Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
"If the Jets regain respectability in his lifetime, he'll be All-Pro. The NFL draft wizards who left him unclaimed need a sobriety test.
A vicious hitter, Buttle made all the All-America teams at Penn State. He took over as left linebacker in his rookie year with New York and led the team with 98 tackles and 85 assists. He was the best rookie linebacker in the NFL.
Buttle takes losses extremely hard. He has the perfect attitude: 'The pay me to practice. I'll play for nothing.' He must curb his tendency to free-lance.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Buttle is outgoing and quotable. He should become a huge favorite in New York.
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Buttle made every NFL all-rookie team last year. He led the club in tackles with 98 solos and 85 assists. He returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown against New England. He had an interception against the Patriots and one against the 49ers in the end zone. Buttle was chosen by the New York writers as the Jets' Rookie of the Year.
'When he hits you, he buries you,' says Walt Michaels. A hard hitter with quick reactions, Greg has been called 'free lance' by Michaels for his sometimes reckless play but has been tabbed by Michaels as a future All-Pro.
He was a consensus All-America choice, named first team by AP, UPI, NEA, Football Writers, Walter Camp, Sporting News and Football News. Greg played in the Japan, Sugar, Cotton, Orange and Hula Bowls and played in the last College All-Star Game, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His college stats include 341 tackles (178 solo).
Greg majored in arts and sciences, he enjoys paddleball, and his ambition is 'to be the best at whatever.' His father is an FBI agent. Greg is articulate and is a good representative of the club on speaking engagements. He makes his home year-round in Lido Beach on Long Island, his birthplace is Atlantic City, New Jersey and his hometown is Linwood, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
"They don't pay me to play on Sundays. They pay me to practice. I'd play on Sundays for nothing."
-Greg Buttle (1977 New York Jets Media Guide)
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Sunday, September 10, 2017
1977 Profile: Mike Burke
Punter
No. 6
Miami
"A free agent, Burke is a veteran of one season with Los Angeles (1974), plus three preseasons with the Dolphins (1973), Rams (1975) and Raiders (1976). He signed as a free agent with Miami in 1973 but was released and also was cut by the Rams in the 1974 preseason.
Mike punted five times for the Southern California Sun of the World Football League in 1974. He was working for a meat-packing plant when the Rams activated him midway through the '74 season. He played the final eight games (37.0 average in 46 kicks) plus two playoff contests. A coffin corner specialist, Mike had five punts go inside the 11-yard line in one game against Minnesota. He can also place kick.
He attended Oregon State from 1968-70 and spent a year at Chabot JC in Hayward, CA before transferring for his final two years to Miami, where he was a teammate of Jet safety Burgess Owens and Chuck Foreman. Burke swam at Miami, setting a school record in the 100-yard breaststroke, and also competed in weightlifting. He punted six times for a 50.6 average, kicked two 35-yard field goals and made six straight points after touchdown in one game against Houston.
Mike has a degree in physical education and recreation. He was a quarterback at Amador High in his hometown of Pleasanton, California. His birthplace is Sacramento, CA."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 6
Miami
"A free agent, Burke is a veteran of one season with Los Angeles (1974), plus three preseasons with the Dolphins (1973), Rams (1975) and Raiders (1976). He signed as a free agent with Miami in 1973 but was released and also was cut by the Rams in the 1974 preseason.
Mike punted five times for the Southern California Sun of the World Football League in 1974. He was working for a meat-packing plant when the Rams activated him midway through the '74 season. He played the final eight games (37.0 average in 46 kicks) plus two playoff contests. A coffin corner specialist, Mike had five punts go inside the 11-yard line in one game against Minnesota. He can also place kick.
He attended Oregon State from 1968-70 and spent a year at Chabot JC in Hayward, CA before transferring for his final two years to Miami, where he was a teammate of Jet safety Burgess Owens and Chuck Foreman. Burke swam at Miami, setting a school record in the 100-yard breaststroke, and also competed in weightlifting. He punted six times for a 50.6 average, kicked two 35-yard field goals and made six straight points after touchdown in one game against Houston.
Mike has a degree in physical education and recreation. He was a quarterback at Amador High in his hometown of Pleasanton, California. His birthplace is Sacramento, CA."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, August 31, 2017
1977 Profile: Don Buckey
Wide Receiver
No. 91
North Carolina State
"Don was re-signed as a free agent in the spring. He was waived last October 7 after playing in four games. He caught five passes for 36 yards, a 7.2 average. In the 1976 preseason, he had nine receptions for 74 yards.
Also used as a holder, Don has excellent hands and runs good patterns. He doesn't have great speed and has a slight build.
Don had an outstanding college career with his twin brother, Dave, a quarterback who was also drafted by the Jets in the 12th round. His brother was cut in the preseason and now plays for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. Don set school records for catches (102) and yards (1,735) and made the Football Writers' All-America first team. He played in two Peach Bowls and in the Liberty, Astro Bluebonnet, Hula and Japan Bowls.
An economics major, Don is five minutes younger than his brother Dave. He wears contact lenses. Don's biggest thrills include his four bowl appearances and defeating Penn State. His birthplace and hometown is Akron, Ohio."
