Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Boston College
"He played well in the preseason at both tackle spots for Robert Woods and Winston Hill and filled in for Hill during the regular season. Browne missed one regular season game with an ankle injury.
The coaches think he is coming into his own and has a good future in pro ball. Browne has the necessary quickness to go with his size but needs work on his upper body strength. He's rated as a good running game blocker and has greatly improved on his pass blocking. 1976 should be an important year in Gordie's maturity and development as an offensive lineman and he will work at right tackle primarily. He gained valuable experience in 1974 playing as a backup tackle- he only played one year as an offensive lineman in college. Gordie was drafted No. 2 in 1974 after an outstanding Senior Bowl performance against Dallas No. 1 pick Ed 'Too Tall' Jones.
Gordie played tight end and offensive tackle at Boston College. He was a member of the College All-Star squad and played in the Coaches' All-America Game. He also played college basketball.
He holds a B.S. in marketing, a B.S. in management and is earning a Master's in marketing. Gordie enjoys basketball, hockey and paddle ball and plays for the Jets basketball team in the off-season. His hometown is Millis, Massachusetts."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Friday, October 30, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
1976 Profile: Willie Brister
Tight End
No. 86
Southern
"Brister had a frustrating second season in 1975 highlighted only by injuries and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone against the Colts on October 26. He started the first two preseason games at tight end but suffered a bruised abdomen against the Redskins. Willie played in 12 of 14 regular season games, starting against the Vikings in place of the injured Jerome Barkum at left wide receiver, but missed the Steelers and Patriots games because of an ankle injury. He caught one pass in 1975, for three yards.
In his first season, he proved to be a capable backup tight end to Richard Caster and started two games when Caster was hurt. Willie caught four passes for 49 yards as a starter against Houston, but strained his knee later in the season and sat out the final two games.
Brister is a solid blocker with good quickness for a big man; he runs a 4.9 40. Drafted 15th in 1974, he was used mainly as a blocker at Southern U. where he was a teammate of Jets linebacker Godwin Turk. Honorable mention All-SWAC, Brister caught only three passes in his college career.
Willie majored in history and would like to be a coach after his playing career. His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 86
Southern
"Brister had a frustrating second season in 1975 highlighted only by injuries and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone against the Colts on October 26. He started the first two preseason games at tight end but suffered a bruised abdomen against the Redskins. Willie played in 12 of 14 regular season games, starting against the Vikings in place of the injured Jerome Barkum at left wide receiver, but missed the Steelers and Patriots games because of an ankle injury. He caught one pass in 1975, for three yards.
In his first season, he proved to be a capable backup tight end to Richard Caster and started two games when Caster was hurt. Willie caught four passes for 49 yards as a starter against Houston, but strained his knee later in the season and sat out the final two games.
Brister is a solid blocker with good quickness for a big man; he runs a 4.9 40. Drafted 15th in 1974, he was used mainly as a blocker at Southern U. where he was a teammate of Jets linebacker Godwin Turk. Honorable mention All-SWAC, Brister caught only three passes in his college career.
Willie majored in history and would like to be a coach after his playing career. His hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Monday, October 26, 2015
1976 Profile: Emerson Boozer
Halfback
No. 32
Maryland Eastern Shore
"Boozer had a frustrating year in 1975. He was nagged by injuries early but was inserted in the lineup because of his blocking ability and experience. He started four games but missed five regular season games because of assorted injuries including shoulder and ankle problems.
His rash of injuries started in the preseason when he missed the first game with a groin injury. Boozer finished the season with 51 yards on 21 carries, a 2.6 average. He caught a pass for 16 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo after playing only one play against the Chiefs.
Boozer became the 22nd player in pro football history to join the 5,000-yard club in 1974 and was runner-up to Joe Namath as Jets MVP that year. He was the captain of the offensive unit and started 13 games, missing the last game because of a sprained ankle. Emerson finished 11th in the AFC in rushing with 563 yards on 153 carries, four touchdowns and a 3.7 average.
Emerson opened 1974 with a 116-yard effort against Kansas City and put together other strong performances against Chicago, Los Angeles and New England. He caught a five-yard touchdown pass in overtime to defeat the rival Giants, and also gained 58 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards. Boozer broke the 5,000-yard barrier against he Dolphins with a 41-yard effort.
