Defensive End
No. 81
Southern
"'He's an old pro who knows what's going on,' says Walt Michaels. 'He gives us consistency and leadership.'
Last season Neal probably had his best year since coming to the Jets along with Delles Howell from New Orleans in a 1973 draft eve trade for the Jets' number two and three draft choices. He led last year's defensive line with four quarterback sacks. Neal had 34 solo tackles and 36 assists and played every game but the finale because of a knee injury. He was the defensive captain last season and the player representative in 1975 and 1976.
Richard played three different line spots in his first year with the Jets, then shared right end duties in 1974 and tied for the team lead with five sacks. He's been the regular defensive end the last two seasons.
Richard was the Saints' number two choice in 1969 and was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and captain in 1972. In his pro career he has nine fumble recoveries, 12 quarterback sacks and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in 1972.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard was a four-year letterman and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard works in public relations. His birthplace in Minden, Lousiana and his hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Saturday, March 17, 2018
1977 Profile: Tommy Marvaso
Strong Safety
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1977 Profile: Bob Martin
Linebacker
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Monday, February 19, 2018
1977 Profile: Ed Marinaro
Running Back
No. 49
Cornell
"Marinaro was signed as a free agent [for the 1976 season] after playing out his option at Minnesota. He was leading the Jets in both rushing and receiving when he injured his foot in the sixth game at New England. The injury wasn't thought to be serious at first but it kept him out for the rest of the season. At the time of the injury, Ed had gained 312 yards on 77 carries for a 4.1 average and two touchdowns and had caught 21 for 168 for an 8.0 average. He still finished third on the club in both categories.
He produced his career single-game rushing high with 119 yards on 31 carries against Buffalo. A week earlier against San Francisco, Marinaro gained 111 yards on 21 attempts, scored a touchdown and added 61 yards on five catches.
'He's a hard-working back who's a good runner and fine receiver,' says Walt Michaels. 'We'd like to see him come back healthy and return to his pre-injury form.'
In his final year with the Vikings, Ed finished third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in receptions with 54 for 462 yards and an 8.6 average; he caught 11 passes against San Diego. He also had his best rushing season with 358 yards on 101 carries. Originally a number two draft choice of Minnesota, his career totals show 383 rushes for 1,319 yards for a 3.4 average with six touchdowns, and 146 catches for 1,176 yards for an 8.1 average with seven touchdowns.
Marinaro left Cornell as the NCAA's [all-time] most prolific rusher with 4,715 yards (since broken) and as the season record holder with 1,881 in 1971. His 203 yards per game is still an NCAA record. Runner-up to Pat Sullivan for the Heisman Trophy, he was named to numerous All-America teams.
Ed has a degree in hotel administration. He was born in New York City and raised in New Milford, New Jersey. Studying acting, he had a role in the feature film Fingers during the off-season. Ed is also involved in the New York anti-litter campaign. His last name is pronounced Mar-in-AR-row."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 49
Cornell
"Marinaro was signed as a free agent [for the 1976 season] after playing out his option at Minnesota. He was leading the Jets in both rushing and receiving when he injured his foot in the sixth game at New England. The injury wasn't thought to be serious at first but it kept him out for the rest of the season. At the time of the injury, Ed had gained 312 yards on 77 carries for a 4.1 average and two touchdowns and had caught 21 for 168 for an 8.0 average. He still finished third on the club in both categories.
He produced his career single-game rushing high with 119 yards on 31 carries against Buffalo. A week earlier against San Francisco, Marinaro gained 111 yards on 21 attempts, scored a touchdown and added 61 yards on five catches.
'He's a hard-working back who's a good runner and fine receiver,' says Walt Michaels. 'We'd like to see him come back healthy and return to his pre-injury form.'
In his final year with the Vikings, Ed finished third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL in receptions with 54 for 462 yards and an 8.6 average; he caught 11 passes against San Diego. He also had his best rushing season with 358 yards on 101 carries. Originally a number two draft choice of Minnesota, his career totals show 383 rushes for 1,319 yards for a 3.4 average with six touchdowns, and 146 catches for 1,176 yards for an 8.1 average with seven touchdowns.
Marinaro left Cornell as the NCAA's [all-time] most prolific rusher with 4,715 yards (since broken) and as the season record holder with 1,881 in 1971. His 203 yards per game is still an NCAA record. Runner-up to Pat Sullivan for the Heisman Trophy, he was named to numerous All-America teams.
Ed has a degree in hotel administration. He was born in New York City and raised in New Milford, New Jersey. Studying acting, he had a role in the feature film Fingers during the off-season. Ed is also involved in the New York anti-litter campaign. His last name is pronounced Mar-in-AR-row."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, February 8, 2018
1977 Profile: Pat Leahy
Place Kicker
No. 5
St. Louis
"Leahy led the team with 49 points, kicking 11 of 16 field goals and 16 of 20 extra points.
He attended St. Louis University but did not play college football. In 1974 he showed up for a tryout with the Cardinals, was signed, then released. A few weeks later he tried out for the Jets, who signed him and have no cause to regret it."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Leahy proved to be one of the NFL's most accurate field goal kickers again last season. He finished fifth in the AFC and tied for ninth in the NFL with 11 of 16 for a .668 percentage. Leahy also made 16 of 20 PATs for a team-leading 49 points; he has topped the Jets in scoring the past two seasons. He has steadily increased his percentage each season and now has a career mark of .625 (30 of 48). Pat has a career total of 150 points.
He equalled his longest career field goal last year with a 47-yarder against the Redskins. His 38-yard boot with 48 seconds remaining proved the winner in the victory over Buffalo at Shea. Pat had some problems during the season because the holders changed frequently.
