Cornerback
No. 23
Ball State
"NFL's only Shafer. He didn't dazzle'em as rookie but showed enough to justify his second-round draft status. He has to prove his physical toughness after a series of nagging injuries last year. He's a strong tackler, but can he take the punishment? He has all the speed, quickness and instincts needed to be a top cornerback but works under a severe handicap- the Jets have no pass rush.
Suggs was born in Elkhart, Indiana. He was a two-sport star at Ball State, starting three years in basketball and four in football, and was a history major. He might be better at safety, but the Jets need him more at cornerback."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
" 'He's got great potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He has the physical equipment to play the corner or strong safety. He's aggressive, a good hitter and he can run, but he needs to gain experience and to stay healthy.'
In his rookie year, Suggs was beset with injury problems. He suffered a sprained ankle in the preseason and missed five games. He started the opener at strong safety after only one preseason game. Suggs had a standout game including a clean hard tackle that knocked Mike Phipps out of action.
He missed the next game at Denver with an injury suffered in practice. He then moved, in a musical chairs arrangement with other defenders, to left cornerback. Shafer was a regular there until a slew of injuries (ankle, ribs, elbow, shoulder) forced him to miss the New England and Baltimore games. For the season he had an interception, 42 solo tackles and 16 assists.
In college Suggs was named Mid-America Conference defensive player of the year as a senior and an AP second-team All-American. He set the school interception record of 14, including eight in 1974. Shafer was the first Ball State player in 17 years to earn four letters in football. His college coach compared him with Mike Sensibaugh and Jack Tatum. He had excellent postseason performances in the East-West and Senior Bowl games and played in the last College All-Star Game in Chicago.
Shafer was also a three-year basketball starter averaging 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds. In high school, he was named all-state in football and basketball. Shafer's birthplace and hometown is Elkhart, Indiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Thursday, October 25, 2018
1977 Profile: Rich Sowells
Cornerback
No. 46
Alcorn A & M
"Rich suffered a fractured shoulder in training camp when blocked by teammate Shafer Suggs. He missed the entire preseason and the first four games.
He had three starts, replacing Suggs at left cornerback when he was injured and Ed Taylor at right cornerback when he missed the final two games. 'He's an experienced cornerback who can play either corner, and he gives a good effort,' says head coach Walt Michaels. Rich had two interceptions, 16 solo tackles and seven assists.
Rich was a regular cornerback in 1974 and 1975 after three seasons as a spot player, starting six games as a rookie in 1971. He had his greatest afternoon against the Colts in 1973, tying the Jet record for interceptions in a game (3), and returned one 30 yards for a touchdown. He has 10 career interceptions for 115 yards and an 11.5 average, and one touchdown.
Twice chosen the outstanding defensive back [of the week] in the SWAC as a senior, Rich played in the Orange Blossom Classic. He majored in business administration.
Nicknamed 'Petey,' his hometown is Huntsville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 46
Alcorn A & M
"Rich suffered a fractured shoulder in training camp when blocked by teammate Shafer Suggs. He missed the entire preseason and the first four games.
He had three starts, replacing Suggs at left cornerback when he was injured and Ed Taylor at right cornerback when he missed the final two games. 'He's an experienced cornerback who can play either corner, and he gives a good effort,' says head coach Walt Michaels. Rich had two interceptions, 16 solo tackles and seven assists.
Rich was a regular cornerback in 1974 and 1975 after three seasons as a spot player, starting six games as a rookie in 1971. He had his greatest afternoon against the Colts in 1973, tying the Jet record for interceptions in a game (3), and returned one 30 yards for a touchdown. He has 10 career interceptions for 115 yards and an 11.5 average, and one touchdown.
Twice chosen the outstanding defensive back [of the week] in the SWAC as a senior, Rich played in the Orange Blossom Classic. He majored in business administration.
Nicknamed 'Petey,' his hometown is Huntsville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, October 14, 2018
1977 Profile: Howard Satterwhite
Wide Receiver
No. 80
Sam Houston State
"Satterwhite was acquired on waivers from the Redskins last year five days before the September 7 opener. He became a standout on special teams and was used as a backup wide receiver.
He played in 12 games, missing the last two because of a broken jaw suffered against the Colts. Howard had four starts: against Denver, San Francisco, New England and Baltimore. He had seven catches for 110 yards, a 15.7 average. He was one of the special teams standouts for the Redskins, but numbers caught up with him there. Satterwhite was spotted in action against the Jets in the preseason.
Satterwhite was a part-time starter in college. His best year was 1972, with 16 catches for 230 yards. A business administration major, he was signed by the Redskins as a free agent.
In high school, Howard was a two-time all-district football player and three-time all-district basketball player. He was his school's athlete of the year in 1970. Howard's birthplace and hometown is San Antonio, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 80
Sam Houston State
"Satterwhite was acquired on waivers from the Redskins last year five days before the September 7 opener. He became a standout on special teams and was used as a backup wide receiver.
