of the 1969 Super Bowl and twice MVP of the Jets. His celebrated dinky knees have held up well.

Namath says he's more eager than ever to resume his career in 1971. He says he wants to play eight more years. He resumed passing a football in mid-April after going almost a half-year without touching anything bigger than a tennis ball. Ewbank has proclaimed him fit again."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"After not missing a game for over five years, Joe was forced to sit out the last nine of 1970 with a broken wrist. Before being sidelined he was off to an impressive season with his passing.

Joe opened 1970 with a 298-yard show against Cleveland and two weeks later at Buffalo, he threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, one of them a 72-yard bomb to Richard Caster. On October 18, the day he was injured, Joe set Jet records with 62 passes attempted and 34 completed and had his third-best day ever in terms of yardage with 397 against the Colts.

Joe had four AFL All-Star game appearances and was named to the all-time All-AFL team."

-1971 Topps No. 250

DO THE JETS REALLY NEED JOE NAMATH?

"Amidst the frustration of a nightmare campaign, Namath and his teammates discovered a fresh respect for each other. Now they're united, looking forward to the coming season- and another Super Bowl try.

It's an old axiom that you don't really miss something until you can't have it anymore. The lesson was finally learned last year by Joe Namath, the flamboyant New York quarterback, who discovered he really liked playing football more than making movies or being a TV celebrity.

'Before the 1970 season, I really didn't want to play football,' Namath recalled not long ago, 'but now I do. The broken wrist I suffered last season made me realize  how much the game meant to me.'

This was the same Joe Namath who had said in the summer of '70, 'I"ve got a lot of problems. Football used to be No. 1 with me, but at this stage it's not my main concern. My thoughts of football are dwarfed by my mental state.'

He finally joined the team after the first two exhibition games were over, but didn't help much. He could lead New York to only one victory in its first five games before being sidelined for the season against the Baltimore Colts. As he stood on the sidelines watching the Jets struggle through a 4-10 campaign, he realized how much of his life football really is. The toughest moment of all came when he saw his team lose its first regular-season meeting with the arch-rival New York Giants.

'That's the day I remember,' Joe says. 'Not being able to play just killed me. I wanted to suit up so badly against the Giants and I couldn't. Even before the game I had a sad feeling ... my eyes were watery. But maybe I was getting punished for getting too lackadaisical about football, too nonchalant, taking it for granted.'

While Namath was learning a lesson, however, his teammates were also making a discovery. Because of the inordinate dependence on him, it was always feared that the club would fall apart if his ailing knees gave out. Indeed, when the broken wrist forced him out of action, the Jets lost three straight games to the Bills, Giants and Steelers while they were adjusting to Al Woodall at quarterback.

But then an interesting thing happened. The team pulled itself together and recorded consecutive victories over Los Angeles, Boston and Minnesota. New York even had a shot at a 7-7 season when it held a 13-7 lead over the Oakland Raiders with seconds left to play. That's when Warren Wells made a circus catch of a Daryle Lamonica heave in the end zone to give Oakland an unbelievable 14-13 triumph. The disheartened Jets then were beaten by the Dolphins and Colts in their final two games to finish at 4-10.

But amidst the frustration of a nightmarish season, Namath and his teammates had discovered a new respect for each other. It was typified by the way middle linebacker Al Atkinson and Joe shook hands after the final regular-season game. It was Atkinson who shook the club last August by announcing that he was going to retire because he was fed up with Namath's antics.

'We had a great thing going for a while,' Al said. 'For three years we really stuck together, gave it all we had and finally won the Super Bowl. Now the team spirit isn't there. It all has changed, tremendously changed. I don't know the answer. I think it's the guys who have a lot of money in their pocket and don't feel any responsibility.'

Then he directed his attack at Namath. 'What really bothers me is this quarterback not thinking for a minute about the married guys on this club, the average guys who have families to worry about. Right now they're wondering where their leader is. The extra money in January means something to them, not to him. That quarterback hasn't even told his team what he intends to do. They don't even know where he is.

