1961 New York Titans Offensive Line Profiles

MIKE HUDOCK
Center
No. 52
Miami
"Rugged and aggressive are the words for this Pennsylvanian who first attracted attention while playing under Andy Gustafson at Miami. His All-Conference rating there earned him a job with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent two fruitful years understudying the mighty Chuck Bednarik.
On the offense for the Titans, he showed Coach Sammy Baugh how the enemy center could be moved aside, up or over."

-1961 Fleer No. 217


BOB MISCHAK
Guard
No. 67
Army
"The best offensive guard in '60 was Bob Mischak, the ex-West Point hero who earned his spurs as a Giant. The 28-year-old bruiser who couldn't make it with the Browns in '57 stayed out of the game in '59, working as a telephone supervisor in Union City, New Jersey.
Named tops at his position by the press, Bob is among the most effective guards, straightaway and running, in the business."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Guard Bob Mischak of the Titans is one of the most versatile linemen in the league. Bob is one of the few West Pointers to go into pro ball. At the Academy, he played end. The Browns drafted him, and after his compulsory Army duty as a lieutenant in the airborne infantry, Bob reported to their camp in 1957, then cut out after a couple of weeks. The Giants got him in a trade and persuaded him to report in 1958. By then he had grown into a 235-pounder without sacrificing much of his speed, so the Giants decided to try him at guard. As a rookie, he played as a regular on an Eastern Division championship team at a position completely new to him. A fat offer by the Titans last summer lured him back after a year on the sidelines."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"When Bob graduated from West Point in 1954, the Cleveland Browns wanted him right away, but Red Blaik's versatile star fulfilled his military obligation first. Out of military uniform in 1957, he resumed football in Cleveland.
The following year Bob was traded to the Giants. He 'retired' in 1959 but the Titans talked him into coming back and both the club and this alert, stalwart lineman are happy with the decision."

-1961 Fleer No. 216

"Mischak, a West Point grad, returned to pro football in 1960 after a year's layoff and made the All-AFL team.
He has fine speed and is a strong blocker."

-1961 Topps No. 153


JOHN MCMULLAN
Guard
No. 68
Notre Dame
John was a standout at Demarest High School in New Jersey and an honorable mention All-American at Notre Dame. He played every game in the Titans' inaugural season. He's a hard-hitting guard who has distinguished himself with his talent for pulling out of the line to lead running plays.

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

"Today is 'New Jersey Day' with the Titan guards John McMullan of Hoboken and Bob Mischak of Union, being honored by their neighbors and friends. Mayor John Grogan of Hoboken and some 3,000 Boy Scouts of the Bergen County Group are in the stands."

-December 3, 1961, Official New York Titans Program

ARNOLD BRANCH

Guard

Free Agent

Langston

"At Langston, the big guard- who's also serviceable at tackle- was named the outstanding lineman of the Oklahoma Collegiate Conference as well as an NAIA All-American. In addition to these and other kudos Branch earned during four seasons of football, he also was a distance runner and field man on the track squad and a forward on the basketball team for two years.

Fast and rugged, he's entering his first season of professional football. A chemistry major with a B.S. degree, Arnold is continuing his studies during the off-season."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

JACK KLOTZ
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Pennsylvania Military College
After a Little All-American career at Pennsylvania Military College, Jack sharpened his skills in the Canadian Football League. He appeared in every game last year and showed an impressive ability to adjust to the methods of opposing defensive linemen.

"Fast afoot for his mammoth proportions, Klotz impressed the Titans from the start of last season. He fits into the picture as a swing replacement at either tackle on the offensive unit. And in a pinch, he can also play at offensive guard or in the defensive line.

A four-year letterman at  Penn Military, Jack was a first-team All-American selection in 1956. He later played with the San Diego, Calif., Marine Base unit which was undefeated in both 1957 and 1958. Jack spent the following season in the Canadian League."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

GENE COCKRELL
Offensive Tackle
No. 70
Hardin-Simmons
Whether Titan quarterbacks need reliable blocking for running plays or for passing plays, they know Gene will use all of his 6'4" and 247 pounds to help steady the offensive line. He appeared in all 14 games last year and impressed New York coaches with his play.

"Offensive captain of the Titans, Cockrell is a sturdy blocker both at the line and downfield. 

He attended the University of Oklahoma for two years and was a guard and tackle on the undefeated Sooners team of 1954. He then transferred to Hardin-Simmons, where he was an outstanding Border Conference lineman for two years under Sammy Baugh.

During the off-season, the three-year veteran runs a ranch of his own in his native Pampa, Texas. Gene is also a well-known rodeo performer in the Longhorn State, which is as good as anything for preparing him for the rugged competition of pro football.

Cockrell is married and has two sons."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

PROVERB JACOBS

Offensive Tackle-Defensive Tackle

No. 73

California

"It's a well-known proverb around the N.F.L. that you don't 'mess' with Jacobs. He's big and strong and fast for his size.

Proverb's debut season in 1958 impressed everyone."

-1959 Topps No. 108

"The No. 2 draft choice of the Eagles in 1958, Proverb Jacobs (73) was signed by the Giants as a free agent last spring. The 225-pound California graduate fits into the picture as a spare tackle. He is serviceable on both offense and defense. In a pinch, he also could handle the place-kicking assignment. He can really boom the ball."

-1960 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

FRANK MORELLI

Offensive Tackle

Free Agent

Colgate

"The hulking tackle is expected to beef up the Titans' offensive forward wall. A Colgate starter for two years before he dropped out of school, Frank was twice a preseason selection All-East selection of Stanley Woodward.

Joining the Titans won't be an altogether strange experience for Morelli, because he got his initial football schooling under Titan line coach John Dell Isola while attending Medford High. Frank's cousin, John Morelli, played pro football with the old Boston Yankees and the New York Yankees.

Off-season, Frank does construction work while continuing his studies at Boston University."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

MOSES GRAY

Offensive Tackle

27th Round

Indiana

"Both of New York's professional teams drafted this young Giant [6'3", 260] last winter, but the Titans lured him into the American League fold. Gray was a standout regular for three years at Indiana. 

His speed and aggressiveness impressed the scouts, and they're saying he has the potential to become a crack professional lineman. Through Gray is able to go both ways, the Titans will probably use him on the offensive line.

Moses lives in Conemaugh, Pa."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

1961 Profile: Don Maynard

Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
"Don Maynard is now considered among the best of pass-catchers and had a fine season as a spread end. The 25-year-old speedster from Colorado City, Texas, who was found wanting by the Giants, nailed 72 passes for 1,265 yards and six TDs. He also carried back three kickoffs for 59 yards.
Few in the circuit can match his speed at starting from his wide post, and his cutting ability makes him difficult to defend."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


"Don Maynard, who operates on the flank for New York and ranked third in receiving, was let go by the Giants because of 'bad hands.' A 9.6 sprinter, he never loosened up as a Giant rookie in 1958. They said he didn't know his routes, couldn't catch a ball. That isn't what the Titans- or the opposing teams- say."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"With exceptional hands, and the ability to cut and go after catching a pass, Maynard proved his right to stardom in the initial Titan campaign. With the NFL Giants in 1958 and part of 1959, he shifted to the Canadian League before joining Sammy Baugh's AFL team.
At Texas Western Maynard was an All-Conference halfback on a championship team that posted a 9-1 record."

-1961 Fleer No. 215

"When this slender, elusive Texan went to his flanker post, he became a marked man. Though guarded closely, he caught 72 passes for six touchdowns and 1,265 yards."

-1961 Topps No. 150

1961 New York Titans Linebacker Profiles

HUBERT BOBO
Middle Linebacker
No. 57
Ohio State
Hubert stabilized New York's linebacking corps over the course of the 1960 season with his steady play. His desire to hit, undiminished by operations on both his knees, inspired his Titan teammates last year.
A sophomore standout at fullback for an Ohio State Rose Bowl team, Hubert averaged 6.1 yards.


LARRY GRANTHAM
Linebacker
No. 60
Mississippi
"Drafted as an offensive end, Larry Grantham was converted to a linebacker and did so well that he earned All-Star selection. An All-American from Ole Miss, the 22-year-old from Crystal Springs, Mississippi has amazing speed and a keen diagnostic mind. Quicker than most of the backs attempting to bypass him, he also popped up with five interceptions."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Larry Grantham is a unique specimen in this game of giants. He's a 195-pounder who holds down a corner linebacker position. The Titans admit he lacks size for the job, but he's always one step ahead of the other guy and gets the job done, so why quibble about tonnage. Larry was a fine end for the Mississippi Rebs before the Titans signed him, played in the Hula Bowl in January 1960 and was voted the outstanding lineman. He went with the AFL because his size would have been against him with an NFL club."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"An offensive end in college, Larry learned his linebacking trade fast as a pro rookie. He has speed, quick reactions and sharp gridiron instincts."

-1961 Topps No. 154

"The former crack lineman for Ole Miss's 1959 Sugar Bowl champs was one of the outstanding rookies in professional football last year. Larry earned a spot on the All-Pro squad as a mainstay of the Titan defensive unit.

Though Larry is smallish as outside linebackers go, he nevertheless earned himself the reputation of a devastating tackler. Numbered among his assets are blazing speed, hair-trigger reactions and keen football instincts.

In his senior year at Ole Miss, Larry received an All-American honorable mention as well as the most valuable lineman award in the Hula Bowl. Oddly enough, he went to Ole Miss on a baseball scholarship. But after his freshman year, he devoted his entire attention to football.

He lives with his wife in Crystal Springs, Mississippi."

-1961 New York Titans Official Yearbook

"Another defensive-platooner has been named the recipient of the Buick Electra-Convertible Award among the Titans. This is Larry Grantham, who uses his weekend passes from military duties at Fort Devens in Massachusetts to fly to New York and rejoin his team mates.

Grantham is listed on the Army rolls as a demolition expert and had already served a term, been released and called back to service in the Berlin Crisis. Grantham- of all the Titan defense men who have been playing so well this year- seems better able to diagnose plays quickly and move to the right place to defend against them. In the victory over Buffalo, for which he won this award, he got into the Buffalo backfield an amazing number of times to break up plays almost before they were started."

-December 3, 1961, Official New York Titans Program

HIGH-STYLE RIDING FOR TITAN OF THE WEEK

"Once more Buick, the official car of the Titans, is making available for a month's use one of their 1962 convertibles to the player chosen best of the Titans for today's game. Buick Motor Division is doing this for each of the home games of the Titans.

The players are named by a committee of sports writers covering Titan games at the Polo Grounds and are awarded at halftime of each of the home games. Today's award will go to Larry Grantham, chosen as outstanding Titan in the game against the Buffalo Bills on November 23.