Pat joined the Jets as a free agent in mid-1974 when Bobby Howfield was injured. He immediately helped the club by defeating the Giants in the sudden-death game which started the Jets on a six-game winning streak.
Although with no football experience, Pat had a tryout with the Cardinals but couldn't unseat veteran Jim Baaken. The Jets saw him during a preseason game and kept him in mind.
Pat holds a B.S. in marketing and business administration and works for Schmidt Bros. Painting and Remodeling in the off-season. His hometown and birthplace is St. Louis, Missouri."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 5
St. Louis
"Leahy led the team with 49 points, kicking 11 of 16 field goals and 16 of 20 extra points.
He attended St. Louis University but did not play college football. In 1974 he showed up for a tryout with the Cardinals, was signed, then released. A few weeks later he tried out for the Jets, who signed him and have no cause to regret it."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Leahy proved to be one of the NFL's most accurate field goal kickers again last season. He finished fifth in the AFC and tied for ninth in the NFL with 11 of 16 for a .668 percentage. Leahy also made 16 of 20 PATs for a team-leading 49 points; he has topped the Jets in scoring the past two seasons. He has steadily increased his percentage each season and now has a career mark of .625 (30 of 48). Pat has a career total of 150 points.
He equalled his longest career field goal last year with a 47-yarder against the Redskins. His 38-yard boot with 48 seconds remaining proved the winner in the victory over Buffalo at Shea. Pat had some problems during the season because the holders changed frequently.
Pat joined the Jets as a free agent in mid-1974 when Bobby Howfield was injured. He immediately helped the club by defeating the Giants in the sudden-death game which started the Jets on a six-game winning streak.
Although with no football experience, Pat had a tryout with the Cardinals but couldn't unseat veteran Jim Baaken. The Jets saw him during a preseason game and kept him in mind.
Pat holds a B.S. in marketing and business administration and works for Schmidt Bros. Painting and Remodeling in the off-season. His hometown and birthplace is St. Louis, Missouri."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, January 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Al Krevis
Offensive Tackle
No. 71
Boston College
"Krevis was acquired on waivers from Cincinnati after the final cut last year and played in 10 games as a reserve tackle and special team member. Drafted number two by the Bengals in 1975, he has good size and strength but still lacks experience.
He was All-East, an All-America tackle as a senior and played in the Senior Bowl and in the East-West Shrine Game. Al was also a standout heavyweight wrestler.
Al majored in marketing and is interested in real estate. He is involved in the 'Dope Open,' a golf tournament where proceeds go to drug rehabilitation and to a muscular dystrophy program. Al's birthplace and hometown in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, and his last name is pronounced CREV-is."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 71
Boston College
"Krevis was acquired on waivers from Cincinnati after the final cut last year and played in 10 games as a reserve tackle and special team member. Drafted number two by the Bengals in 1975, he has good size and strength but still lacks experience.
He was All-East, an All-America tackle as a senior and played in the Senior Bowl and in the East-West Shrine Game. Al was also a standout heavyweight wrestler.
Al majored in marketing and is interested in real estate. He is involved in the 'Dope Open,' a golf tournament where proceeds go to drug rehabilitation and to a muscular dystrophy program. Al's birthplace and hometown in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey, and his last name is pronounced CREV-is."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, January 11, 2018
1977 Profile: David Knight
Wide Receiver
No. 82
William and Mary
"Knight came back as a starter last year after missing most of the 1975 season following knee surgery. His stats dropped off from his sophomore season when he was second on the club in receptions to Jerome Barkum with 40, for 579 yards, a 14.5 average and four touchdowns. David started 13 games last year and made 20 catches for 403 yards, a 20.2 average and two touchdowns.
His most catches in one game in 1976 were his five against the Colts, and he had his longest career reception with a 44-yard touchdown at Baltimore. His best day in the pros was in 1974 with seven catches for 117 yards at Baltimore.
Knight's career totals show 66 receptions for 1,060 yards, a 16.1 average and seven touchdowns. Although he doesn't possess burning speed, he has outstanding hands and runs precise patterns.
He won AP All-East honors and was two-time All-Southern Conference. Knight caught 133 passes for 1,995 yards and nine touchdowns during his college career. He played in the East-West and North-South Shrine Games, the Coaches' All-America Game and the 1971 Tangerine Bowl.
David holds a B.S. in business administration. He idolized Oakland's Fred Biletnikoff during his early career. Born in Trieste, Italy, his hometown is Alexandria, Virginia and he makes his off-season home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 82
William and Mary
"Knight came back as a starter last year after missing most of the 1975 season following knee surgery. His stats dropped off from his sophomore season when he was second on the club in receptions to Jerome Barkum with 40, for 579 yards, a 14.5 average and four touchdowns. David started 13 games last year and made 20 catches for 403 yards, a 20.2 average and two touchdowns.
His most catches in one game in 1976 were his five against the Colts, and he had his longest career reception with a 44-yard touchdown at Baltimore. His best day in the pros was in 1974 with seven catches for 117 yards at Baltimore.
Knight's career totals show 66 receptions for 1,060 yards, a 16.1 average and seven touchdowns. Although he doesn't possess burning speed, he has outstanding hands and runs precise patterns.
He won AP All-East honors and was two-time All-Southern Conference. Knight caught 133 passes for 1,995 yards and nine touchdowns during his college career. He played in the East-West and North-South Shrine Games, the Coaches' All-America Game and the 1971 Tangerine Bowl.
David holds a B.S. in business administration. He idolized Oakland's Fred Biletnikoff during his early career. Born in Trieste, Italy, his hometown is Alexandria, Virginia and he makes his off-season home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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