'It used to kill me to see him sit back on his TV show and think what he does and stands for is justified, so long as he comes right out and says it. He thinks it makes an indiscretion correct to admit it. There are more and more guys like that quarterback. They don't give a damn about anybody else.'

It was obvious that Atkinson wasn't the only member of the team who felt that way. Defensive end Gerry Philbin said, 'We've known a long time that a double standard exists on this club. There's one set of rules for Joe and one for the rest of the guys.

'Directly or indirectly, though, he's doing the team a favor by playing. He doesn't need the money. He doesn't need football as much as it needs him, and he has to know that. The time to have put an end to it was five years ago, when Sonny Werblin let it get out of hand. Now it's too late. It's just something you have to accept. I can accept it. But Al is a very moral guy, a very high-principle guy. He takes moral issues very seriously.'

Namath seemed stunned by Atkinson's remarks. 'Al must feel he's right. And I have to consider that what I do is right. But when someone of Al's character questions my character, I have to question myself. I don't try to hurt anybody in any way. And if I have, I'm terribly sorry.'

Eventually, both Atkinson and Namath returned to the fold. Looking back at the end of the season, the middle linebacker said, 'A lot of the things that were written about my reasons for retiring weren't just my feelings, but the feelings of 10 guys. If they had said anything, they might have been traded. But there have been some changes and I think we've made Joe a more conscientious guy.'

'Sometimes, there's nothing like a little humility to straighten a man out,' another member of the team declared. And Namath admitted, 'I've never had to sit down before I got injured. I didn't like it and I'm eager to get back.'

'There's not a guy on this team who isn't looking forward to 1971, and that includes Joe,' said guard Randy Rasmussen recently. 'I know I can't wait for it to begin and everybody I've talked to feels the same way.'

Linebacker Larry Grantham, who goes back to the days of the original Titans, chimed in, 'If we can keep this club in one piece, I don't see how anybody can stop us. The potential is here. I've never seen so many good young players.'

There will, of course, be extra pressure on Joe to prove he has come all the way back from the wrist injury and also to demonstrate he has the leadership qualities to reunite the Jets and make them winners.

There's no doubt he has the talent. As one opposing coach says, 'He scares you. When you play the Jets, your whole approach to the game involves Namath. You're so conscious of him that it disrupts your planning- more so than against any other quarterback. And no matter what the down or the distance, he's capable of hitting a big play on you.'

Another coach put it more succinctly. 'Joe Namath,' he stated not too long ago, 'has more talent than anybody in life!' "

-All-Pro 1971 Football, edited by Vito Stellino

"After not missing a game for over five years, Namath was forced to sit out the last nine games of 1970 with a broken wrist, the first time he ever missed any games due to injury.

The All-Pro quarterback fell heavily on his right arm five plays from the end of the Baltimore game at Shea on October 18 and fractured the navicular bone in his wrist. He stayed in the game, completing three of his final five attempts. His arm was placed in a cast for nearly four months while the injury healed.

Before being sidelined, Namath had been off to an impressive season with his passing. After reporting to camp late, he turned up in three preseason games, completing two of six for 42 against Minnesota in one quarter of play, seven of nine for 188 and a touchdown against the Saints in one half, and 10 for 21 for 251 against Dallas in three quarters. Joe was re-elected offensive captain before the opener.

Joe opened the season with a 298-yard show against Cleveland. Two weeks later at Buffalo he threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, one of them a 72-yard bomb to rookie wide receiver Rich Caster. In the Baltimore game, Joe set Jet records for passes attempted (62) and completed (34) and had his third-best day in terms of yardage (397).

He went over the 16,000-yard mark for his career in the Buffalo game. He now has 16,746 yards on 1,116 of 2,222 passes completed for 102 touchdowns. 

Joe was drafted No. 1 by both the Jets and the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. He was AFL Rookie of the Year in 1965, MVP of the '65 All-Star Game and co-MVP of the '67 All-Star Game. Named to the all-time All-AFL team, Namath was a combined All-Pro (AFL-NFL) choice at quarterback after the 1968 and '69 as voted by pro coaches. He had four AFL All-Star Game appearances and was MVP of the Jets after the '68 and '69 seasons those two years as well, the only time any Jet has won the NEA Third Down Award, voted on by the team, more than once.