His 52 career rushing touchdowns are tops among NFL active players. He has always been known for his 'nose' for the goal line. In his second year (1967) he suffered a major knee injury that required surgery; he had already scored 13 touchdowns, only six short of the AFL record. Emerson drew praise for his work during the AFL Championship and as a blocker for Matt Snell in the Jets Super Bowl upset of the Colts.
Emerson picks up the blitz well and his bouncey, high-kneed style in his early years is now modified to smoother, smarter running. He leads the Jets in career rushing attempts (1,291) and in most yards rushing in a career (5,135). He holds the Jet records for most touchdowns rushing in a game (three, done five times), season (11) and career (52). Emerson's biggest rushing game of his career came against Philadelphia in 1973, 160 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown; he's gained 100 or more yards in a game nine times. He has caught 139 career passes for 1,448 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 10.7 average.
Emerson was a two-time All-America. He carried 374 times for 2,537 yards in four varsity seasons, averaging 6.8, with 22 touchdowns. He majored in industrial education.
Born on the Fourth of July, Emerson does an excellent job on speaking tours in the off-season. He has had a daily radio show in the past and looks to a career as a broadcaster. Extremely articulate, Emerson guest hosted the John Sterling daily radio show in 1975. He's extremely interested in youth-related projects, plays for the Jets basketball team and makes his year-round home in Huntington Station, New York. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 32
Maryland Eastern Shore
"Boozer had a frustrating year in 1975. He was nagged by injuries early but was inserted in the lineup because of his blocking ability and experience. He started four games but missed five regular season games because of assorted injuries including shoulder and ankle problems.
His rash of injuries started in the preseason when he missed the first game with a groin injury. Boozer finished the season with 51 yards on 21 carries, a 2.6 average. He caught a pass for 16 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo after playing only one play against the Chiefs.
Boozer became the 22nd player in pro football history to join the 5,000-yard club in 1974 and was runner-up to Joe Namath as Jets MVP that year. He was the captain of the offensive unit and started 13 games, missing the last game because of a sprained ankle. Emerson finished 11th in the AFC in rushing with 563 yards on 153 carries, four touchdowns and a 3.7 average.
Emerson opened 1974 with a 116-yard effort against Kansas City and put together other strong performances against Chicago, Los Angeles and New England. He caught a five-yard touchdown pass in overtime to defeat the rival Giants, and also gained 58 yards and caught four passes for 42 yards. Boozer broke the 5,000-yard barrier against he Dolphins with a 41-yard effort.
His 52 career rushing touchdowns are tops among NFL active players. He has always been known for his 'nose' for the goal line. In his second year (1967) he suffered a major knee injury that required surgery; he had already scored 13 touchdowns, only six short of the AFL record. Emerson drew praise for his work during the AFL Championship and as a blocker for Matt Snell in the Jets Super Bowl upset of the Colts.
Emerson picks up the blitz well and his bouncey, high-kneed style in his early years is now modified to smoother, smarter running. He leads the Jets in career rushing attempts (1,291) and in most yards rushing in a career (5,135). He holds the Jet records for most touchdowns rushing in a game (three, done five times), season (11) and career (52). Emerson's biggest rushing game of his career came against Philadelphia in 1973, 160 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown; he's gained 100 or more yards in a game nine times. He has caught 139 career passes for 1,448 yards, 12 touchdowns and a 10.7 average.
Emerson was a two-time All-America. He carried 374 times for 2,537 yards in four varsity seasons, averaging 6.8, with 22 touchdowns. He majored in industrial education.
Born on the Fourth of July, Emerson does an excellent job on speaking tours in the off-season. He has had a daily radio show in the past and looks to a career as a broadcaster. Extremely articulate, Emerson guest hosted the John Sterling daily radio show in 1975. He's extremely interested in youth-related projects, plays for the Jets basketball team and makes his year-round home in Huntington Station, New York. His hometown is Augusta, Georgia."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, October 24, 2015
1976 Profile: Ken Bernich
Middle Linebacker
No. 53
Auburn
"Bernich came to the Jets in November of 1975 as a free agent. Originally drafted fourth by the Chargers, he was cut with a subsequent look at Green Bay. Ken impressed Jet coaches with his aggressiveness and quickness and size for the middle and played several standout games as a member of the Jets specialty squad. He recovered a fumble while on the punt coverage team against New England. He saw action in the last five Jets games.