The player chosen in today's game will be given the use of his convertible for a month when the team meets the Houston Oilers here on December 10. No player may be chosen more than once. Dick Christy won the first award, Bill Mathis the second, Dick Felt the third and Ed Cooke the fourth.

The contest continues through the last game of the season here, when the player named, if he chooses, may use his car to drive home in, Buick to make arrangements to pick it up wherever it is taken."

-December 3, 1961, Official New York Titans Program

ED BELL
Linebacker
No. 25
Pennsylvania
"For linebacking play, not many are the equal of Ed Bell, the 30-year-old Elkins Park (Pennsylvania) panther who was a two-time All-America end selection at Pennsylvania. Ed had three NFL seasons and two in the Canadian circuit before displaying his many assets with the Titans. He intercepted two passes in '60 and statisticians lost count of the number he knocked down."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 Profiles: Al Dorow and Dick Jamieson

AL DOROW
Quarterback
No. 12
Michigan State
"The top tosser of TD passes in '60 was Al Dorow, who clicked for a high of 26; Al also was No. 2 in the overall passing tables, surpassed only by the Chargers' Jackie Kemp. Considered the AFL's top option signal-caller, he also carried 124 times, more than any Titan back, rushed for seven touchdowns and hung up the No. 1 punting average of 44.0 on six kicks.
Out of Alameda, California, 30-year-old Al spent four years with the Redskins and two with the Eagles."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

PRO'S PRO
"Most quarterbacks prefer not to risk their necks by carrying the ball, but Al Dorow of the Titans revels in being chased. Maybe it's because he's just as dangerous running as he is passing. The bald New York field general was the second best passer in the AFL and led the loop in touchdown heaves, with 26. Until now he's always played behind top operators- Eddie LeBaron and Norm Van Brocklin. He's in his own class now."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"This durable signal caller has made his mark in college, NFL, Canadian and AFL football. After starring at Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, Dorow went into the service and led the powerful Bolling Air Force Base team. Then it was four seasons with the Washington Redskins, two with the Philadelphia Eagles and a year with the Toronto Argonauts.
He was the Titans' No. 1 choice for their quarterback job, and they were glad to get him."

-1961 Fleer No. 210

"No pro takes more of a beating than this quarterback, who loves to run with the ball as well as throw it. Al led the league in 1960 with 26 touchdown passes."

-1961 Topps No. 149


DICK JAMIESON
Quarterback
No. 15
Bradley
"This Little All-America quarterback of 1956 also starred in basketball and baseball for the Bradley Braves. As a sophomore, he won the NCAA total offense crown.
Under contract to the Baltimore Colts in 1959, Dick joined the Titans as understudy to first-string Al Dorow. He threw 70 passes for the Titans last year, completed 35 and had only two intercepted."

-1961 Fleer No. 211

1961 Profile: Sammy Baugh

Head Coach
"The Sweetwater, Texas passing man who became pro football's No. 1 aerialist. An all-time great, he spent 16 seasons with the Redskins and completed more passes than all the others. He was a genuine triple-threat star in the single wing and one of the NFL's top punters during his career.
Sammy coached Hardin-Simmons for five years before taking on the Titan post."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


PITCHINGEST OF 'EM ALL
"Nobody who ever saw him pass that football will ever forget Sammy Baugh and his slinging. He was fantastic in college, and when he went pro he astounded fans.
In 1936 the All-America quarterback was Samuel Adrian Baugh. He played his football for Texas Christian University. The stories from the Southwest about this young man's passing wizardry were unbelievable. A Texas photographer taking shots of Baugh for publicity purposes had asked Sammy to hit a receiver in the eye with a pass of 40 yards. Baugh's calm, straight-faced reply reportedly was, 'Which eye, sir?'
The rest of the nation reserved comment on Baugh, for his college football days had been limited wholly to the south. Football-minded midwesterners regarded Sammy as a Texas hurricane who surely would fold to a zephyr if his Horned Frog team were to meet any of the IR powerhouses.
After his college graduation in 1937, Baugh received swarms of offers from professional football. Although somewhat of an unknown quantity, the club owners knew Baugh would be a strong gate attraction for the curious. Baugh turned down the offers ... in his Texas drawl he told them he was too frail for the rigors of professional football and that he was hoping to coach the backfield for his alma mater. Sammy, at 6'2" and 185 pounds, was rawboned and anything but frail, so the persuasive powers of pro football kept waving their contracts.
Playing left halfback for the Washington Redkins in Coach Ray Flaherty's single wing, Baugh made the country pass-conscious. He led the league in passing, completing 81 of his 171 attempts. But he did more than just throw the pigskin. He was among the league's best punters. He was a fine runner when called upon to run the ball. He was a nimble defensive back at safety.
At season's end, Sammy was unanimously voted Rookie of the Year in the National Football League. What's more, this freshman back was voted All-League halfback along with his storied teammate, fullback Cliff Battles. Besides these honors, Baugh had led his team to one more. The Washington Redskins had won the Eastern Division of the NFL and the right to play the Chicago Bears, Western champs, on December 12 for the league title at Chicago's Wrigley Field.
The Bears for several years had been the scourge of the NFL. Their brutal charging and bulky line, led by left tackle Joe Stydahar, had earned them the nickname of 'Monsters of the Midway.' Their backfield featured such brilliant runners as Bronko Nagurski, Jack Manders and Ray Nolting. Quarterback Bernie Masterson was a slick passer and a brainy field general. The Bears were the favorite nearly every time and the Redskin game was no exception.
December 12 in Chicago was fiercely cold, temperature 15 degrees. But it was the icy wind blasts off Lake Michigan that made it feel even colder.
The quick-opening Bear plays were ideally suited to the situation. It was a day for straightaway running, bullet bursts through the middle of the line. It certainly wasn't a day for passing, even if your passer was Sammy Baugh. The Redskin ends were thought of as men with very cold hands.
The crowd was small, but this was to be expected. Hardly a ticket had been sold at the gate. The 15,878 present had purchased their tickets long before and, had they been weather prophets, this game would have been played to an empty house.
Earlap vendors were doing a land-office business in the stands as the game prepared to get underway. The Bears kicked off and slammed the Redskin returner to the frozen tundra deep in Washington territory.
On the first play from scrimmage, Baugh went back to pass. The predominantly Chicago crowd screamed their delight as the Bear line bore down on Sammy in the Washington end zone. Just before Baugh was tackled, he got rid of the ball. It was hastily flung, but not an errant toss. Redskin fullback Cliff Battles grabbed it and was brought down on the Washington 42.
Unable to gain on the ground, Washington punted to the Bears. Three downs later Ray Nolting punted back to the Redskins, and Washington took over on its 41-yard line. It looked like a punting duel was developing, with both teams content to play defensive football and wait for the first break.
The only breaks were the crooks in Baugh's arm as he drew it back to pass. From the 41, Sammy slung to Riley Smith and then to Ernie Pinckert for 32 yards. Again to Smith for six more vital yards. Then Baugh and Battles along the ground, ground out the remaining 21 yards to paydirt, with Battles navigating the final seven on a sweeping reverse of his own left end. Riley Smith made good the conversion, and the stunned crowd had watched the Redskins take a 7-0 lead.
The angry Bears stormed back with deadly force on the ensuing kickoff. They stormed 71 yards in four plays for the equalizer. Jack Manders blasted over from the 11 on a burst through the middle after a Masterson to Manders aerial had gained 51 yards. 'Automatic' Jack Manders booted the tying point through the uprights.
Later in the first quarter, Baugh went back once more to pass. A Bear intercepted the pass and returned it to midfield. Chicago went the remaining distance in the air and on the ground for the tie-breaking touchdown. The big gainer was the M & M team of Masterson to Manders on a 38-yard pass play. Manders' point after touchdown made it 14-7 for Chicago as the quarter ended. To this point, Baugh had been outgunned by the arm of Masterson.
As the second quarter started, a feeble ray of sunshine broke the clouds, but its heating effects fooled nobody. It disappeared as if it knew its presence would only be mocked by the frozen spectators.
Early in the second quarter the rushing Bear line finally caught up with the elusive Mr. Baugh. The customers heckled Sammy as he limped from the field.
'Why you're just a Texas Sunflower, Baugh! Our boys play too hard for you.'
Sammy remained on the bench, and throughout the second quarter the Redskins never went past midfield. It was only through the defensive play of Washington's left tackle, Turk Edwards, that the Bears failed to make a rout of the game. Again and again he made crucial tackles that halted Chicago advances. Chicago's Manders missed field goal tries of 38 and 40 yards, and the halftime interruption came with the Bears still up 14-7.
If Wrigley Field were ever in danger of being destroyed by arson, it was on that memorable December 12, 1937. Park policemen were kept busy throughout the halftime stomping out small blazes in every section of the park.
If ever a diversion was needed to prevent a crowd from committing mayhem, it was needed that afternoon in Chicago's Wrigley Field. The needed antidote came in the second half with the return of Sammy Baugh to the Washington lineup. He performed in such a manner as to make the spectators forget that they were suffering from the earliest stages of frostbite. He left them limp with the emotional heat of his magnificence.
Baugh threw passes that had to be seen to be believed. He pitched while in full flight and hung them on a nail. He tossed them as tacklers clung to his left arm and both of his legs, but so accurate were they that a blind man could have caught them.
Within seven minutes of the start of the third quarter, three touchdowns were scored. Washington swept 70 yards in four plays. The payoff came from the Redskin 45. Left end Wayne Millner crossed over and Baugh bulls-eyed him on the Bear 25. With Chicago in pursuit, Millner was finally thrown by Masterson just as he crossed the goal line. Smith's kick was good and the game was tied 14-14.
The relentless Bears crashed back immediately and their superb running backs carried the ball to a first down on the Redskin four-yard line. For two downs the staunch Redskin line held. On third down, bruising Bronko Nagurski slammed into a wall of Redskin tacklers for no gain. On fourth down Chicago's Masterson delved into Coach George Halas's bag of many tricks. Bernie took the ball from under the center, jumped and at the height of his leap, lofted a basketball pass into the arms of end Ed Manske in the end zone. Manders was unfailing in his kick and the Bears again led 21-14.
Sammy Baugh, however, refused to be denied. Washington received the kick and brought back the ball to its 23-yard line. On first down, Sammy threw the longest touchdown pass ever thrown to that time in professional football. He threw down the center alley to Wayne Millner at midfield and the speedster scampered the remaining distance to the right corner of the end zone. The pass-run play had covered 77 yards.
Without a touch of nerves, Riley Smith kicked true and once more knotted the game 21-21. This great third quarter finally came to an end with no further scoring.
Early in the fourth quarter, when Chicago was held at midfield, the Indians and Chief Baugh struck the warpath once again. Substitute Irwin, replacing the injured Battles, drove along the ground and Baugh fired through the air. The turning point was reached on a gamble when Irwin bucked for a yard on fourth down at the Bear 42 and made it.
Two passes were left in Sammy's arm and he made them both count. He hit Irwin for seven to the 35 and wound up his golden right arm again with the groggy Bears chasing him all over the field.
Chicago had been laying for Wayne Millner, Baugh's favorite receiver throughout the game. This time Baugh had Millner cut to the center and, naturally, a cortege of Chicagoans enveloped him. Sammy then turned and whirled a perfect pass to Ed Justice in the right flat for 35 yards and the lead. Smith was there to add the point and the score stood Washington 28, Chicago 21.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Bears tried once more. Dick Plasma caught a pass from Masterson, and with a clear field ahead of him set sail for the Washington goal line. Lo and behold if Baugh didn't catch him from behind forcing him out at midfield.
Out of frustration, Plasma got up and threw a punch at Baugh. The entire Washington was on him in no time.
The final gun came soon after and, with it, the championship for Washington. It was the first title that any Eastern team but the Giants had ever gained.
Outside the steamy dressing room of the Redskins, many of the crowd hung around to catch a glimpse of the exiting Baugh. They were Chicagoans but not adverse to paying tribute to the feats they had seen Sammy perform.
Inside the dressing room it was apparent that it would be some time before Baugh would be permitted to leave. Some of football's own great had gathered here to pay Baugh their respects.
Earl 'Dutch' Clark, Detroit Lions' coach and longtime pro star, said Baugh 'is the greatest passer I've ever seen.'
Ray Flaherty, Redskin coach, said the Texan's exhibition was 'the greatest one-man show ever put on in pro football.'
George Halas, beaten owner and coach, stopped by to tell everybody who would listen that Baugh's passing and the receiving of Wayne Millner were among the finest he had ever seen.
In the little town of Sweetwater, Texas, they began to prepare a welcoming celebration for Baugh. The banner strung across Main Street was to read 'Home of the World Champion, Pass Slinging Baugh.'
By the time Sammy wrapped up his football playing career in 1952, he was to practically rewrite the section devoted to passing in the NFL record book. With all his achievement, certainly the finest game he ever played was the frigid December 12 of his rookie year when he proved to the midwest that he was no Sunflower."