Namath gained almost every honor possible after the 1968 season when he guided the Jets to a Super Bowl victory. He was named winner of the Hickock Belt, AFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and the George Halas Award as the Most Courageous Pro Player. 

He went through a six-game span that year without throwing a touchdown pass, but the Jets won five of those games as he became an all-around quarterback. He threw for three TDs in the AFL Championship game (two to Don Maynard, one to Pete Lammons). He called almost a perfect game in the Super Bowl and completed 17 of 28 for 206 yards.

In 1968 Namath combined with Maynard for the longest play in Jet history- 87 yards at San Diego, yet turned more conservative in 1969, throwing only 361 passes, the fewest since his rookie year. He holds virtually all the Jet passing records and has gone over the 300-yard mark 17 times in his career. His best touchdown effort in one game was five against Houston in 1966. Joe shares the AFC record for consecutive completions with 15 in back-to-back games against Miami and Boston in 1967. He's the only passer in pro history to surpass 4,000 yards in a year, with 4,007 in '67. He has rushed 37 times for 118 yards and six touchdowns in his career.

Namath has had three knee operations. His right knee was operated on for removal of cartilage and repair of ligaments on January 25, 1965, 23 days after he signed with the Jets. He had cartilage removed and a tendon transfer in a major operation on his right knee on December 28, 1966. His left knee was operated on for repair of a small tendon tear on March 20, 1968. All operations were performed by Dr. James A. Nicholas.

He has made three movies: 'Norwood' with Glenn Campbell, 'C.C. and Company' with Ann-Margret, and 'The Last Rebel.' 'C.C. and Company' had a gala premiere in New York last fall and received a 3 1/2 star rating from New York News.

Namath had his own television show syndicated during the '69 season and has hosted the Tonight Show numerous times. He had a skit in the 'Super Comedy Bowl' last winter and has made guest appearances on many television shows.

Joe resides in New York City and Miami. His hometown is Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

HOW A $400,000 MISSION LED TO EVENTUAL PRO MERGER

Signing of Namath By Jets Saved Old AFL From Destruction

"The scene is a darkened briefing room in the war ministry, New York division.

Stark photographs of various contracts are on the walls. At the table are two members of the cabinet and a young acolyte who has been summoned for a dangerous mission. Ordinarily the acolyte is a drill sergeant for the troops. But he possesses special backgrounding which makes him invaluable for the forthcoming mission.

The mission is to rendezvous with a certain Hungarian expert who has the armament to bring a quick and victorious end to the war.

'Make no slip, do not let him out of your sight, make contact in the distant location, accompany him across the continent and deliver him to us. Price is no object. The other side is after him just as desperately.'

Fadeout ...

Chuck Knox talks wistfully about the stranger than fiction caper just described in what perhaps is only a slight over-dramatization. Knox had a vital role in it.

Pro football today is one giant and hugely profitable brotherhood. The expensive signing war is long over.

But it never would have happened ... the American Football League would have been destroyed ... if the Jets had failed to sign the $400,000 quarterback. This signing of Joe Namath was the catalyst leading to pro football's peace treaty and merger, and a radical change in the economy of all sports.

The man commissioned with bringing Namath into the AFL camp was Knox.

He, then, in 1964 was the young line coach of the Jets. Today he is the man credited with revitalizing the Lions' offensive line.

'I was assigned to it because I had known Joe from western Pennsylvania,' Knox recalls.

'I'd coached football in Ellwood City, Pa., against Beaver Falls while Joe was in junior high there. The first time I ever saw Joe was in Beaver Falls. He was playing junior high basketball. He was in the eighth grade then. I saw him play football his senior year. He played on an undefeated team. His coach, Larry Bruno, was an old friend of mine.

'I was coaching at the University of Kentucky then and I tried to recruit him out of high school, but he decided to go to Alabama. I'd known his brother Frank well, too, because he'd gone to Kentucky.'

