Guard
No. 78
Valparaiso
"Garry split his playing time last year between right guard and right tackle and even filled in at center against Tampa Bay. He proved to be a versatile and hardy performer, moving to the spot he was needed most. 'He's an intelligent player who should come into his own this year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'The moving around has probably hurt him but if he keeps his weight down, guard should be his spot.' Garry has started 42 consecutive games. He gained notoriety last year when Howard Cosell singled him out for laughing during the Jets-Patriots Monday night game- Garry gained the full backing of his teammates.
He made a surprising entrance as a 12th round draft choice when he opened his rookie campaign ahead of veteran Dave Herman at right guard. Garry started the first four games before suffering a broken bone in his foot. He was on the inactive list for seven of the last nine games. He signed a WFL contract but it was breached.
Garry was a two-time college division All-American and three times All-Indiana Collegiate Conference. He has a B.S. in physical education.
An articulate and amusing speaker at banquets with an easygoing nature, Garry is the holler guy of the team. His birthplace is Elmhurst, Illinois and his hometown is Chicago. His name is pronounced 'Pets.' "
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Monday, July 2, 2018
1977 Profile: Steve Poole
Linebacker
No. 54
Tennessee
"Steve was signed as a free agent by the Jets in the spring of 1976 and opened the season as the starting middle linebacker in an all-rookie unit but suffered a pulled hamstring in the fourth quarter that put him out for four weeks. He rejoined the club but appeared not to have recovered fully. Steve pulled another hamstring late in the year and wound up playing in eight games.
He worked on special teams and scored a touchdown at Buffalo when he returned a punt blocked by Larry Keller seven yards. Walt Michaels feels that Poole has good hitting ability and good strength but wants him to keep his weight down.
As a junior at Tennessee, Poole averaged 17 tackles per game, racking up more tackles in one season than any middle linebacker in Tennessee history (182- 111 solos, 71 assists).
He majored in business administration. His hometown is Oglethorpe, Georgia."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 54
Tennessee
"Steve was signed as a free agent by the Jets in the spring of 1976 and opened the season as the starting middle linebacker in an all-rookie unit but suffered a pulled hamstring in the fourth quarter that put him out for four weeks. He rejoined the club but appeared not to have recovered fully. Steve pulled another hamstring late in the year and wound up playing in eight games.
He worked on special teams and scored a touchdown at Buffalo when he returned a punt blocked by Larry Keller seven yards. Walt Michaels feels that Poole has good hitting ability and good strength but wants him to keep his weight down.
As a junior at Tennessee, Poole averaged 17 tackles per game, racking up more tackles in one season than any middle linebacker in Tennessee history (182- 111 solos, 71 assists).
He majored in business administration. His hometown is Oglethorpe, Georgia."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, July 1, 2018
1977 Profile: Lawrence Pillers
Defensive End
No. 76
Alcorn State
"Pillers has to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. Originally drafted with thoughts of being a linebacker prospect, he came to camp at a solid 250 and still kept speed. He claimed the starting left end job in the second game and held it the rest of the season, starting 13 games. Pillers led the front four in tackles with 55 solos and 72 assists, had two quarterback sacks, knocked down two passes and recovered two fumbles.
'He has great potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He was much better against the run last year but he hadn't played that much as a down lineman as before. He grew up all of a sudden. He can develop into a leader because he loves to play.'
Lawrence helped lead Alcorn State to the black national championship in 1974. He led the defense that topped the nation against the run in 1975 (159 yards allowed in 10 games).
He was first-team AP Little All-America and was named all-conference three times. He tied for the team lead in tackles (104) as a senior. Lawrence had an incredible 12 blocked punts in his career as well as 15 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Lawrence enjoys playing basketball and riding horses. He is involved in the Easter Seals telethon among other charities. His birthplace and hometown is Hazelhurst Mississippi."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 76
Alcorn State
"Pillers has to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. Originally drafted with thoughts of being a linebacker prospect, he came to camp at a solid 250 and still kept speed. He claimed the starting left end job in the second game and held it the rest of the season, starting 13 games. Pillers led the front four in tackles with 55 solos and 72 assists, had two quarterback sacks, knocked down two passes and recovered two fumbles.
'He has great potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He was much better against the run last year but he hadn't played that much as a down lineman as before. He grew up all of a sudden. He can develop into a leader because he loves to play.'
Lawrence helped lead Alcorn State to the black national championship in 1974. He led the defense that topped the nation against the run in 1975 (159 yards allowed in 10 games).
He was first-team AP Little All-America and was named all-conference three times. He tied for the team lead in tackles (104) as a senior. Lawrence had an incredible 12 blocked punts in his career as well as 15 fumble recoveries and four interceptions.