He played in 12 games, missing the last two because of a broken jaw suffered against the Colts. Howard had four starts: against Denver, San Francisco, New England and Baltimore. He had seven catches for 110 yards, a 15.7 average. He was one of the special teams standouts for the Redskins, but numbers caught up with him there. Satterwhite was spotted in action against the Jets in the preseason.
Satterwhite was a part-time starter in college. His best year was 1972, with 16 catches for 230 yards. A business administration major, he was signed by the Redskins as a free agent.
In high school, Howard was a two-time all-district football player and three-time all-district basketball player. He was his school's athlete of the year in 1970. Howard's birthplace and hometown is San Antonio, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, September 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Abdul Salaam (Larry Faulk)
Defensive Tackle
No. 74
Kent State
"Abdul is penciled in as a possible starter at right defensive tackle following a good rookie showing in 1976. He played in all 14 games, starting three at left tackle and right end in the defensive line. Abdul had 24 solo tackles and 17 assists plus two quarterback sacks.
'Larry [Abdul] has good potential,' head coach Walt Michaels says. 'He pursues like crazy and he's quick.' Coaches say that right now, like most young defensive linemen, he's better against the run and needs work on his pass rush technique.
Abdul led Kent State's 'Carat Gold' defense while playing either linebacker or nose guard. He was drafted with the possibility of playing linebacker but added a solid 25 pounds by training camp. His honors include 'Mr. Defense' in the Mid-America Conference in 1974 and first team All-MAC for three years.
He majored in business. His birthplace is New Brockton, Alabama and his hometown is Cincinnati."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 74
Kent State
"Abdul is penciled in as a possible starter at right defensive tackle following a good rookie showing in 1976. He played in all 14 games, starting three at left tackle and right end in the defensive line. Abdul had 24 solo tackles and 17 assists plus two quarterback sacks.
'Larry [Abdul] has good potential,' head coach Walt Michaels says. 'He pursues like crazy and he's quick.' Coaches say that right now, like most young defensive linemen, he's better against the run and needs work on his pass rush technique.
Abdul led Kent State's 'Carat Gold' defense while playing either linebacker or nose guard. He was drafted with the possibility of playing linebacker but added a solid 25 pounds by training camp. His honors include 'Mr. Defense' in the Mid-America Conference in 1974 and first team All-MAC for three years.
He majored in business. His birthplace is New Brockton, Alabama and his hometown is Cincinnati."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
1977 Profile: Carl Russ
Linebacker
No. 53
Michigan
"Carl was acquired from Atlanta five days before the opener last year. He started at middle linebacker at Denver but had a shaky beginning. He started again at Miami the following week and played well until spraining his left knee. Carl had surgery and all medical reports indicate he should be ready to go. 'He has the potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He was looking good until he was injured. He's also a good special teams performer.'
An aggressive hitter, Carl played both outside linebacker and middle linebacker with the Falcons, backing up Tommy Nobis. He was Atlanta's 13th pick in 1975 and was converted from being a down lineman in college.
Carl went to Michigan on an academic scholarship, joined the football team in his sophomore year and earned a grant-in-aid. He won three letters and is an honors graduate with plans for a law degree.
Carl has worked with young people in his hometown because he 'wanted to something for the kids and help repay the school for what it did for me.' His birthplace and hometown is Muskegon, Michigan."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 53
Michigan
"Carl was acquired from Atlanta five days before the opener last year. He started at middle linebacker at Denver but had a shaky beginning. He started again at Miami the following week and played well until spraining his left knee. Carl had surgery and all medical reports indicate he should be ready to go. 'He has the potential,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He was looking good until he was injured. He's also a good special teams performer.'
An aggressive hitter, Carl played both outside linebacker and middle linebacker with the Falcons, backing up Tommy Nobis. He was Atlanta's 13th pick in 1975 and was converted from being a down lineman in college.
Carl went to Michigan on an academic scholarship, joined the football team in his sophomore year and earned a grant-in-aid. He won three letters and is an honors graduate with plans for a law degree.
Carl has worked with young people in his hometown because he 'wanted to something for the kids and help repay the school for what it did for me.' His birthplace and hometown is Muskegon, Michigan."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, August 26, 2018
1977 Profile: John Roman
Offensive Tackle
No. 61
Idaho State
"John was signed after the first two games last year and wound up starting six days later at left tackle. He started again the following week at San Francisco but had a hard time with Cedric Hardman (not the only player with that problem).
Coaches say he has potential but needs a lot of work. He's a very green player who was on special teams duty for nine games.
John was originally drafted 13th by Baltimore but decided to join the World Football League's Philadelphia Bell. He saw spot duty there and then signed with the Colts in 1976 but was cut following the preseason.