-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)

1961 New York Titans Outlook

"The mystery number of the AFL is the New York Titans, by universal vote of all forecasters who must rely on information seeping down from each club's headquarters. The Titans were kept busy over the winter and early spring shoring up their board of directors, a maneuver which didn't acquire the defense so sorely needed by coach Sammy Baugh.
Baugh goes to camp still in search of people who can tackle and knock down forwards. A wonderful offense built around quarterback Al Dorow made the Titans a most explosive aggregation in '60, but something always seemed to go wrong when the defensive platoon took its turn.
Rookies will get a closer shakedown than usual, particularly those who prefer to confine their activities to defense. There are at least four defensive halfback prospects in the Titan roundup who, according to their '60 collegiate form, indicate the promise of making New York more resistant. Michigan's Brad Myers, Jim Niemann of Cincinnati, Dainard Paulson of Oregon State, and Terry Wilson of Cornell are the lads who have fine opportunities to acquire immediate assignments.
Another linebacker must be secured to fit in with Ed Bell, Larry Grantham and Roger Ellis. Fastest and most likely of the first-year wonders are Al Beardsley of Maryland, West Virginia's Joe Domen and Larry Hubbard, Marquette.
The offense is in safe and secure hands. Dorow, however, is the mainspring; if any of his parts break down, as they did on occasion in '60, the Titans will be in deep trouble. Al's style of play is one that invites injury. He's a passing quarterback who excels at executing the roll-out, and one disturbing bit of news to any pro defender is a quarterback who likes to run. Thus Dorow exposes himself every time he makes like a halfback.
Dewey Bohling, Pete Hart and Bill Shockley return in backfield roles; Don Maynard will be on call for a flanking back and Art Powell is back at end, a position he fills well enough to rate as an All-Pro. Tackle Bob Mischak heads an aggressive offensive line.
There will be many switches and surprises in the Titan scheme of things before Baugh and his aides develop a set unit. Too many problems, many of which may remain unsolved for too long, add up to a season which will result in a third-place finish."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


OFFENSE
"Ends: If Bob Jewett overcomes his hand injury to regain his 1958 form as a Bear, the Titans will be murder. Art Powell is terrific. Joe Biscaha is a pickup from the Giants.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: The Titans expect Jack Klotz to develop into one of the league's fine offensive tackles. Gene Cockrell is a steady vet, but they are looking for a boost.
Rating: Fair
Guards: Can't fault Bob Mischak and John McMullan as a duo; they're both quick enough to pull out and lead plays and are smart. They'll perk up the running.
Rating: Very Good
Centers: Mike Hudock was a bulwark in the middle in his first full season as a pro.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: Al Dorow's exciting, but Dick Jamieson's arm may be better.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: The problem spot of the offense. Mike Hagler has got to come through.
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Don Maynard fully vindicated himself last season and proved a real pro.
Rating: Excellent
Fullbacks: Bill Mathis is a plugger but not an ideal heavy-duty fullback; he may be used at half if Bob Brooks fulfills his promise.
Rating: Fair
Strength: The Titans have the best one-two receiving threat in the AFL with Powell and Maynard; they also have close to the best one-two quarterback punch in Dorow and Jamieson. Weakness: They lack the running for a balanced attack, but not because the blockers are deficient- it's simply a question of classy carriers. They need help in this department.
Rating: Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

DEFENSE
"Ends: As his troubled Achilles tendon gets better so does Bob Reifsnyder, which augurs well for the future. Nick Mumley and Ed Cooke are just adequate.
Rating: Fair
Tackles: Tom Saidock and Sid Youngelman, oldsters with savvy, were the best features of the Titan defense last year.
Rating: Very Good
Linebackers: Problems here. A leader at the middle guard position is badly needed and Eddie Bell isn't far from the end of the trail at corner. Larry Grantham is their best, but he's awfully light for the job. So plenty of guys will be tried out.
Rating: Poor
Halfbacks: Incumbents Fred Julian and Dick Felt could be outfoxed a year ago, but maybe experience has taught them a few things. Jim Niemann challenges.
Rating: Poor
Safeties: Roger Donnahoo and Corky Tharp figure to hold forth again. They're like the halfbacks, porous at times. Corky has been around longer than the others.
Rating: Fair
Strength: The veteran tackles are big and generally hard to get past, and if Reifsnyder is healthy he'll put on a strong pass rush. Weakness: The Titans have one of the poorest defenses in the league against throwing. The trouble starts with the linebackers, who don't give the deep secondary enough support with the short stuff.
Rating: Poor"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"Sammy Baugh did a great coaching job last year, taking a club that was a sieve against passing, that lacked an authoritarian ball carrier, and keeping it in contention until the last minute of almost every game. Offensive stars were Al Dorow, a gambling, running quarterback, and ends Art Powell and Don Maynard, who can disrupt any defense; backs Mike Hagler and Bob Brooks may surprise."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Slinging Sammy was known for his aerial fireworks and so is his team, which features the acrobatic catches of Powell and Maynard. But he needs balance and defense.
New York City, a conglomeration of superlatives, had a newcomer on the scene last fall that fitted in with the overall scheme. The Titans were a team of extremes, flamboyant as Broadway, sometimes shoddy as the waterfront, but never dull.
Naturally, their roost was ruled by Harry Wismer, the sportscaster of many words, few feuds and many ideas. Like their boss man, the Titans were seldom unobtrusive.
For example, their wild, wild offense, concocted by the old pass master Sammy Baugh, was absolutely the most, man. They helter-skeltered to a total of 382 points, an average of 27 points per game, the highest scoring team in the young league.
Guiding their gaudy machine, like a riverboat gambler with police permission, was tough, balding Al Dorow, who went to Michigan State a century or so ago. Baugh placed Dorow at the cannon, gave him some terrific targets and told him to bring home the bacon. The Titans didn't exactly break down the chuck wagon; they split even in 14 games and placed second in the Eastern Division. But they put on a most exciting show.
On the reverse of the coin, the Titans also had the leakiest defense. They allowed opponents 399 points, an average of 28.5 points per game, and that doesn't exactly balance. Only twice did the defense hold opponents under three touchdowns.

Despite the frantic action being unfurled at the Polo Grounds, the Titans were greeted with a chilling amount of indifference by the local residents. People rattled around in the stands, a fact that irked Wismer no end. But Harry rounded up some new directors and planned another wide-scale attack on New York's entertainment dollar.

As for the players, if they paid any heed to Wismer's exhortations or to his arguments with the metropolitan press, with Oakland coach Eddie Erdelatz or a number of others, you couldn't tell it. They just ran out on Sunday and started throwing the ball around, and somebody would jump 11 feet high, turn a somersault, catch it with his left eyebrow and run a thousand yards for a touchdown. It was a shame more fans didn't see these wild men.

Dorow wound up as No. 2 passer in the league. He completed slightly more than half of his 396 passes, and no one threw more touchdown shots (26) than did the 30-year-old hustler. Pretty often, of course, someone in the wrong-colored jersey would run under one of his efforts and gallop it back down the Titan throat, but such reverses were accepted philosophically.

Dorow had two wondrous receivers in Art Powell, a hulking brute with the footwork of a dancer, and Don Maynard, a scraggly Texan built along the greyhound lines.

Powell has been beating the football woods since dropping out of San Jose State as a 19-year-old. He made all-league in Canadian ball and then joined Philadelphia as a defensive back. But he didn't want to play defense; he wanted to catch passes. The Eagles didn't take kindly to his attitude, so they issued walking papers.

The 212-pounder joined the Titans in late August after they had lost four straight exhibitions. The next game, he steamed gracefully behind Buffalo defenders and gathered in three long touchdown passes. He went on from there, and he has a logical explanation. 'Offense,' Art explains patiently, 'is where the money is.'

Powell ranked fourth in the league among pass receivers, and no one beat his 14 touchdown pass receptions. Maynard, the Titan flanker back, was the third-best receiver. Don had had previous experience with the Giants and in Canada. No other team could match this duo. Between them, they caught 141 passes. Their closest rivals were Taylor and Carmichael of Denver, with 124.

The Titans didn't have a whole lot more offense. Dewey Bohling, a stocky 190-pounder, ran hard for his 3.5-yard average but ranked only twelfth. New York must come up with a running back, though Wismer doesn't sign many rookies. By early summer he had registered only a couple of his first 30. Maybe he's relying on something he calls a 'secret draft list.'

Besides serving as the chief Titan weapon during the fall, Dorow is also an ace talent scout for New York during the off-season. And Al thinks he's come up with the answer to the running back problem. He's Mike Hagler, a diminutive (175) scatback who spent several years with Regina and Ottawa; Dorow played with him and against him north of the border. For a 5-9 midget, Hagler also has an amazing reputation as a pass receiver.