With this intelligence on file, Sonny Werbling, owner of the Jets, settled on line coach Knox as his liaison man with Namath in December of 1964. Knox was dispatched south to the Alabama campus after briefing from Werblin and Coach Weeb Ewbank.

'Sonny Werblin had been in the talent business for many, many years,' said Knox. 'He'd handled top entertainment. He knew the value of a buy like Namath. He knew what a guy like Namath would mean to the Jets and to the AFL. What Werblin said in effect was we had to have him regardless of price.'

The St. Louis Cardinals, of the more powerful National Football League, had also drafted Namath. If they got him, the AFL likely could have gone under. The AFL had to get a player of Namath's magnitude to escalate the war and hasten the peace.

'It was before Alabama was going to play in the Orange Bowl and Bear Bryant had given Joe 10 days off along with the rest of the team,' said Knox. 'Joe was free to talk then and we were going to play in San Diego on the next Sunday.

'On Friday I flew to Birmingham and on to Tuscaloosa, picked up Joe Namath and Mike Bite, Joe's attorney, and flew back to Birmingham. On Saturday morning we flew from Birmingham to Los Angeles. We checked into the Beverly Wilshire, went to Chasen's. We met out there with Werblin, Ewbank and Bob Schulman, a tax expert from Washington, D.C., who was there to determine the best way to set up the money.

'Then we flew to San Diego and Joe went to the game with us. Then he went back to Alabama.

'The week prior to the Orange Bowl I went down to Miami to keep tabs on Joe. As soon as the Orange Bowl game was over we signed him and had the press conference the next day.'

Namath was signed for $427,000, a figure so shocking because it was four times more than any other draft choice had ever received. It shocked especially the NFL. Suddenly prices for college draft choices zoomed and the war became more intense- and the merger by treaty was the only solution.

'Teams were hiding out players at that time and there were all kinds of shenanigans,' said Knox. 'But Namath had given us assurances he wouldn't sign with the Cardinals until he talked to us and got our figure. He kept his word.'

Knox recalled there was one near snafu during his mission. There was a fear Namath had been spirited by the Cardinals during the night.

'Joe at that particular time liked to sleep in the morning,' said Knox. 'He almost missed the plane out of Birmingham. We had to rush for the plane carrying our own bags.

'I wonder what would have happened if I'd showed in L.A. without Joe.'

Maybe Pete Rozelle can find the answer hidden in the Pentagon Papers."

-Jerry Green, The Detroit News (Football Digest, November 1971)

BROADWAY JOE COMES BACK

BUT HOW FAR BACK?

"He came out to play. He with the $400,000 arm and bum knees. Sunday last he showed them all he was the best there is, but now it was Saturday next, another game in another town. He came out to play, but not for long. The best there is wasn't good enough against Dallas, and when it was all over Joe Willie Namath and his Jets were buried under a 52-10 Cowboy avalanche.

Just a week before, in one of the most memorable games of NFL history, Namath threw fear into the hearts of the San Francisco 49ers with a dazzling last-quarter aerial display. A goal line interception by John Fuller ended Joe's magic act, but not before he had tossed three touchdown passes and had threatened with a fourth in less than 25 minutes of action.

He had come back with a special vengeance, this Babe Ruth of the pro quarterbacks. It took almost 14 months, if you don't include his exhibition game against the Lions. He nursed his wounds, waited for his chance and saw it come when Bob Davis was sacked under a 49er charge. Davis hobbled to the sidelines and Joe trotted in on his white shoes, with 63,000 fans roaring their approval.

'Relax,' he told himself. 'You know you're going to get hit, but you're going to get up. Just try to keep calm.' He threw 27 times against the 49ers for 258 yards on 11 completions. He was calm enough.

Joe's news conference was beautiful. He entered the packed room smiling his schoolboy smile, then fielded a thousand questions. Even his severest critics admitted afterward that he had one helluva day. That was a week ago Sunday.