He was a three-time All-SEC linebacker and was selected first team AP, Kodak and Walter Camp All-America. Bernich led Auburn in tackles in 1972 and 1973 and was second in 1974 with 94. He had 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and broke up seven passes as a senior. Ken played in the Gator Bowl twice and in the Sun Bowl.
Ken majored in history and political science, worked as a sand blaster on the Mississippi River and has done construction work at the Superdome. He's nicknamed 'Corn Bread Man' and his goals include 'graduation and learning to help young people.' Born in Biloxi, Louisiana, Ken's hometown is Gretna, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 53
Auburn
"Bernich came to the Jets in November of 1975 as a free agent. Originally drafted fourth by the Chargers, he was cut with a subsequent look at Green Bay. Ken impressed Jet coaches with his aggressiveness and quickness and size for the middle and played several standout games as a member of the Jets specialty squad. He recovered a fumble while on the punt coverage team against New England. He saw action in the last five Jets games.
He was a three-time All-SEC linebacker and was selected first team AP, Kodak and Walter Camp All-America. Bernich led Auburn in tackles in 1972 and 1973 and was second in 1974 with 94. He had 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and broke up seven passes as a senior. Ken played in the Gator Bowl twice and in the Sun Bowl.
Ken majored in history and political science, worked as a sand blaster on the Mississippi River and has done construction work at the Superdome. He's nicknamed 'Corn Bread Man' and his goals include 'graduation and learning to help young people.' Born in Biloxi, Louisiana, Ken's hometown is Gretna, Louisiana."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
1976 Profile: Ed Bell
Wide Receiver
No. 7
Idaho State
"Coming off a solid 1975 season as both a wide receiver and a blocker, Bell caught 20 passes for 344 yards, a 17.2 average, and four touchdowns. He had his best day of the season at Baltimore, catching six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. He caught touchdown passes in the Jets regular season opener at Buffalo, against Baltimore at Shea (22 yards) and against Buffalo at home (31 yards). Bell started every 1975 game at right wide receiver (with David Knight injured) after playing in a backup role in 1974 when he caught 13 passes for 126 yards.
He is often used in a three wide receiver formation on passing downs. He has distinguished himself as a clever, speedy (4.5) wide receiver. Ed played regularly on the left side in 1972 and 1973, catching 59 passes and was third among Jet receivers in 1973 with 24 catches. He missed one game in 1974 with a bruised knee cap. Despite his small size, Ed has a durable record as a pro, missing only three games in his career.
Ed has enjoyed an impressive career against Baltimore, catching 42 passes in 12 games for 735 yards, an average gain of 17.5, and six touchdowns. He had two outstanding games in 1972, grabbing seven passes for 197 yards at Baltimore and then taking a tipped last-minute pass 83 yards for the winning touchdown against the Colts at Shea. Bell co-holds the Jet record for receptions in a game (12 against the Colts, 1970) with Don Maynard and Art Powell. He was drafted ninth in 1970.
Bell set three small college national receiving records as a senior with 96 catches for 1,522 yards and 20 touchdowns, and set seven Big Sky and nine Idaho State records. He transferred from Compton JC where he was all-conference.
Ed majored in speech pathology and audiology and wants to help the deaf and speech-handicapped. He has attended drama school during the off-season and had a lead role in the off-Broadway production of 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' in 1974. Ed works for the State Department in helping find employment for minority youths. His hometown is Waco, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 7
Idaho State
"Coming off a solid 1975 season as both a wide receiver and a blocker, Bell caught 20 passes for 344 yards, a 17.2 average, and four touchdowns. He had his best day of the season at Baltimore, catching six passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. He caught touchdown passes in the Jets regular season opener at Buffalo, against Baltimore at Shea (22 yards) and against Buffalo at home (31 yards). Bell started every 1975 game at right wide receiver (with David Knight injured) after playing in a backup role in 1974 when he caught 13 passes for 126 yards.
He is often used in a three wide receiver formation on passing downs. He has distinguished himself as a clever, speedy (4.5) wide receiver. Ed played regularly on the left side in 1972 and 1973, catching 59 passes and was third among Jet receivers in 1973 with 24 catches. He missed one game in 1974 with a bruised knee cap. Despite his small size, Ed has a durable record as a pro, missing only three games in his career.
