Strong Safety
No. 39
Morgan State
"Acquired on waivers from Detroit on June 22, Tyler signed with the Lions as a free agent after being cut by San Diego shortly before the beginning of the 1976 campaign. He played nine games with the Lions last fall, mostly on special teams.
Tyler was drafted in the 10th round by Buffalo in 1972, became a starter and picked off four interceptions for 61 yards in his rookie season. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against New England on November 17. Maurice was claimed on waivers by Denver in 1973 and appeared in 28 games for the Broncos in two years.
He was traded to San Diego in June of 1975 for defensive back Reggie Berry. Maurice was a standout for the Chargers on special teams and an all-purpose at strong safety, weakside linebacker and wide receiver. He made 14 unassisted tackles, several coming as the first man downfield on kick coverage.
In his pro career Tyler has had five interceptions for 61 yards, a 12.2 average, four punt returns for 40 yards, a 10.0 average, and a kickoff return for 23 yards.
Tyler attended Baltimore Community College for two years before transferring to Morgan State. He made the Pittsburgh Courier All-America team in 1971. He played defensive end and safety and also competed in basketball.
Tyler is married and has a one-year-old son, Maurice II. He has a degree in physical education and would like to teach and coach someday. He's nicknamed 'Mo Tee' and 'Reece' and Baltimore is his birthplace and hometown."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
1977 Profile: Richard Todd
Quarterback
No. 14
Alabama
"As a rookie he led the Jets to two of their three victories last season. Walt Michaels says of him, 'The talent is there.'
There are those who think he will play better now that Namath's shadow is gone. His problem last year was to become accustomed to a pro offense after having played at Alabama out of the Wishbone."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Hopes to prove that all Alabama quarterbacks are created equal. All he proved as a rookie last year was his ability to trot on and off the field at the whim of then-coach Lou Holtz. Todd is still rated as a hot prospect despite a poor rookie season; he completed just 40 percent of his passes.
Todd has a powerful arm but is a long way from having a mature passing touch. He would like to make a career of playing against Buffalo- he engineered both Jet victories over the Bills last year. Todd is a good runner. With this team, he needs to be.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was the top-rated quarterback in the class of '76 and was the seventh pick in the draft. Other NFL teams were shocked he was taken so high. Todd signed a five-year contract for over $600,000."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Richard was deemed the starting quarterback in the spring by head coach Walt Michaels. 'It's his job until someone takes it away from him,' says Michaels. 'He's got great potential. He's got a strong arm and adds another dimension to our offense with his ability to scramble. He can run out of trouble on third and long situations. Richard did a good job of learning the coverages. His biggest weaknesses now are a lack of experience after coming from the wishbone and the need to work on touch because he still drills the ball. He was very impressive in our spring coaching session.' Todd likes the faith put in him by Michaels.
Last year was difficult for him competing against his boyhood idol, Joe Namath. He says that's all behind him now. 'If anyone had told me I would have started six games last year, I'd have told him he was crazy,' says Todd. But the number one draft choice did start six games and was the quarterback of record in two of the Jets' three victories, both over Buffalo. He led the Jets on the winning field goal drive against Buffalo while relieving an injured Namath. He had his best statistical day against Miami with 12 of 24 for 183 yards.
For the season Richard played in 13 games, completed 65 of 162 for 870 yards, had three touchdowns and 12 interceptions and was sacked 29 times. He rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries, a 4.4 average, with a touchdown.
Richard was hurt by the fact that he signed and reported late. He missed the basic offensive philosophy of the first three weeks of training camp.
He reported to camp and played in a game one week later. Richard did have a standout preseason game against the Raiders going 18-for-34 with 224 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He drew praise from Oakland head coach John Madden.
The Jets' scouting staff labeled Todd the 'best quarterback in the draft.' They pinpointed his 'size, release and arm.' He has the poise and desire to succeed.
For his college career, Richard completed 101 of 189 passes for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns. He rushed 1,254 yards on 304 carries for 16 touchdowns. He was named All-SEC by AP and UPI, MVP by his teammates and MVP in the 1975 Sugar Bowl. He was also MVP of the Senior Bowl, passing for 332 yards and two touchdowns as a dropback passer. Richard was picked for the College All-Star Game in Chicago but did not play.
Richard earned a degree in physical education this spring. His biggest thrill was playing under Bear Bryant. He has followed Joe Namath's career since junior high school but refers to himself as 'just plain Richard.' Polite and soft-spoken, his hobbies include fishing and boating. Richard's birthplace is Birmingham, Alabama and his hometown is Mobile, Alabama."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 14
Alabama
"As a rookie he led the Jets to two of their three victories last season. Walt Michaels says of him, 'The talent is there.'
There are those who think he will play better now that Namath's shadow is gone. His problem last year was to become accustomed to a pro offense after having played at Alabama out of the Wishbone."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Hopes to prove that all Alabama quarterbacks are created equal. All he proved as a rookie last year was his ability to trot on and off the field at the whim of then-coach Lou Holtz. Todd is still rated as a hot prospect despite a poor rookie season; he completed just 40 percent of his passes.