At midweek he was out for practice, throwing long strikes into the icy winds of deserted Shea Stadium. The intense cold caused him to blow into his hands after each pass. Now he huddled with his receivers, said something quietly to Rich Caster, made the call, dropped back and pumped. The wind chopped at the ball and blew it away from Caster. Joe shrugged and tried it again, moving back and throwing, blowing into his hands and throwing again. He was getting ready for Dallas, and Dallas was getting ready for Joe Willie Namath.

Sunday's hero was now Saturday's child. He was going against the big guns of Tom Landry: Lee Roy Jordan and Bob Lilly on defense, Calvin Hill and Duane Thomas in the same backfield, and Roger Staubach at the switch. Joe Namath was to start his first regular-season game since he was smashed to the ground by Billy Ray Smith of Baltimore, landing on his right arm and breaking his wrist. That was in October 1970. Now he was starting against the Cowboys in Texas, against a team which was poised in its corner like Joe Louis before the second Schmeling fight.

Howfield kicked off. Ike Thomas grabbed the pigskin and never stopped running until he had scored a 101-yard touchdown. The Jets took over. Joe leaned over his center, Joe Schmitt, barking out his first series. Three plunges into the line and punt. Then disaster. The Cowboys scored again and again and again. In Namath's second series, he completed one pass in five, a 20-yarder to Don Maynard, before throwing an interception to Herb Adderley, which led to a Staubach-to-Hill touchdown. When Duane Thomas scored from the three to make it 28-0, Jet coach Weeb Ewbank sent in Davis, so as not to risk Joe and his sore arm any further at the hands of the bruising Dallas front four. It was still the first quarter.

With 12 minutes to go in the game, Davis was ground up by the Cowboys on the 30 while trying to get rid of the ball. He was helped off the field, and the Cowboys geared up again for another touchdown, which came on a Craig Morton pass to Lance Alworth five minutes later. The score was now 52-10.

Namath came out to play. A handoff to John Riggins- four yards. Riggins again for four. Emerson Boozer fumbled, and the carnage continued. Landry was now using Joe Williams as his battering ram against the decimated Jet defenses, but Dallas was stopped just five yards short of another touchdown as the gun sounded.

Funny thing happened, though. Some of the Cowboys ran over to Joe and shook his hand, like he had won the game or something. Just before Joe disappeared under the stands, a Dallas cheerleader squeezed his hand and wished him luck. Joe squeezed back. Then he took his aching legs and his battered pride into the locker room, where he could peel off his jersey and feel the soreness of his elbow and test his shaky knees.

'I just don't throw the way I would like to,' he said. 'I just don't have enough on the ball.' He felt his arm again and looked straight ahead.

Joe Namath, who had grown up in Beaver Falls, Pa., who had played for Bear Bryant at Alabama, who had passed for 4,007 yards in 1967, who had carved up the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, who had more guts than legs in all of his seven years in the pros- was whipped by a ferocious, unstoppable Dallas football team last Saturday.

Now the fans were gone, the season is ending, and Joe's knees are barely able to carry him into the following week against the Patriots.

He'll probably be in the game on Sunday, though, because he and Weeb Ewbank, the coach of the Jets, have one thing in common- they love to win. In Joe's case, by the way, it wasn't shown more than in his comeback game against San Francisco. After an interception, he was out there trying to make a tackle, bum knee and all, while Ewbank and the Jets on the sideline winced. Joe's that way about his manliness.

Some of the guys in this business will be writing that he's all washed up. Don't you believe it, because I want to tell you something, friends.

If you're old enough, maybe you've seen them all. Luckman and Baugh, Layne and Van Brocklin, Unitas and Tittle, Starr and Brodie and all the others. Tomorrow you might be talking about Griese and Bradshaw, Plunkett and Staubach, and the rest. But after playing in only two games of the 1971 season, in which he and his team were beaten twice, the best there is was in there to play quarterback for the New York Jets. And when Joe Willie Namath comes to play, everybody knows he's the best there is. And that's a fact. Hell, you can look it up."

-Herb Gluck, Gridiron, December 13, 1971