Of course, as the statistics show, the Titans are in dire need of defense. The best thing about that department last year was Tom Saidock and Sid Youngelman, two experienced 260-pound defensive tackles. Bob Reifsnyder, the Navy giant who was hobbled by a torn Achilles tendon, is slowly improving; he could mean a lot at defensive end.

The linebackers need help. Larry Grantham is a real scrapper, but the Mississippian weighs only 195, which is hardly keeper size. The Titan secondary seemed to have pronounced leaks last season, though surprisingly enough the records rated it the third strongest against passing. It functioned spasmodically, and the non-functioning moments hurt.

But the Titans are exciting on offense- so much so that if they could only keep the ball for 60 minutes a game, the stands would be full all season."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

TITANS ROOKIES AND FREE AGENTS

"The Titans, shut out for the most part in signing college talent, think they have a sleeper in fullback Bob Brooks of Ohio U., and Ohio circles say he'll go farther than highly touted Bernie Casey of Bowling Green, bagged by San Francisco. They offer Mike Hagler of Iowa as the running halfback they desperately needed but couldn't locate among the collegians. Mike has been in Canada since playing on the Rose Bowl squad; he's a chunky 180-pounder with blazing open-field speed. 

The Titans also came up with Jim Joyce, an ex-Maryland fullback who spent 1960 in Canadian ball; Joe Bischaha who once beat out Buddy Dial for a job with the Giants; and Bob Jewett, a regular receiver with the Bears until he injured his hand last summer. The Titans will try Brad Myers of Michigan [and Dainard Paulson of Oregon State] in their defensive secondary."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Sam Baugh, the Titans coach, still has plenty of problems to overcome but his biggest headache is cured.

He finally has a quarterback. He might even have two of them. Al Dorow, a balding 29-year-old veteran, completed 201 of his 386 passes for 2,748 yards and sparked an offense that led the league with 382 points. His understudy, Dick Jamieson, was almost as good.

But if the Titans had the AFL's best offense, they also had its poorest defense. They allowed 399 points and there isn't much Baugh can do about it. New York did poorly in signing draftees and will have to rely for defensive help on 21 free agents and any trades they can make.

The Titans' running game wasn't much a year ago, although Dewey Bohling and Bill Shockley had their moments. But Baugh is hopeful that Mike Hagler, the former Iowa star who has been playing in Canada, and 212-pound rookie fullback Bob Brooks of Ohio University, will add speed and balance to the offense.

Flanker back Don Maynard and end Art Powell are slated to be Dorow's favorite targets again this fall. Maynard, who has played in the NFL, Canada and the AFL in consecutive seasons, caught 72 passes for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns last year, while Powell grabbed 69 for 1,167 yards and 14 touchdowns. Free agent Bob Jewett, a former Michigan State end, could break up this monopoly.

In the line, the Titans have plenty of big men but little speed or power. The best of the men up front is Bob Mischak, the all-league offensive guard who may be shifted to tackle this season. He weighs 238 pounds.

Nick Mumley and Bob Reifsnyder give the Titans a pair of better-than-average defensive ends. Tackles Tom Saidock and Nick Mumley get the call on defense, and Mischak and Gene Cockrell on offense, unless rookies Dick Leadbetter of Maine of Frank Morelli of Colgate break in. Rookie Harold Gray, a 235-pounder from Maryland State, has a good chance to take Mischak's old guard spot alongside John McMullan. Mike Hudock returns at center.

Ed Bell heads a weak linebacking crew but there are plenty of good secondary defenders, including Dick Felt, Leon Burton and Chuck Dupree.

The defenses are tightening up all over the league after last season's high-scoring debut, and the Titans may be hard pressed to repeat 1960's 7-7 mark. With no real relief in sight for his problems in the line, Baugh is putting his hopes on Dorow's passing and running brilliance, and on newcomers Hagler and Brooks.

As if their everyday problems weren't enough, the Titans are on the spot as the AFL's prestige franchise, especially since Los Angeles has been abandoned to the NFL. Harry Wismer, the prime mover in getting the league into existence, controls the Titans and has challenged the rival Giants of the NFL to an attendance battle. So far the Giants, playing in more spacious Yankee Stadium, have the better of it by far. But Wismer's ace could be a move from the ancient Polo Grounds to the new city stadium in Flushing next year. No less an authority than owner Walter O'Malley of the Los Angeles Dodgers claims that the Flushing site will tap a gold mine of sports fans in the mushrooming Long Island suburbs.

The Titans are a long shot, but once in a while they pay off."

-Pro Football Stars, 1961 Edition

1961 NEW YORK TITANS ROSTERS

1961 New York Titans Preseason Roster

Al Beardsley (DB) Maryland

25 Ed Bell (LB) Pennsylvania

Joe Biscaha (E) Richmond

26 Dewey Bohling (HB) Hardin-Simmons

Bob Brooks (FB) Ohio

24 Leon Burton (DB) Arizona State

61 Dan Callahan (G) Wooster

70 Gene Cockrell (T) Hardin-Simmons

82 Ed Cooke (E) Maryland

88 Thurlow Cooper (E) Maryland

Joe Domen (LB) West Virginia

35 Roger Donnahoo (DB) Michigan State

12 Al Dorrow (QB) Michigan State

Bob Dunnington (HB) Michigan

28 Chuck Dupree (S) Baylor

56 Roger Ellis (LB-C) Maine

23 Dick Felt (DB) BYU

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi

Harold Gray (G) Maryland State

72 Dick Guesman (DT) West Virginia

Mike Hagler (B) Iowa

33 Pete Hart (FB) Hardin-Simmons

20 Don Herndon (HB) Tampa

Larry Hubbard (LB) Marquette

52 Mike Hudock (C) Miami

15 Dick Jamieson (QB) Bradley

Bob Jewett (E) Michigan State

Jim Joyce (FB) Maryland

39 Fred Julian (S) Michigan

Rock Kayser (DB) Toledo

78 John Klotz (T) Pennsylvania Military College

Bill Kolb (HB) Hofstra

Dick Leadbetter (T) Maine

55 Bob Marques (LB) Boston University

31 Bill Mathis (DB) Clemson

13 Don Maynard (HB) (Texas Western)

68 John McMullan (G) Notre Dame

67 Bob Mischak (T) Army

Fran Morelli (T) Colgate

74 Nick Mumley (DE) Purdue

Brad Myers (DB) Michigan

Jim Niemann (DB) Cincinnati

40 Joe Pagliei (FB) Clemson

Dainard Paulson (DB) Oregon State

84 Art Powell (E-DB) San Jose State

79 Bob Reifsnyder (DE) Navy

80 David Ross (E) Los Angeles State

75 Tom Saidock (DT) Michigan State

19 Bob Scrabis (QB) Penn State

29 Bill Shockley (HB) West Chester

45 Corky Tharp (DB) Alabama

Ed Walsh (T) Pennsylvania Military College

Terry Wilson (DB) Cornell

76 Sid Youngelman (DT) Alabama

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

1961 New York Titans Roster by Position

OFFENSE

Ends

Art Powell (San Jose State)

David Ross (Los Angeles State)

Bob Jewett (Michigan State)

Joe Biscaha (Richmond)

Tackles

Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College)

Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons)

Frank Morelli (Colgate)

Ed Walsh (Pennsylvania Military College)

Guards

Bob Mischak (Army)

John McMullan (Notre Dame)

Dan Callahan (Wooster)

Harold Gray (Maryland State)

Centers

Mike Hudock (Miami)

Roger Ellis (Maine)

Quarterbacks

Al Dorow (Michigan State)

Dick Jamieson (Bradley)

Halfbacks

Mike Hagler (Iowa)

Leon Burton (Arizona State)

Flankers

Don Maynard (Texas Western)

Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons)

Fullbacks

Bill Mathis (Clemson)

Bob Brooks (Ohio)

Jim Joyce (Maryland)

DEFENSE

Ends

Bob Reifsnyder (Navy)

Nick Mumley (Purdue)

Ed Cooke (Maryland)

Dick Leadbetter (Maine)

Tackles

Tom Saidock (Michigan State)

Sid Youngelman (Alabama)

Dick Guesman (West Virginia)

Linebackers

Bob Marques (Boston University)

Larry Hubbard (Marquette) 

Larry Grantham (Mississippi)

Eddie Bell (Pennsylvania)

Joe Domen (West Virginia)

Joe Pagliei (Clemson)

Halfbacks

Fred Julian (Michigan)

Dick Felt (BYU)

Jim Niemann (Cincinnati)

Rock Kayser (Toledo)

Safeties

Roger Donnahoo (Michigan State) 

Corky Tharp (Alabama)

Brad Myers (Michigan) 

Al Beardsley (Maryland)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

1961 NEW YORK TITANS DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE

QB Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12, Dick Jamieson (Bradley) 15, Bob Scrabis (Penn State) 19  

HB Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45, Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26, Mike Hagler (Iowa) 32, Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29  

FB Bill Mathis (Clemson) 31, Pete Hart (Hardin-Simmons) 33, Bob Brooks (Ohio) 35, Jim Joyce (Maryland) 37 

SE Art Powell (San Jose State) 84, Joe Biscaha (Richmond) 80   

T Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College) 78, Frank Morelli (Colgate) 71 

G Bob Mischak (Army) 67, Dan Callahan (Wooster) 61 

C Mike Hudock (Miami) 52, Roger Ellis (Maine) 56  

G John McMullan (Notre Dame) 68, Harold Gray (Maryland State) 69  

T Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons) 70, Ed Walsh (Pennsylvania Military College)*  

TE Thurlow Cooper (Maine) 88, Bob Jewett (Michigan State) 85, David Ross (Los Angeles State) 81 

FL Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13, Leon Burton (Arizona State) 24  

DEFENSE

DE Bob Reifsnyder (Navy) 79, Ed Cooke (Maryland) 82

DT Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 75, Dick Leadbetter (Maine) 77

DT Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76, Dick Guesman (West Virginia) 72

DE Nick Mumley (Purdue) 74, Bob O'Neil (Notre Dame) 62

LB Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60, Bob Marques (Boston University) 55

MLB Hubert Bobo (Ohio State) 57, Roger Ellis (Maine) 56  

LB Eddie Bell (Pennsylvania) 25, Joe Domen (West Virginia)*

CB Fred Julian (Michigan) 39, Jim Niemann (Cincinnati)*

S Dick Felt (BYU) 23, Brad Myers (Michigan)*  

S Lee Riley (Detroit) 22, Charlie Dupre (Baylor) 28

CB Dainard Paulson (Oregon State)*, Rock Kayser (Toledo) 36

SPECIALISTS

K Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29, Dick Guesman (West Virginia) 72 