Todd has a powerful arm but is a long way from having a mature passing touch. He would like to make a career of playing against Buffalo- he engineered both Jet victories over the Bills last year. Todd is a good runner. With this team, he needs to be.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, he was the top-rated quarterback in the class of '76 and was the seventh pick in the draft. Other NFL teams were shocked he was taken so high. Todd signed a five-year contract for over $600,000."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Richard was deemed the starting quarterback in the spring by head coach Walt Michaels. 'It's his job until someone takes it away from him,' says Michaels. 'He's got great potential. He's got a strong arm and adds another dimension to our offense with his ability to scramble. He can run out of trouble on third and long situations. Richard did a good job of learning the coverages. His biggest weaknesses now are a lack of experience after coming from the wishbone and the need to work on touch because he still drills the ball. He was very impressive in our spring coaching session.' Todd likes the faith put in him by Michaels.
Last year was difficult for him competing against his boyhood idol, Joe Namath. He says that's all behind him now. 'If anyone had told me I would have started six games last year, I'd have told him he was crazy,' says Todd. But the number one draft choice did start six games and was the quarterback of record in two of the Jets' three victories, both over Buffalo. He led the Jets on the winning field goal drive against Buffalo while relieving an injured Namath. He had his best statistical day against Miami with 12 of 24 for 183 yards.
For the season Richard played in 13 games, completed 65 of 162 for 870 yards, had three touchdowns and 12 interceptions and was sacked 29 times. He rushed for 128 yards on 28 carries, a 4.4 average, with a touchdown.
Richard was hurt by the fact that he signed and reported late. He missed the basic offensive philosophy of the first three weeks of training camp.
He reported to camp and played in a game one week later. Richard did have a standout preseason game against the Raiders going 18-for-34 with 224 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He drew praise from Oakland head coach John Madden.
The Jets' scouting staff labeled Todd the 'best quarterback in the draft.' They pinpointed his 'size, release and arm.' He has the poise and desire to succeed.
For his college career, Richard completed 101 of 189 passes for 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns. He rushed 1,254 yards on 304 carries for 16 touchdowns. He was named All-SEC by AP and UPI, MVP by his teammates and MVP in the 1975 Sugar Bowl. He was also MVP of the Senior Bowl, passing for 332 yards and two touchdowns as a dropback passer. Richard was picked for the College All-Star Game in Chicago but did not play.
Richard earned a degree in physical education this spring. His biggest thrill was playing under Bear Bryant. He has followed Joe Namath's career since junior high school but refers to himself as 'just plain Richard.' Polite and soft-spoken, his hobbies include fishing and boating. Richard's birthplace is Birmingham, Alabama and his hometown is Mobile, Alabama."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, December 9, 2018
1977 Profile: Ed Taylor
Cornerback
No. 38
Memphis State
"Ed keeps improving every year and has developed into a dependable corner. 'He's a good all-around back, not a killer, but has good football sense. He still must work on his man coverage,' says head coach Walt Michaels.
He started 11 games at right cornerback in 1976 and was the only defender not moved after the second game. He missed the final two games with a knee contusion but is healthy now. Ed tied for the team lead with two interceptions and led the club with 11 passes defended. He had 32 solo tackles and 26 assists.
In 1975, Ed was chosen by the New York sportswriters as the Jets' rookie of the year. He started five games at strong safety, three at free safety and one at right cornerback. Ed's pro stats include two interceptions (both in '76) for 22 yards, an 11.0 average, and seven kickoff returns (all in '75) for 151 yards, a 26.1 average.
Ed was a three-year starter at Memphis State and played in the Blue-Gray Game and the American Bowl. He had eight interceptions for 79 yards. An outstanding track man, Ed holds the Memphis State 440 record of 47.2 seconds. He was a member of the NCAA championship 440 relay and was a track All-American as selected by U.S. track coaches.
He majored in secondary education and enjoys music and plants. His brother Cliff is a running back for the Green Bay Packers. His birthplace and hometown is Memphis, Tennessee."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 38
Memphis State
"Ed keeps improving every year and has developed into a dependable corner. 'He's a good all-around back, not a killer, but has good football sense. He still must work on his man coverage,' says head coach Walt Michaels.
He started 11 games at right cornerback in 1976 and was the only defender not moved after the second game. He missed the final two games with a knee contusion but is healthy now. Ed tied for the team lead with two interceptions and led the club with 11 passes defended. He had 32 solo tackles and 26 assists.
In 1975, Ed was chosen by the New York sportswriters as the Jets' rookie of the year. He started five games at strong safety, three at free safety and one at right cornerback. Ed's pro stats include two interceptions (both in '76) for 22 yards, an 11.0 average, and seven kickoff returns (all in '75) for 151 yards, a 26.1 average.
Ed was a three-year starter at Memphis State and played in the Blue-Gray Game and the American Bowl. He had eight interceptions for 79 yards. An outstanding track man, Ed holds the Memphis State 440 record of 47.2 seconds. He was a member of the NCAA championship 440 relay and was a track All-American as selected by U.S. track coaches.
He majored in secondary education and enjoys music and plants. His brother Cliff is a running back for the Green Bay Packers. His birthplace and hometown is Memphis, Tennessee."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, November 15, 2018
1977 Profile: Shafer Suggs
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
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, 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
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