Ed has enjoyed an impressive career against Baltimore, catching 42 passes in 12 games for 735 yards, an average gain of 17.5, and six touchdowns. He had two outstanding games in 1972, grabbing seven passes for 197 yards at Baltimore and then taking a tipped last-minute pass 83 yards for the winning touchdown against the Colts at Shea. Bell co-holds the Jet record for receptions in a game (12 against the Colts, 1970) with Don Maynard and Art Powell. He was drafted ninth in 1970.
Bell set three small college national receiving records as a senior with 96 catches for 1,522 yards and 20 touchdowns, and set seven Big Sky and nine Idaho State records. He transferred from Compton JC where he was all-conference.
Ed majored in speech pathology and audiology and wants to help the deaf and speech-handicapped. He has attended drama school during the off-season and had a lead role in the off-Broadway production of 'Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?' in 1974. Ed works for the State Department in helping find employment for minority youths. His hometown is Waco, Texas."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Monday, October 19, 2015
1976 Profile: Carl Barzilauskas
Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Indiana
"He's coming off a rugged sophomore pro season of double teams and over-playing after his super rookie year when he was named to the Pro Writers, Pro Football Weekly and UPI all-rookie squads and was also PFW's rookie defensive lineman of the year. Barzilauskas was runner-up as AP's defensive rookie of the year and named Jets rookie of the year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
Barzilauskas was nagged by minor injuries in 1975 but started every regular season game. He missed the preseason game with the Redskins with a rib injury and injured his back in the first New England game. Carl put together his best game of the season in the second Miami game, recovering a Dolphin fumble.
Jets defensive coordinator Walt Michaels says, 'Carl can be as good as he wants to be.' His assets include size, strength and tenacity. He needs to shed blockers and improve with game playing experience. Carl did everything asked of him, learning steadily as his rookie season moved along. He finished in the club lead in quarterback sacks with five, starting every game at left tackle.
He's been called by Miami's Jim Langer 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced,' and hailed by Don Shula and Tommy Prothro as one of the best young defensive linemen they have ever seen. Carl has 5.0 speed to match with his extreme strength; more consistent play by the Jets front line this season may relieve double and triple team pressure. He was a No. 1 draft choice in 1974.
A three-year starter for Indiana, Barzilaukas led the team in tackles as a junior. He played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl and played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
He majored in physical education in college. His uncle Fritz played for the Giants in the early '50s and is now employed at Yale. Carl is nicknamed 'Barzo' and 'Brontosaurus' and owns a lounge called 'Barzo's Blitz' in Bloomington, Indiana. His hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 77
Indiana
"He's coming off a rugged sophomore pro season of double teams and over-playing after his super rookie year when he was named to the Pro Writers, Pro Football Weekly and UPI all-rookie squads and was also PFW's rookie defensive lineman of the year. Barzilauskas was runner-up as AP's defensive rookie of the year and named Jets rookie of the year by the Pro Football Writers Association.
Barzilauskas was nagged by minor injuries in 1975 but started every regular season game. He missed the preseason game with the Redskins with a rib injury and injured his back in the first New England game. Carl put together his best game of the season in the second Miami game, recovering a Dolphin fumble.
Jets defensive coordinator Walt Michaels says, 'Carl can be as good as he wants to be.' His assets include size, strength and tenacity. He needs to shed blockers and improve with game playing experience. Carl did everything asked of him, learning steadily as his rookie season moved along. He finished in the club lead in quarterback sacks with five, starting every game at left tackle.
He's been called by Miami's Jim Langer 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced,' and hailed by Don Shula and Tommy Prothro as one of the best young defensive linemen they have ever seen. Carl has 5.0 speed to match with his extreme strength; more consistent play by the Jets front line this season may relieve double and triple team pressure. He was a No. 1 draft choice in 1974.