P Curley Johnson (Houston) 20, Joe Pagliei (Clemson) 40

KR Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45, Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29

PR Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45 

* rookie

New York Titans Profiles, 1961 Pro Football Handbook

Sammy Baugh (coach)

Ed Bell

Leon Burton

Dewey Bohling

Al Dorow

Larry Grantham

Don Maynard

Bob Mischak

Nick Mumley

Art Powell

Bill Shockley

Sid Youngelman

1961 New York Titans Fleer Cards

Dewey Bohling

Al Dorow

Pete Jamieson

Pete Hart

Bill Shockley

Don Maynard

Bob Mischak

Mike Hudock

Bob Reifsnyder

Tom Saidock

Sid Youngelman

1961 Fleer Wallet Pictures

Dewey Bohling

Pete Hart

Mike Hudock

Bob Mischak

Sid Youngelman

1961 New York Titans Jay Publishing Cards

Johnny Bookman (1957 New York Giants team issue)

Al Dorow 

Larry Grantham 

Mike Hagler 

Mike Hudock 

Bob Jewett 

Jack Klotz 

Don Maynard 

John McMullan 

Bob Mischak 

Art Powell

Bob Reifsnyder 

Sid Youngelman 

1961 New York Titans Topps Cards

Roger Donnahoo

Al Dorow 

Larry Grantham

Don Maynard 

Bob Mischak 

Art Powell 

Sid Youngelman 

1961 New York Titans program portraits

Gene Cockrell

Thurlow Cooper

Roger Donnahoo

Al Dorow

Roger Ellis

Dick Felt

Larry Grantham

Mike Hudock

Dick Jamieson

Fred Julian

Jack Klotz

Don Maynard

John McMullan

Bob Mischak

Art Powell

Tom Saidock

Bob Scrabis

Sid Youngelman

-September  9,1961 Boston Patriots Official Program, Boston University Field

Titans On Offense

QB Al Dorow 12, Dick Jamieson 15

LHB Dick Christy 45, Dewey Bohling 26, Bill Shockley 29

FB Bill Mathis 31, Bob Brooks 35

RHB Don Maynard 13

LE Art Powell 84

LT Jack Klotz 78

LG Bob Mischak 67

C    Mike Hudock 52

RG John McMullen 68, Bob O'Neill 62

RT Gene Cockrell 70

RE Thurlow Cooper 88

Titans on Defense

LDE Ed Cooke 82

LDT Sid Youngelman 76

RDT Tom Saidock 75, Dick Guesman 72

RDE Nick Mumley 74, Rob Reifsnyder 79

LLB Jim Furey 50

MLB Hubert Bobo 57, Pat Lamberti 55

RLB Larry Grantham 60, Bert Rechicar 44

LS     Junior Wren

LCM Dick Felt 23

RCM Dave Ames 25

RS     Dainard Paulson 40

Titans Specialists

Punters: Junior Wren 20, Dave Ames 25, Dainard Paulson 40

Place-Kicking: Bert Rechicar 44, Dick Guesman 72

Field Goals: Bert Rechicar 44, Dick Guesman 72

-September  9,1961 Boston Patriots Official Program, Boston University Field

New York Titans Numerical Roster

10 Bob Renn (HB) Florida State

12 Al Dorrow (QB) Michigan State

13 Don Maynard (HB) (Texas Western)

19 Bob Scrabis (QB) Penn State

20 Curley Johnson (E) Houston

22 Lee Riley (DHB) Detroit

23 Dick Felt (DHB) BYU

25 Mel West (HB) Missouri

26 Don Flynn (LB) Houston

27 Don Allard (QB) Boston College

29 John Bookman (DHB) Miami, Fla.

31 Bill Mathis (FB) Clemson

33 Paul Hynes (DHB) Louisiana Tech

35 Bob Brooks (FB) Ohio

40 Dainard Paulson (DHB) Oregon State

45 Dick Christy (HB) North Carolina State

50 Jim Furey (LB) Kansas State

52 Mike Hudock (C) Miami

56 Roger Ellis (G) Maine

57 Hubert Bobo (LB) Ohio State

60 Larry Grantham (LB) Mississippi

62 Bob O'Neil (G) Notre Dame

64 Jerry Fields (LB) Ohio State

67 Bob Mischak (G) Army

68 John McMullan (G) Notre Dame

70 Gene Cockrell (T) Hardin-Simmons

72 Dick Guesman (DT) West Virginia

73 Moses Gray (DT) Indiana

74 Nick Mumley (DE) Purdue

75 Tom Saidock (DT) Michigan State

76 Sid Youngelman (DT) Alabama

78 John Klotz (T) Pennsylvania Military College

82 Ed Cooke (DE) Maryland

84 Art Powell (E) San Jose State

88 Thurlow Cooper (E) Maryland

-December 17, 1961 Dallas Texans Official Program, Cotton Bowl

1961 New York Titans Profile Summary

Head Coach - Sammy Baugh

QB Al Dorow (Michigan State) 12

QB Dick Jamieson (Bradley) 15

HB Dick Christy (North Carolina State) 45

HB Dewey Bohling (Hardin-Simmons) 26

HB Leon Burton (Arizona State) 24

HB Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29

HB Mike Hagler (Iowa) 32

FB Pete Hart (Hardin-Simmons) 33

FB Curley Johnson (Houston) 20

FL Don Maynard (Texas Western) 13

SE Art Powell (San Jose State) 84

TEThurlow Cooper (Maine) 88

TE Bert Rechicar (Tennessee) 44

E Dave Ross (Los Angeles State) 80

C Mike Hudock (Miami) 52

G Bob Mischak (Army) 67

G John McMullan (Notre Dame) 68

G Arnold Branch (Langston) 61

T Jack Klotz (Pennsylvania Military College) 78

T Gene Cockrell (Hardin-Simmons) 70

T Proverb Jacobs (California) 73

T Frank Morelli (Colgate) 71

T Moses Gray (Indiana) 69

DT Sid Youngelman (Alabama) 76

DT Tom Saidock (Michigan State) 75

DT Dick Guesman (West Virginia) 72

DT Proverb Jacobs (California) 73

DT Dick Leadbetter (Maine) 77

DE Bob Reifsnyder (Navy) 79

DE Nick Mumley (Purdue) 74

MLB Hubert Bobo (Ohio State) 57

LB Larry Grantham (Mississippi) 60

LB Ed Bell (Pennsylvania) 25

CB Roger Donnahoo (Michigan State) 46

CB John Bookman (Miami) 42

CB Bert Rechicar (Tennessee) 44

CB Jim Niemann (Cincinnati) 41

S Dainard Paulson (Oregon State) 40

S Dick Felt (BYU) 23

S Lee Riley (Detroit) 22

S Junior Wren (Missouri) 21

K Bill Shockley (West Chester) 29

K Dick Guesman (West Virginia) 72

K Bert Rechicar (Tennessee) 44

P Curley Johnson (Houston) 20

1960 New York Titans Profiles

STEVE SEBO (General Manager)

"A former football and baseball star at Michigan State, later backfield coach at his alma mater when the Spartans ran up a record 28-game winning streak, Steve Sebo received his appointment as general manager of the Titans of New York in early December of 1959.

Prior to his Titans appointment, Sebo had spent six seasons as head football coach at the University of Pennsylvania. His 1959 Quaker eleven won the Ivy League title with a 6-1 mark and had an overall season mark of 7-1-1 including a 22-22 tie with Navy.

Sebo's three varsity years at Michigan State - 1934-35-36- were great years for the Spartans. A three-year record of 20 wins, four losses and two ties included three straight over arch-rival Michigan. Sebo was the leading scorer for the Spartans in 1934 and 1936 operating as a wingback. As a catcher with the MSU baseball team, he was one of the top hitters in the Midwest and took the team batting title in 1937.

After coaching at Petoskey (Mich.) High School for four years, Sebo entered the Army Air Force during World War II and attained the rank of Major before his discharge in June, 1946. He then became director of athletics and head coach at Alma (Mich.) College and in two years developed an unbeaten and untied squad that was but one of thirteen in the nation in 1948. During his Alma tenure he also served as president of the coaches group of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

In 1949, Sebo was backfield coach at Harvard under Art Valpey. A year later he returned to Michigan State as freshman coach. In 1952, he moved up to the varsity backfield post, a position he held until he moved to Penn as head coach in 1954.

During his MSU coaching days, he saw the Spartans become national champions in 1952, co-champions of the Big Ten in their first season in the conference (1953), and winner of the Rose Bowl game on January 1, 1954, when MSU defeated a tough UCLA team, 28-20.

The Titans general is married to the former Margaret Morrison, whom he met while teaching at Petoskey. The couple has one child, a son, Jimmy, age nine."

-1960 Denver Broncos Official Program

SAMMY BAUGH (Head Coach)

"Sammy started as an end in college football, but his position was quickly changed when the coach discovered that he threw better than the backs. He was an All-American at TCU in 1936 and starred in the Chicago College All-Star Game in 1937.

Sammy holds just about every league passing record. Last year he won the National Football League's passing championship and broke three seasonal passing records: most passes attempted, most completed and most yards gained."

-1948 Bowman No. 22

"Sammy ranks among the greatest forward passers of all time. He has been with Washington since 1937. Named to nearly every All-American team in 1936, he turned down the St. Louis Cardinals to play pro football.

He holds eight National League pass records. In 1947 he completed 210 passes (a record) in 354 attempts (a record) for a .593 efficiency mark. His .703 passing mark (128 completed passes in 182 tries) in 1945 is another National League record."

-1948 Leaf No. 34

"Baugh ranks with the greatest forward passers of all time. He holds the following NFL records: most passes completed (1,387), most passes completed in one season (210); most attempted in one season (354); most yards gained on passes in one game (446 ... set last year against Boston); top efficiency mark in more than 500 attempts (57.5), and top efficiency mark for one season (70.3)."

-1949 Leaf No. 26

"Sam is a great veteran of pro football. This is his 14th season with the Redskins. He has led the National Football League in passing in six campaigns and holds about every NFL record in this department of play.

All-America at Texas Christian in 1936, Sam refused a St. Louis Cardinals' baseball contract to continue on the grid. He competes in rodeos in the off-season."

-1950 Bowman No. 100

"Now in his 15th pro season- all of them with the Redskins- Sammy holds a flock of lifetime, season and game passing records.

He stood ninth in 1950 with an average gain per pass of 6.807 yards; threw 166 and completed 90 for 1,130 yards; tossed 10 touchdown passes, and had only 11 passes intercepted.

Sammy attended Texas Christian and was an All-American in 1936. He rejected a St. Louis Cardinals' baseball contract to make a career of football."

-1951 Bowman No. 34 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"In his 16th pro season with the Redskins, Sam is one of the game's greatest passers. He holds many lifetime, season and game passing records. He stood eighth in the NFL in this department in 1951.