A two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection, John bench pressed 450 pounds. He played prep football at Absecon Holy Spirit High in Absecon, New Jersey, his birthplace and hometown."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 61
Idaho State
"John was signed after the first two games last year and wound up starting six days later at left tackle. He started again the following week at San Francisco but had a hard time with Cedric Hardman (not the only player with that problem).
Coaches say he has potential but needs a lot of work. He's a very green player who was on special teams duty for nine games.
John was originally drafted 13th by Baltimore but decided to join the World Football League's Philadelphia Bell. He saw spot duty there and then signed with the Colts in 1976 but was cut following the preseason.
A two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection, John bench pressed 450 pounds. He played prep football at Absecon Holy Spirit High in Absecon, New Jersey, his birthplace and hometown."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, August 4, 2018
1977 Profile: Randy Rasmussen
Guard
No. 66
Kearney State
"Jet problems on offense aren't his fault. Year after year, Rasmussen turns in good work at left guard, where he has been doing business for 10 years. He's the Jets' Mr. Consistency.
Rasmussen seldom gets caught holding. His diminished speed has reduced his earlier effectiveness as a pulling guard, but he's still strong on straight-ahead blocks and pass protection.
Born in Elba, Nebraska, Rasmussen was a math major at Kearney State and was three-time All-NAIA as a tackle. He was a 12th-round draft choice but won a starting role as a rookie and has been there ever since.
Rasmussen is a good speaker and popular on the banquet circuit."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Rasmussen is one of the most consistent linemen in Jets history and is rated as perhaps the best pulling guard the Jets have ever had. He rarely has a bad game.
A starter as a rookie, he has started at left guard for ten consecutive seasons and has played in 94 consecutive games entering the 1977 season, all as a starter. Rasmussen ranks fifth among all Jet players in games played with 138. Only Winston Hill (195), Larry Grantham (173), Don Maynard (168) and Ralph Baker (141) have appeared in more. In his career he has recovered nine fumbles (one in 1976) and recovered a Jet fumble for a touchdown in 1972.
Known for his one-on-one blocking techniques, Randy turned in another strong campaign last year as a starter in every preseason and regular season game. He was the top-grading lineman in 1976 and his blocking was one reason the Jets gained 1,924 yards on the ground last season, the third highest total in club history. 'He was a better football player last season than a lot of guys who made All-Pro,' says Buffalo coach Jim Ringo.
Randy played offensive tackle in college and was All-NAIA for two years and was three times all-conference. He threw the shot put for the track team and majored in mathematics.
Randy grew up on a farm. He likes to hunt and play golf and is in great demand as an off-season banquet speaker. He has appeared for the March of Dimes. He makes his home in Elmsford, New York, his birthplace is St. Paul, Nebraska and his hometown is Elba, Nebraska. His name is pronounced RAZZ-mus-sen."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 66
Kearney State
"Jet problems on offense aren't his fault. Year after year, Rasmussen turns in good work at left guard, where he has been doing business for 10 years. He's the Jets' Mr. Consistency.
Rasmussen seldom gets caught holding. His diminished speed has reduced his earlier effectiveness as a pulling guard, but he's still strong on straight-ahead blocks and pass protection.
Born in Elba, Nebraska, Rasmussen was a math major at Kearney State and was three-time All-NAIA as a tackle. He was a 12th-round draft choice but won a starting role as a rookie and has been there ever since.
Rasmussen is a good speaker and popular on the banquet circuit."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Rasmussen is one of the most consistent linemen in Jets history and is rated as perhaps the best pulling guard the Jets have ever had. He rarely has a bad game.
A starter as a rookie, he has started at left guard for ten consecutive seasons and has played in 94 consecutive games entering the 1977 season, all as a starter. Rasmussen ranks fifth among all Jet players in games played with 138. Only Winston Hill (195), Larry Grantham (173), Don Maynard (168) and Ralph Baker (141) have appeared in more. In his career he has recovered nine fumbles (one in 1976) and recovered a Jet fumble for a touchdown in 1972.
Known for his one-on-one blocking techniques, Randy turned in another strong campaign last year as a starter in every preseason and regular season game. He was the top-grading lineman in 1976 and his blocking was one reason the Jets gained 1,924 yards on the ground last season, the third highest total in club history. 'He was a better football player last season than a lot of guys who made All-Pro,' says Buffalo coach Jim Ringo.
Randy played offensive tackle in college and was All-NAIA for two years and was three times all-conference. He threw the shot put for the track team and majored in mathematics.
Randy grew up on a farm. He likes to hunt and play golf and is in great demand as an off-season banquet speaker. He has appeared for the March of Dimes. He makes his home in Elmsford, New York, his birthplace is St. Paul, Nebraska and his hometown is Elba, Nebraska. His name is pronounced RAZZ-mus-sen."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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