Lawrence enjoys playing basketball and riding horses. He is involved in the Easter Seals telethon among other charities. His birthplace and hometown is Hazelhurst Mississippi."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, June 7, 2018
1977 Profile: Lou Piccone
Kick Returner-Wide Receiver
No. 89
West Liberty State
"In 1976 Lou saw his most action since making the pros as a free agent in 1974. He played in all 14 games and started seven at wide receiver.
'He loves to play ... gives you 100 percent and is a great special teamer,' head coach Walt Michaels says. Last year Piccone caught 15 passes for 147 yards, a 12.3 average.
He once again led the team in punt and kickoff returns. Lou ran back 31 kickoffs for 788 yards for a 23.6 average, including a career longest 58 yards in the second New England game. He returned 21 punts 173 yards for an 8.2 average and broke a 60-yarder for a touchdown against Tampa Bay, the first Jet punt return for a touchdown since 1972 and the longest of Piccone's career. His 112 yards against the Buccaneers was the second-best punt return day in Jets history.
Piccone holds the club record for kickoff return yardage in a season (961 in 1974) and a career (2,386) as well as most career kickoff returns (96). He returned more kickoffs (39) for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974, his rookie season. Lou returned five kickoffs for 157 yards against New England in '74, second-best in Jets annals. His career kickoff average is 24.9 and he has averaged 5.7 yards on 48 career punt returns.
He played out his option in 1975 but re-signed for 1976. Lou first signed with the Jets in '74 after spending two seasons in the minors with the Youngstown Hardhats and the Bridgeport Jets.
Lou excels as a tackler on punt returns and kickoff coverage. He's usually one of the first men downfield and is a reckless pursuer.
Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.
He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 89
West Liberty State
"In 1976 Lou saw his most action since making the pros as a free agent in 1974. He played in all 14 games and started seven at wide receiver.
'He loves to play ... gives you 100 percent and is a great special teamer,' head coach Walt Michaels says. Last year Piccone caught 15 passes for 147 yards, a 12.3 average.
He once again led the team in punt and kickoff returns. Lou ran back 31 kickoffs for 788 yards for a 23.6 average, including a career longest 58 yards in the second New England game. He returned 21 punts 173 yards for an 8.2 average and broke a 60-yarder for a touchdown against Tampa Bay, the first Jet punt return for a touchdown since 1972 and the longest of Piccone's career. His 112 yards against the Buccaneers was the second-best punt return day in Jets history.
Piccone holds the club record for kickoff return yardage in a season (961 in 1974) and a career (2,386) as well as most career kickoff returns (96). He returned more kickoffs (39) for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974, his rookie season. Lou returned five kickoffs for 157 yards against New England in '74, second-best in Jets annals. His career kickoff average is 24.9 and he has averaged 5.7 yards on 48 career punt returns.
He played out his option in 1975 but re-signed for 1976. Lou first signed with the Jets in '74 after spending two seasons in the minors with the Youngstown Hardhats and the Bridgeport Jets.
Lou excels as a tackler on punt returns and kickoff coverage. He's usually one of the first men downfield and is a reckless pursuer.
Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.
He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, May 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Burgess Owens
Free Safety
No. 22
Miami
"Needs a permanent home. Owens was drafted as a cornerback but spent his first two seasons at strong safety. The Jets have jockeyed him around at all four defensive backfield spots. He played two games at cornerback last year but the results were mediocre, prompting the shuffle back to free safety. Owens seems best suited for free safety.
The most consistent of the Jets' defensive backs the past three years, he has fine speed along with the size and strength to be a punishing tackler for a defensive back.
A first-round draft choice in 1973, Owens was an All-American cornerback at the University of Miami. He was born in Tallahassee and plans a dentistry career."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"'He found a home at free safety last season and probably had his best year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He's one of the best free safeties in the league, and now we'll have to see how far he can go from here.'
After three campaigns at strong safety, Owens was switched to cornerback in the preseason and started the first two regular season games there before a musical chairs' switch sent him to free safety, Phil Wise to strong safety and Shafer Suggs to left cornerback in the third game at Miami. Owens led the secondary in total tackles (123), was third in solo stops with 61 and recovered three fumbles. He made an outstanding play at Buffalo, catching O.J. Simpson from behind to save a touchdown and possibly the game.
Burgess has stayed healthy most of his career, missing only three games in 1975 with a torn tendon in his left knee. He was the Jets' Rookie of the Year and a member of the NFL All-Rookie team in 1973. Burgess made the Jets' last interception for a touchdown (29 yards at Baltimore in 1974) and also the last Jet kickoff return for a touchdown (82 yards against Denver in 1973). He had three interceptions in both 1974 and 1975 and one in 1973.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He made 160 tackles and eight interceptions while playing primarily at cornerback. A running back in high school, he gained over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns.