Sam's college was Texas Christian. He runs a Texas ranch. He rejected a St. Louis Cardinals' contract to make a career of football."

-1952 Bowman No. 30

"'Slingin' Sam' was probably the greatest passer ever to play football. A one-man aerial circus in college and for the Redskins, he set all sorts of records. No defense could stop his short bullets or long accurate passes. Sammy completed 56.7% of his passes with Washington and made All-Pro seven years."

-1955 All American No. 20

"The history of professional football would have been quite different if Sammy Baugh had not decided to give up baseball and concentrate on football ... he was once a shortstop in Class AAA in the Cardinal chain. All his loyal fans over the years are certainly glad he made this choice.

Sammy had a brilliant career at Texas Christian and, of course, made All-America. In professional football, he played for the Washington Redskins; and for six of his 16 years as a player, he was named All-Pro. He is the all-time NFL veteran and holds almost all of the league's passing and punting records. The NFL record book lists a full page detailing his various accomplishments.

Most recently, he was head coach at Hardin-Simmons, guiding them to the Sun Bowl in 1958."

-1960 Fleer No. 20

"Slingin' Sammy Baugh has returned to the game that made him famous for 16 years. But this time he is coaching professional football. The former TCU passing great obtained lasting fame with the Washington Redskins and many of his records still stand today.

Baugh gave up the pro game in 1952 to return to his ranch near Rotan, but he soon found he couldn't stay away from football and he became an assistant coach at Hardin-Simmons. He took over as head coach of the Cowboys in 1955 and served as top man for five years until resigning last winter to take over as Titan head coach.

Baugh will be a welcome visitor when he makes a homecoming appearance here tonight."

-1960 Dallas Texans Official Program, October 2

SAMMY BAUGH'S REVENGE

"It was December 13, 1942, two years and five days after the Bears' 73-0 massacre, and the  Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins were meeting again at Griffith Stadium to decide the championship of the NFL. Each team had just completed one of its finest seasons. Washington had won ten out of its 11 games, while the Bears not only had swept their 11 games but were riding the crest of a 24-game victory streak.

The Bears weren't letting the Redskins forget what happened in 1940. 'Seventy-four or nothing,' was their slogan for the game. But the Washington players, most of whom had played in the slaughter, didn't need any reminding. They seethed silently and they burned for revenge. Nobody was more determined than Sammy Baugh, the pass-throwing star airily dismissed by the Bears as 'over-rated' in any comparison with their own Sid Luckman, or even Luckman's understudy, Chucking Charlie O'Rourke.

The 36,000 persons who watched that 1942 game saw one of the grimmest, hardest-fought battles ever waged on a professional football field. Playing virtually without substitutions, the Redskins took on two almost-equal platoons and matched every block and tackle.

The Bears' tackle, Lee Artoe, picked up a fumble in the second period and ran 50 yards for the game's first touchdown. Artoe missed the conversions. Baugh quickly got the touchdown back with a 38-yard pass to Wilbur Moore, and Bob Masterson's conversion gave the 'Skins a 7-6 lead at halftime.

With the line so ferocious that it seemed constantly on the edge of a free-for-all, the Redskins got another march under way in the third quarter. Baugh acted as the decoy while fullback Andy Farkas carried the ball on ten of the 12 plays while the Redskins powered 80 yards for a score. Masterson converted and the Redskins led, 14-6. They made those points stand up all afternoon.

Baugh was one of four Redskins who played the whole grinding game without substitution. He completed five of his 13 passes, got six tremendous punts and played a superlative game on pass defense, intercepting an O'Rourke touchdown pass in the end zone late in the game. 

The score wasn't anything like 73-0, but it was revenge over the mighty Bears. Sammy Baugh slept well that night."

-Lee Greene, Sport Magazine, December 1960

JOHNNY DELL ISOLA (coach)

"Watch Dell Isola, former Fordham University and present New York Giants center, as he prepares to snap the ball. Dell's right hand grasps the ball much as a forward passer would do, gripping his fingers over the laces. His left hand, a little to the rear of the ball and under, serves only to steady his passes, which are made almost entirely with the right hand, enabling his fingers to impart the spiral as it is snapped to the backfield.

In this day of direct passing, instead of having the quarterback crouched just behind the center, accuracy and a complete knowledge of signals and backfield assignments is essential for every center."

-Eddie Casey, Chair, Boston Redskins, Former Harvard Coach (1935 National Chicle Football Stars No. 26)

"Dell Isola, one of the great pro linemen of all time, played with the Giants as a running guard from 1934 to 1940. He was small, scarcely more than 200 pounds, but he was chunky, rough, and fiercely competitive.

Dell Isola was line coach at Dartmouth for many years."

-1957 Jay Publishing

"An assistant under Baugh, Dell Isola was an All-America at Fordham and an All-Pro for five years with the Giants. As a player, he called defensive signals as the Giants compiled the best defensive average in the league in five of his seven years. Dell Isola later served as Giant line coach."

-1960 Dallas Texans Official Program

JOHN STEBER (coach)

"Steber was All-America at Georgia Tech and has an engineering degree from Vanderbilt. He coached in the Navy and served five years with Baugh as line coach at Hardin-Simmons where he developed five all-conference linemen.

He played his pro ball with Baugh in Washington."

-1960 Dallas Texans Official Program

HUGH "BONES" TAYLOR (coach)

"Bones was born in Wynne, Arkansas. He attended Oklahoma City University in 1945 and '46, and in 41 minutes of playing time in the latter season caught nine touchdown passes. He was signed as a free agent when Redskin coach Turk Edwards read about him in a magazine. Although plagued by a mysterious fever throughout his rookie year last season, Bones caught 26 passes for a 5.1 average and six touchdowns- three in the season opener against the Eagles.

He served three and a half years in the Navy as a radarman."

-1948 Bowman No. 13

"In three seasons with the Redskins, Hugh has caught 93 passes for 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns. He set a team record last year for most yards gained in a single season- 781. In '49 he also caught 45 passes and scored nine touchdowns.

Once in 41 minutes of playing time with Oklahoma City University, he caught nine touchdown passes. This feat caused Hugh to be signed by the Redskins."

-1950 Bowman No. 30 

"Hugh caught 39 passes in 1950 and gained 833 yards, averaging 21.4 yards per reception. He scored nine touchdowns, having also scored nine touchdowns in 1949. Hugh has spent four campaigns with the Redskins.

He attended Oklahoma City University. He once caught nine touchdown passes in 41 minutes of playing time.

Hugh served three and a half years in the Navy as a radarman.  During the off-season, he works as a sanitation engineer."

-1951 Bowman No. 108 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"Hugh is in his seventh season. He holds all-time Redskins' pass-receiving records.

One of the greatest pass-receivers, he led the league in average yards gained. He caught 12 touchdown passes.

Hugh was signed as a free agent out of Oklahoma City University by Redskin coach Turk Edwards who saw an item in a national magazine about a young end who had caught nine touchdown passes in 41 minutes of playing time."

-1953 Bowman No. 84

"Hugh is in his eighth season as a pro football player. One of the greatest pass-receiving ends in football, he holds all of the Redskins' all-time catching records. Last season he caught more passes than any other Redskin and was third in the league in touchdown passes.

During his college days, Hugh was brought to the attention of the Redskins' head coach by catching nine touchdown passes in 41 minutes' playing time in 1946. He served three and half years in the Navy as a radarman.

Hugh was born in Wynne, Arkansas, where he attended high school."

-1954 Bowman No. 73

"Bones starts his ninth season with the Redskins. One of the all-time greatest pass-catchers, he holds Redskins' records for scoring (58 touchdowns for 348 points) and pass-receiving (272 catches for 5,233 yards). Number one for scoring and pass-receiving for the Redskins in 1954, Hugh has played in 92 consecutive games since 1947.

He caught nine touchdown passes in 41 minutes' playing time for Oklahoma City University in 1946. Born in Wynne, Arkansas, Hugh sells insurance in the off-season."

-1955 Bowman No. 6

"Taylor is also a former Redskin great and played alongside Baugh, John Steber and Dick Todd. He holds several NFL pass-catching records. He caught 58 touchdown passes in eight years.

He played his college ball at Oklahoma City University. He passed up his final year of college to play with the Redskins. Taylor was a coach at Arkansas State in 1959."

-1960 Dallas Texans Official Program

DICK TODD (Coach)

"Except for two years in the Navy and two years as a backfield coach (1949-50) at his alma mater, Texas A&M, Dick Todd has been with the Redskins since 1939, first as a brilliant halfback, then as backfield coach before his promotion to head coach, a post he took over midway in the 1951 season.

As a player, Todd was equally great on offense and defense. He stands second among all-time Redskin ground gainers with 1,573 yards in 368 tries, second among pass receivers with 119 caught for 1,826 yards, and third among scorers with 214 points. In his final season (1948) he led the team in pass receiving and in scoring."

-1952 Bowman No. 43

AL DOROW

Quarterback-Punter
No. 12
Michigan State

"This is Al's second season. He shared the quarterbacking of the Redskins with Jack Scarbath last year. He wound up the season with four touchdown passes in a victory over the  Cardinals.

Al was a brilliant all-around performer at Michigan State and holds almost every Spartan passing record. He was All-Mid-West in 1951 and All-Service in '52 and '53 at Bolling Field Air Force Base. He starred in the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl games."

-1955 Bowman No. 77

"Aerial Al was the No. 1 Redskin passer last season and won a berth on the East Pro Bowl squad.

While in college he guided his underdog team to astounding routes of Notre Dame and Michigan. Al holds the Michigan State records for most passes.

He can play any backfield post."

-1957 Topps No. 24

"Al was a star in football, basketball and track at Michigan State. He's a good passer and fast runner."

-1959 Topps CFL No. 15

"Al Dorow, the alternate quarterback of the Titans, knows his way around a football field. He called the signals for Michigan State in 1950 and 1951, starting the Spartans on a winning streak that eventually covered twenty-eight games. A versatile back who later performed varied duties in the Michigan State attack, he was on the receiving end of the famous 'transcontinental pass' that gave Michigan State a 24-20 victory over Ohio State in 1951.

Al later played with the Bolling Field Air Force team, then put in four seasons with the Washington Redskins and two with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1956, he played with the East team in the Pro Bowl. He spent last season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian League.

Married, Dorow has two daughters, Bernadine, 3 1/2, and Debbie, 2."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

TOM DIMITROFF

Quarterback

No. 11

Miami-Ohio

"Before joining the pro ranks with the Ottawa (Canada) club, Tom attended the University of Miami (Ohio).

His natural ability as a passer accounted for 16 touchdown passes for Ottawa in 1957. This outstanding record had much to do with his being named Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year that same year."