A three-year starter for Indiana, Barzilaukas led the team in tackles as a junior. He played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl and played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
He majored in physical education in college. His uncle Fritz played for the Giants in the early '50s and is now employed at Yale. Carl is nicknamed 'Barzo' and 'Brontosaurus' and owns a lounge called 'Barzo's Blitz' in Bloomington, Indiana. His hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, October 18, 2015
1976 Profile: Jerome Barkum
Wide Receiver
No. 83
Jackson State
"He was the team's second best pass catcher, depending on his speed to run by the defense. 'But,' says a coach, 'zone defenses keep the Barkum speedsters in front of them by sagging. Barkum must run patterns with more discipline to catch the ball in front of the zone."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"One of pro football's premier wide receivers, Barkum is big, fast and agile. He slipped statistically in 1975 after leading the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974.
Jerome caught 36 passes for 549 yards, a 15.9 average, and five touchdowns. He enjoyed his best yardage game against San Diego, catching six for 88 yards. Jerome caught two touchdowns against New England and two against Baltimore, including a 42-yard bomb.
In 1974 he hauled down 41 passes for 524 yards and three touchdowns from his left wide receiver position. His total ranked him seventh in the AFC and fifth among pure wide receivers. Barkum has already made one Pro Bowl appearance (1973). He is known as one of pro football's strongest wide receivers and is a fine blocker. Jerome can also double as a tight end.
Jerome has had some great games against the Colts; in eight contests, he has caught 21 passes for 402 yards, a 19.1 average, and four touchdowns. In his Pro Bowl year, he led the AFC in average yards per catch with 18.4. Jerome had his finest pro day that year with eight catches for 83 yards against Cincinnati. He already has 16 career touchdowns.
He started 45 consecutive regular season games before missing the Minnesota game in 1975 with a charley horse but has started every subsequent game. A No. 1 draft choice in 1972, Jerome spent his rookie season as a backup on both sides after missing valuable training camp [time] by reporting late.
Jerome caught 128 passes for 2,130 yards and 27 touchdowns in his four-year college career, notching 10 touchdown receptions as a senior. He was a teammate of Jets tight end Richard Caster and played in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Game. Barkum was an AP Little All-America and All-SWAC for two years, and a Pittsburgh Courier All-America.
Nicknamed 'Gee,' he's the cousin of Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions. His brother Melvin was a quarterback and running back at Mississippi State and tried out for Tampa Bay in 1976. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game. He enjoys music, swimming and fishing. His hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 83
Jackson State
"He was the team's second best pass catcher, depending on his speed to run by the defense. 'But,' says a coach, 'zone defenses keep the Barkum speedsters in front of them by sagging. Barkum must run patterns with more discipline to catch the ball in front of the zone."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"One of pro football's premier wide receivers, Barkum is big, fast and agile. He slipped statistically in 1975 after leading the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974.
Jerome caught 36 passes for 549 yards, a 15.9 average, and five touchdowns. He enjoyed his best yardage game against San Diego, catching six for 88 yards. Jerome caught two touchdowns against New England and two against Baltimore, including a 42-yard bomb.
In 1974 he hauled down 41 passes for 524 yards and three touchdowns from his left wide receiver position. His total ranked him seventh in the AFC and fifth among pure wide receivers. Barkum has already made one Pro Bowl appearance (1973). He is known as one of pro football's strongest wide receivers and is a fine blocker. Jerome can also double as a tight end.
Jerome has had some great games against the Colts; in eight contests, he has caught 21 passes for 402 yards, a 19.1 average, and four touchdowns. In his Pro Bowl year, he led the AFC in average yards per catch with 18.4. Jerome had his finest pro day that year with eight catches for 83 yards against Cincinnati. He already has 16 career touchdowns.
He started 45 consecutive regular season games before missing the Minnesota game in 1975 with a charley horse but has started every subsequent game. A No. 1 draft choice in 1972, Jerome spent his rookie season as a backup on both sides after missing valuable training camp [time] by reporting late.
Jerome caught 128 passes for 2,130 yards and 27 touchdowns in his four-year college career, notching 10 touchdown receptions as a senior. He was a teammate of Jets tight end Richard Caster and played in the Senior Bowl and the East-West Game. Barkum was an AP Little All-America and All-SWAC for two years, and a Pittsburgh Courier All-America.
Nicknamed 'Gee,' he's the cousin of Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions. His brother Melvin was a quarterback and running back at Mississippi State and tried out for Tampa Bay in 1976. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game. He enjoys music, swimming and fishing. His hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)