Burgess is articulate as a banquet speaker. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and his hometown is Tallahassee, Florida. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 22
Miami
"Needs a permanent home. Owens was drafted as a cornerback but spent his first two seasons at strong safety. The Jets have jockeyed him around at all four defensive backfield spots. He played two games at cornerback last year but the results were mediocre, prompting the shuffle back to free safety. Owens seems best suited for free safety.
The most consistent of the Jets' defensive backs the past three years, he has fine speed along with the size and strength to be a punishing tackler for a defensive back.
A first-round draft choice in 1973, Owens was an All-American cornerback at the University of Miami. He was born in Tallahassee and plans a dentistry career."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"'He found a home at free safety last season and probably had his best year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He's one of the best free safeties in the league, and now we'll have to see how far he can go from here.'
After three campaigns at strong safety, Owens was switched to cornerback in the preseason and started the first two regular season games there before a musical chairs' switch sent him to free safety, Phil Wise to strong safety and Shafer Suggs to left cornerback in the third game at Miami. Owens led the secondary in total tackles (123), was third in solo stops with 61 and recovered three fumbles. He made an outstanding play at Buffalo, catching O.J. Simpson from behind to save a touchdown and possibly the game.
Burgess has stayed healthy most of his career, missing only three games in 1975 with a torn tendon in his left knee. He was the Jets' Rookie of the Year and a member of the NFL All-Rookie team in 1973. Burgess made the Jets' last interception for a touchdown (29 yards at Baltimore in 1974) and also the last Jet kickoff return for a touchdown (82 yards against Denver in 1973). He had three interceptions in both 1974 and 1975 and one in 1973.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He made 160 tackles and eight interceptions while playing primarily at cornerback. A running back in high school, he gained over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns.
Burgess is articulate as a banquet speaker. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and his hometown is Tallahassee, Florida. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, May 20, 2018
1977 Profile: Richard Osborne
Tight End
No. 86
Texas A & M
"Claimed on waivers by the Jets from Philadelphia last October 7, Osborne made an auspicious debut with the New Yorkers by catching a touchdown pass from Joe Namath only five days after reporting. The six-pointer gave the Jets a 13-0 lead [followed by a conversion by Pat Leahy] over Buffalo.
Osborne started at tight end the following week at New England when the club experimented with the move of Richard Caster to wide receiver. He spent the rest of the season on special teams and as an extra tight end on short yardage plays. He missed the final game because of an elbow injury.
A ninth-round choice of the Eagles in 1976, Richard was the most prolific receiver in Texas A & M history with 86 receptions. He was All-Southwest Conference and majored in business administration.
Richard was named the top prep player in Texas at Lee High in San Antonio. His birthplace is Wichita, Kansas and his hometown is San Antonio."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 86
Texas A & M
"Claimed on waivers by the Jets from Philadelphia last October 7, Osborne made an auspicious debut with the New Yorkers by catching a touchdown pass from Joe Namath only five days after reporting. The six-pointer gave the Jets a 13-0 lead [followed by a conversion by Pat Leahy] over Buffalo.
Osborne started at tight end the following week at New England when the club experimented with the move of Richard Caster to wide receiver. He spent the rest of the season on special teams and as an extra tight end on short yardage plays. He missed the final game because of an elbow injury.
A ninth-round choice of the Eagles in 1976, Richard was the most prolific receiver in Texas A & M history with 86 receptions. He was All-Southwest Conference and majored in business administration.
Richard was named the top prep player in Texas at Lee High in San Antonio. His birthplace is Wichita, Kansas and his hometown is San Antonio."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, May 6, 2018
1977 Profile: Billy Newsome
Defensive End
No. 87
Grambling
"Newsome played in only two games last year because of a mild fracture of his knee. He started the first game at Cleveland and only saw spot duty six weeks later.
'He could be a big help to us if he returns to his pre-1976 form because he has the ability,' says Walt Michaels. He didn't require surgery, and off-season medical reports indicate he should be ready to go.
Acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 choice in the 1975 draft, Billy had a good year in 1975 with a team leading six sacks. He served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp.
Billy spent two seasons with the Saints. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. Originally a No. 3 choice of the Colts in 1970 and a member of Baltimore's Super Bowl championship team of that season, Billy went to New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 draft choice- the Colts tabbed Bert Jones.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 87
Grambling
"Newsome played in only two games last year because of a mild fracture of his knee. He started the first game at Cleveland and only saw spot duty six weeks later.
'He could be a big help to us if he returns to his pre-1976 form because he has the ability,' says Walt Michaels. He didn't require surgery, and off-season medical reports indicate he should be ready to go.
Acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 choice in the 1975 draft, Billy had a good year in 1975 with a team leading six sacks. He served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp.
Billy spent two seasons with the Saints. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. Originally a No. 3 choice of the Colts in 1970 and a member of Baltimore's Super Bowl championship team of that season, Billy went to New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 draft choice- the Colts tabbed Bert Jones.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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