-1960 Fleer No. 16

KEN FORD

Quarterback

No. 14

Hardin-Simmons

"In 1957, 'Specs' was the #1 passer in the nation while performing for the Cowboys of Hardin-Simmons University. With the height needed for spotting the [pass receiver] and the weight for getting the short yardage, quarterback Ford made All-Border Conference and was voted Hardin-Simmons Most Valuable Player in 1958.

His outstanding all-around ability accounted for his having a tryout with the New York Giants in 1959."

-1960 Fleer No. 50

DICK JAMIESON

Quarterback

No. 15

Bradley

"Jamieson was a brilliant quarterback at Bradley University where he led the nation's small colleges in touchdown passes (21) and total offense (1,925 yards) as a sophomore in 1956.

Dick comes to the Dallas Texans from the Baltimore Colts where he served as Johnny Unitas' stand-in. A natural leader, Jamieson played two years of professional baseball in the Pittsburgh chain after his sophomore year at Bradley."

-1960 Fleer No. 5

BILL SHOCKLEY
Halfback-Place Kicker
No. 29
West Chester
Bill was the biggest football star at small West Chester during his collegiate career. He's the kind of man teams from the new league are looking to from little-known sources of campus gridiron talent.
A bruising halfback, the Titans will most likely utilize Bill's ability as a place kicker. Every club needs those successful kickoffs, field goal attempts and conversions for a winning season. Bill can also serve with distinction on the other side of the field with daring and with blazing speed on punt and kickoff returns. And he still can be called on for halfback duty.

TED WEGERT 

Halfback

No. 20

"Daring Dutchman ... Terrible Ted ... He was the rookie sensation of the 1955 pre-season campaign but was injured in the league opener. He was out for four weeks with a broken foot. He returned to score twice against Pittsburgh but was used sparingly thereafter.

Now, sound of wind and limb again, Ted looks forward to 1956. He led the Eagles in ground gaining through six pre-season games, averaging better than five yards per carry.

Ted made the grade in the toughest of all football with no collegiate experience. He was a high school star at Riverhead, Long Island, scoring 27 touchdowns and 163 points for a one-year record. Into the Navy before completing his scholastic career, Ted continued his football brilliance as a Bluejacket, tallying 64 touchdowns in four years including 21 for Bainbridge in 1951.

His dad wrote the Eagles asking for a tryout for his son. Ted reported at Hershey last July but was ready to be cut the first week. He caught fire in his first scrimmage and blossomed into the club's brightest prospect until his injury.

Ted combines speed, agility and power. According to coaches, he has all the stuff needed to be a top star in the National League.

He lives in Riverhead."

-1956 Philadelphia Eagles Official Program

GER SCHWEDES

Halfback

No. 30 

Syracuse

"A strong runner, good receiver and good halfback-passer, Ger threw an 87-yard touchdown pass against Texas in the 1960 Cotton Bowl and led National Champion Syracuse in scoring, kickoff returns and pass interceptions. He scored 100 points and gained 567 yards for a 6.3-yard average per carry.

With his terrific throwing arm, Ger's opposing defensive backs will have to think twice before coming up to stop him on end sweeps."

-1960 Fleer No. 71

BILL MATHIS

Fullback

No. 31

Clemson

"During his college career, Bill was rated by many as the best halfback in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

He won the ACC scoring title with 70 points and set a record in kickoff returns against Georgia Tech last year. Bill received Honorable Mention for All-America in 1959 and was chosen for All-Conference and the All-Time Clemson team. He received Clemson's most valuable player award in 1959. Bill played in the Blue-Gray Game and in the Senior Bowl."

-1960 Fleer No. 99

PETE HART 

Fullback

No. 33

Hardin-Simmons

"One of the first players Coach Sammy Baugh lined up for the Titans was Pete Hart. Pete played for Sammy for four years at Hardin-Simmons, being named to the All-Border Conference team in 1957 and 1958 and being further honored in 1958 as the most valuable player in that league.

The Chicago Cardinals drafted him last year but he did not report. However, he jumped at the chance to play again under Baugh. And play he will with the Titans, probably as their No. 1 fullback.

A compact 190-pounder, he gets off the mark like a bullet and makes clever use of his blockers in the open field. His breakaway speed helped Pete achieve rank among the nation's leading varsity ground-gainers in his last two years at Hardin-Simmons."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

BLANCHE MARTIN

Fullback

No. 36

Michigan State

"Blanche is one of those outstanding backs who can do everything well. In 1957, while attending Michigan State, he averaged 5.28 yards, caught six passes for 80 yards, returned nine punts for 119 yards, returned six kickoffs for 176 yards, made 16 punts for a 34.4 average and scored 42 points. With such a record, it is easy to understand why he was named All-Big Ten, and also selected for the All-America scholastic team in 1957, 1958 and 1959."

-1960 Fleer No. 78

FRAN ROGEL

Fullback

No. 44

Penn State

"Fran was one of the Steelers' leading ground gainers during his first season as a professional football player. He was second in pass receiving and third in scoring.

He gained 418 yards in 92 carrying attempts. His longest gain  (a touchdown run) was 40 yards and his average gain was 4.5. Fran received 24 passes, gaining 304 yards (average gain of 12.7). He scored three touchdowns running and one on a pass.

Fran played fullback for Penn State. He's now in the Army."

-1951 Bowman No. 24 (Bowman Gum, Inc.)

"'Fanny' is a five-year veteran who has led the Steelers in ground gaining for the past two seasons. He's also a good pass receiver.

Fran was selected as an All-American at Penn State. He studied agriculture and operates a farm during the off-season."

-1955 Bowman No. 99

"Fran was the top Steeler ground gainer last year. Compact and powerful, he is at home busting through the middle or exploding into the open for long runs. Fran is also one of the best downfield blockers in the game.

In the off-season, he is a Deputy Sherriff in Allegheny County."

-1956 Topps No. 15

"When Fran isn't blasting an opposing line to shreds, he's hauling in spot passes. He's also  one of football's best blockers.

Last season Fran caught 23 aerials, good for 88 yards. His all-around ability won him a Pro Bowl berth in '56.

Fran is a Sheriff in Pittsburgh."

-1957 Topps No. 27

"This veteran of pro football in the United States with the Pittsburgh Steelers was probably the best blocking back in the NFL and also a fine ground-gainer."

-1958 Topps CFL No. 49

"A colorful fullback from Penn State University, Fran made All-America in 1950. He played eight years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and led them in ground-gaining for five of those eight years. Twice he was honored in being selected to play in the All-Pro Bowl game.

Most recently he has been associated with the Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) Golden Bears where he has played a dual role of player-coach."

-1960 Fleer No. 43

DON MAYNARD

Flanker
No. 13
Texas Western
The slender Texan was used by the Giants in 1958 primarily as a kickoff and punt returner. After spending last season in the Canadian Football League, Don brings his speed, cutting ability and elusiveness after the catch to the new league.
Sammy Baugh coached against Don when the All-Conference halfback starred on a 9-1 championship Texas Western squad. The legendary passer is glad to have this potential receiving star on his new club.


ART POWELL
Split End
No. 84
San Jose State
"Won praise as an outstanding 1959 rookie. Powell played only one college season before going to the Canadian League. A defensive halfback who worked overtime as a returner of punts and kickoffs, he was the NFL's second best in the latter department, moving 379 yards on 14 chances. His speed and agility make him an ideal pass defender.
Powell lives in San Diego. His brother Charley was a 49er tackle."

-1960 Pro Football Handbook

JOHN BREDICE

Split End

No. 83

Boston University

"The nation's second best pass receiver in 1955. Bredice caught 35 for 468 yards and four scores. He had a two-year total of 55 receptions for 807 yards and nine touchdowns."

-1956 Philadelphia Eagles Official Program

"An outstanding end, John should give the opposition lots to think about.

Before playing pro football for the Philadelphia Eagles, John attended Boston University where he made quite a name for himself. He was named All-New England and Third Team All-America. In addition, he played in the East-West Shrine Game in 1956 and caught 6-for-6. In 1955, because of his speed and ability to outguess the opposition, John was second in the nation in pass receiving."

-1960 Fleer No. 112

THURLOW COOPER

Tight End

No. 88

Maine

"Thurlow starred at the University of Maine as an end and received more than his share of honors during his stay. He was on the All-Maine team for three years, All-Yankee Conference for two years, All-New England in 1956 and that same year was given Honorable Mention on the Little All-America team. Because of his speed and ability to spot plays, Cooper blocked three punts in one game and held the University of Connecticut to minus yards around his end."

-1960 Fleer No. 72

"The great state of  Maine, traditionally noted for its rock-bound coast, had another distinction in 1955-56-57. The state university's football team included one of the nation's finest ends, a rawboned young giant named Thurlow Cooper. This mobile 6 foot 4 inch, 228-pound monster wreaked complete havoc on Yankee Conference opposition during his three-year varsity span. He also was a humdinger in basketball.

Thurlow was drafted by the New York Giants but never got a real shot at a job because they were too occupied getting ready for the All-Star Game to bother with rookies. So he played in Canada for a couple of years and did so well that the Titans made him one of their first targets when they began to round up personnel.

A versatile fellow, he can play both offense and defense. Off-season, he teaches and coaches in Portland, Maine."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

DAVE ROSS 

Tight End

No. 80

Los Angeles State

"In Dave Ross, Coach Sammy Baugh feels the Titans have one of the best 'tight' ends in the business. A graduate of Los Angeles State College, where he led the California Intercollegiate Athletic Association in pass receiving and won the N.C.A.A. regional high hurdles title, Ross has size, speed and football savvy. Besides being a good receiver, he does a solid job of blocking.

Dave was signed this spring by the Detroit Lions and played with them through the exhibition season. The Titans picked him up on September 22.

Married, he has one child, a son- Ronald David, 3 1/2. A resident of Whittier, California, he worked last summer as a lifeguard in Long Beach, Calif."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

JIM BALDWIN

Center

No. 50

McMurry

"Texas does things in a big way and Jim is no exception. Before joining the pro ranks he starred at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. Among other things, he was named McMurry's best blocker for 1958 and 1959.

Jim has all the equipment needed for a good center and should make it awfully tough for the opposition to gain that short yardage through the center of the line."

-1960 Fleer No. 30

MIKE HUDOCK

Center

No. 52

Miami

"With lots of weight and a tremendous frame, Mike should bolster the center of the Titan line substantially. For a big man, Mike's well-known speed is startling. He covers a world of ground on offense and is a smashing downfield blocker. On defense, Mike is known as a vicious tackler and a smashing linebacker.

Mike attended the University of Miami in Florida and more recently played for the Philadelphia Eagles."

-1960 Fleer No. 23

BOB MISCHAK

Guard

No. 67

Army

"Bob Mischak (62), a crack end for Army a few years back, has bobbed up as an offensive guard with the Giants and looks like a good one. He's a first-year pro but technically not a rookie since he trained with the Browns in 1957 after finishing his service hitch. He has good speed and, at 230 pounds, the power to make his blocks stick."

-1958 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

JERRY MCFARLAND

Guard

No. 66

Michigan State

"A hard-hitting tackle, Jerry went to Michigan State where he made the All-Big Ten team. During his service career he played for the Army All-Stars in 1954.

A fired-up, never-say-die type of player, Jerry should see lots of service with the Titans. The first half of the 1959 season found him signed with the Detroit Lions. The experience gained there should help Jerry invade the pro ranks successfully."

-1960 Fleer No. 126

JOHN MCMULLAN

Guard

No. 68

Notre Dame

"Like so many former Notre Dame linemen, John is a stocky, hard-hitting guard. He is the type of player that might well cause the opponent's backs to wish the play didn't go through his position.

While at Notre Dame, he made Honorable Mention All-America in 1954. He brings to the Titans some background in the pro ranks since he formerly played for both the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles."

-1960 Fleer No. 103

GENE COCKRELL

Offensive Tackle

No. 70

Hardin-Simmons

"Gene fits all the requirements that a coach would desire in filling the guard position.

He attended the University of Oklahoma and played there as a sophomore in 1954 when they went undefeated. Hardin-Simmons was fortunate in having Gene for the last two years of his education. From there he gained pro experience with the Chicago Cardinals.

In addition to his many talents on the gridiron, Gene was a member of the rodeo team at Hardin-Simmons where he competed in the calf-roping and bulldogging events."

-1960 Fleer No. 56

TEDDY EDMONDSON

Offensive Tackle

No. 71

Hardin-Simmons

"Next to having a line made on concrete, Teddy should help make the Titans line the next best thing. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas which incidentally is his hometown. 

Teddy was chosen outstanding defensive lineman in 1957 and this indicated that he should play an important role in breaking up opposition plays consistently. Additional honors came his way in making the All-Border Conference team in 1957 and 1958."

-1960 Fleer No. 91


SID YOUNGELMAN
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Alabama

"Hoist the storm warnings when Sid goes into a game. Chances are that the field will be strewn with enemy ball carriers who thought they could run plays through Sid's slot.

The former Crimson Tide captain was drafted by the 49ers and was later traded to New York. His arrival in  Philadelphia was a big help to the Eagle forward wall.

Sid was Alabama captain his senior year. He starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl."

-1957 Topps No. 145

"The Brooklyn-born brute is one of the National League's toughest linemen. He is hard to move out of position and he is terrific at harassing forward passers. And don't let his size fool you- Sid is a pretty mobile fellow and he can really move when he has to.

During the off-season he keeps up his rugged activity by working as a professional wrestler."

-1958 Topps No. 24

At 6'3" and 255 pounds, Sid is hard to move out of position. He has great mobility despite his size, along with an outstanding ability to bring down ball-carriers and harass passers.
Captain of the Crimson Tide his senior year, Sid starred on defense in the 1953 Orange Bowl. He's a native of Brooklyn and a pro wrestler in the off-season.

TOM SAIDOCK

Defensive Tackle

No. 75 

Michigan State

"Because of his height [6'5"] and weight [265], Tom lines up in everyone's book as an outstanding tackle. He should prove to be a terrific asset to the Titans. Tom will be a hard man to fool because of the experience he gained playing pro ball for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Before turning pro, he attended Michigan State University and was named to the All-Big Ten team."

-1960 Fleer No. 64

DICK GUESMAN

Defensive Tackle

No. 72

West Virginia

"Dick Guesman is West Virginia University's most recent addition to a Mountaineer alumni roster of star professional football linemen that includes Joe  Stydahar, Sam Huff, Bruce Bosley and Chuck Howley. One of the top 1960 draft choices of the Baltimore Colts, he remained with them until the first game of the regular season, then came to the Titans.

He fits in the picture as a defensive tackle replacement for Sid Youngelman and Tom Saidock and, if need be, can also play on either end of the defensive rush line. Amazingly fast and agile for a 255-pounder who stands 6'4", he really flies across the scrimmage line. Those who have followed predict a bright future for this rugged resident of Brownsville, Pa."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

BOB REIFSNYDER

Defensive End

No. 79

Navy

"An All-American from the Naval Academy, Reifsnyder has the speed and football 'know-how' to make him a fine pro player. He was named to this year's College All-Star squad. The Rams look for big things from Bob this year."

-1959 Bell Brands No. 19

"As one of the biggest and fastest tackles ever to play at the Naval Academy, Bob used these assets to best advantage with the result that he received Honorable Mention for All-America in 1956 as a sophomore. The following year, he was practically a unanimous choice for All-America, received the Maxwell Trophy as the nation's Player of the Year and was the Philadelphia Sportswriter's Association selection as College Lineman of the Year."

-1960 Fleer No. 42

MIKE SIMMONS

Defensive End

No. 81

Auburn

"Another northern boy who went south for his college education, Mike hails from New Brunswick, New Jersey and played college football for the Auburn Tigers. He was named to the All-Conference team and although he hasn't played pro ball as yet, Mike has the height [6'3"] and weight [215] to make a good defensive end."

-1960 Fleer No. 68

ED COOKE

Defensive End

No. 82

Maryland

"Big Ed Cooke was picked up by the Titans in mid-September from the Baltimore Colts, with whom he spent the entire championship season of 1959. 

A native of Norfolk, Va., Cooke attended the University of Maryland, where he starred at tackle both under the late Jim Tatum and Tommy Mont. He was also the Atlantic Coast Conference champion shotput champion for a couple of years. He flung the 16-pound brass pellet 56 feet and might well have made the Olympic team if he had stuck at shot-putting.

He now throws a lot of weight- 245 lean, hard pounds, to be precise- on the Titan defensive line, usually at one of the ends. Ed is employed off-season as a salesman in Norfolk. He is married and a reserve officer in the Army."

-1960 New York Titans Official Program

ROGER ELLIS

Middle Linebacker-Center

No. 56

Maine

"The Black Bears of the University of Maine can well remember Roger's outstanding play at center. While attending college, he was named Most Valuable Player by his teammates, All-Maine, All-Yankee Conference and All-New England.

With his size and speed combined with his experience with the New York Giants, Roger will be a real asset to the Titans."

-1960 Fleer No. 119

LARRY GRANTHAM

Linebacker

No. 60

Mississippi

"Larry is an outstanding lineman who made quite a name for himself with the Rebels of the University of Mississippi. In 1958 and 1959 he made the All-Southern Conference team. He also received Honorable Mention on the All-America list and was invited to play in the 1960 Hula Bowl.

Speed and his youth should pay off in making Larry an outstanding end in the professional ranks."

-1960 Fleer No. 98


EDDIE BELL
Linebacker
No. 25
Pennsylvania

"Eddie joins the Eagles after a two-year hitch in the Army. Originally selected by Philadelphia for the 1953 season, he was an All-American at  Pennsylvania in 1952. Eddie was called the finest defensive end in Penn history and was also outstanding as a pass catcher.

He had a standout day against Notre Dame in 1952. He scored a touchdown on a long pass to tie the score at 7-7 and then later caught Johnny Lattner from behind to prevent a Notre Dame score and preserve a deadlock.

Eddie wasn't interested in football until he entered West Philadelphia High. He was named All-Scholastic in his senior year."

-1955 Bowman No. 67

"Eddie first gained nation-wide attention with two great plays against Notre Dame in 1952. He caught a pass for the only Penn score of the day and made an 'impossible' tackle, catching an Irish ball carrier headed for a score.

After two years in the Army, Eddie joined the Eagles in '55 and became a standout defensive end. His ability to figure a play and stop it in its tracks makes him one of the most exciting players in the league."

-1956 Topps No. 4

"Eddie won a starting role in the defensive backfield in his first year after two years in Uncle Sam's uniform. He was selected by the Eagles for the 1953 season but his pro league bow was delayed by military service.

He intercepted a pass last year for 30 yards. His timing and speed are his greatest assets.

Named an All-American in his senior year at Pennsylvania (1952), Eddie was called the finest defensive end-back in Penn's modern history. He had his greatest collegiate day against Notre Dame in 1952. He scored a touchdown on a long pass to tie the score and later caught Johnny Lattner from behind to prevent a winning touchdown by the Irish.

Eddie played one year of Army football at Ft. Monmouth. He wasn't interested in football until he entered West Philadelphia High. He was named All-Scholastic in his senior year."

-1956 Philadelphia Eagles Official Program

"Eddie patrols the Eagle secondary, batting down enemy aerials or converting them into Philly gains with interceptions. He's fast and clever and has shown he can keep up with the trickiest N.F.L. receivers.

In college, Eddie's greatest tackle prevented a Notre Dame triumph. He was named top defensive back in Penn's history."

-1957 Topps No. 99

Eddie was a regular defensive halfback for the Eagles, playing all 12 games in each season from 1955-58. In 1956 he had 4 interceptions for 61 yards, with the longest for 33 yards, and three fumble recoveries. In college, Eddie was named the top defensive back in Pennsylvania history.
Known for batting down passes or converting them to yardage for his team via interceptions, Eddie moves to linebacker this year as part of Coach Sammy Baugh's effort to build a solid Titan defense.


ROGER DONNAHOO
Defensive Halfback
No. 35
Michigan State
Roger was a running back who played in every game for Michigan State in 1957 and 1958. In '57 he averaged 5.5 yards rushing and 20.7 yards receiving and in 1958 he averaged 4.8 yards rushing and 14.0 yards receiving.
Coach Baugh has high hopes for Roger as a defensive halfback. Knowledgeable New York football fans who come to the Polo Grounds can look forward to fine backfield play from this young man.


DICK FELT
Defensive Halfback
No. 23
BYU
Twice named All-Conference, Dick is an outstanding defender who in college was also a scoring threat on offense. He scored four touchdowns in one quarter against San Jose State.
This young man is always a threat to intercept a pass.

FRED JULIAN

Safety
No. 39
Michigan
Intensity seems to be a Fred Julian trademark. This fine young man is highly regarded by New York scouts. Coach Sammy Baugh looks to this former Michigan running back to anchor the Titan defensive secondary this year.

CORKY THARP

Safety

No. 45

Alabama

"Corky was an outstanding halfback for the Crimson Tide of Alabama. While there, he made All-South and All-Southeastern Conference and was named Alabama's most valuable player in 1954.

In addition to his fancy ball carrying, he brings to the Titans a wealth of experience gained by playing four years in the Canadian League. While there he established the rushing record for one game in 1955."

-1960 Fleer No. 2

"He is from Birmingham, Alabama. It's his fifth season in Toronto. He's a very fast runner."

-1960 Topps (CFL) No. 78