-1977 Media Guide
No. 91
North Carolina State
"Don was re-signed as a free agent in the spring. He was waived last October 7 after playing in four games. He caught five passes for 36 yards, a 7.2 average. In the 1976 preseason, he had nine receptions for 74 yards.
Also used as a holder, Don has excellent hands and runs good patterns. He doesn't have great speed and has a slight build.
Don had an outstanding college career with his twin brother, Dave, a quarterback who was also drafted by the Jets in the 12th round. His brother was cut in the preseason and now plays for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. Don set school records for catches (102) and yards (1,735) and made the Football Writers' All-America first team. He played in two Peach Bowls and in the Liberty, Astro Bluebonnet, Hula and Japan Bowls.
An economics major, Don is five minutes younger than his brother Dave. He wears contact lenses. Don's biggest thrills include his four bowl appearances and defeating Penn State. His birthplace and hometown is Akron, Ohio."
-1977 Media Guide
Thursday, August 24, 2017
1977 Profile: Carl Barzilauskas
Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Indiana
"Becoming the subject of 'Whatever happened to' questions. Facing a pivotal year of his career, Barzilauskas was super as a rookie but not much in the two years since.
The Jets thought he was the best defensive lineman in the '74 draft and made him an early first round pick after his All-American years at Indiana. Some NFL insiders think if he'd gone to a team that wasn't so weak, he could be outstanding. Barzilauskas can't do it alone. At this point in his career, he has to be discouraged by the regular diet of double-teaming he has gotten. He had just one sack last year.
Quiet off the field, has temper flares on-field. Miami All-Pro center Jim Langer calls Barzilauskas the 'strongest I've gone against.'
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, he's nicknamed 'Brontosaurus"
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Coach Michaels is hoping and expecting this will be Barzo's year. The huge defensive tackle had an outstanding rookie year making all the NFL all-rookie teams and finishing second to Pittsburgh's Jack Lambert as the AP's Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Barzilauskas hasn't matched that performance in the past two seasons.
'He's big and strong,' says Michaels. 'This should be his year. He played injured last season. He's strong against the rush but still has to work on pass rush techniques.'
Carl missed the Miami and San Francisco games with a rib injury suffered in the second game at Denver. He started 10 games at left tackle and played some at left end. He had 28 solo tackles and 34 assists, had one sack, knocked two passes, recovered two fumbles and blocked two PAT attempts.
Miami's All-Pro center Jim Langer called Barzo after his rookie year 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced.' Barzo was constantly double-teamed as a sophomore. He has great tenacity.
A three-year starter for Indiana, he played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl. He played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
Carl earned a B.S. in physical education. He enjoys woodcraft and landscaping and is president and owner of the J.C. & J.C. Inc., True Value Hardware store. His uncle Fritz played for the New York Football Giants is now intramural director employed at Yale. Carl makes his off-season home in Bloomington, Indiana. His birthplace and hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut and his name is pronounced BAR-zi-LAUS-kiss."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 77
Indiana
"Becoming the subject of 'Whatever happened to' questions. Facing a pivotal year of his career, Barzilauskas was super as a rookie but not much in the two years since.
The Jets thought he was the best defensive lineman in the '74 draft and made him an early first round pick after his All-American years at Indiana. Some NFL insiders think if he'd gone to a team that wasn't so weak, he could be outstanding. Barzilauskas can't do it alone. At this point in his career, he has to be discouraged by the regular diet of double-teaming he has gotten. He had just one sack last year.
Quiet off the field, has temper flares on-field. Miami All-Pro center Jim Langer calls Barzilauskas the 'strongest I've gone against.'
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, he's nicknamed 'Brontosaurus"
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Coach Michaels is hoping and expecting this will be Barzo's year. The huge defensive tackle had an outstanding rookie year making all the NFL all-rookie teams and finishing second to Pittsburgh's Jack Lambert as the AP's Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Barzilauskas hasn't matched that performance in the past two seasons.
'He's big and strong,' says Michaels. 'This should be his year. He played injured last season. He's strong against the rush but still has to work on pass rush techniques.'
Carl missed the Miami and San Francisco games with a rib injury suffered in the second game at Denver. He started 10 games at left tackle and played some at left end. He had 28 solo tackles and 34 assists, had one sack, knocked two passes, recovered two fumbles and blocked two PAT attempts.
Miami's All-Pro center Jim Langer called Barzo after his rookie year 'one of the strongest players I've ever faced.' Barzo was constantly double-teamed as a sophomore. He has great tenacity.
A three-year starter for Indiana, he played in the East-West Game and the Senior Bowl. He played every down in his senior year despite a broken foot.
Carl earned a B.S. in physical education. He enjoys woodcraft and landscaping and is president and owner of the J.C. & J.C. Inc., True Value Hardware store. His uncle Fritz played for the New York Football Giants is now intramural director employed at Yale. Carl makes his off-season home in Bloomington, Indiana. His birthplace and hometown is Waterbury, Connecticut and his name is pronounced BAR-zi-LAUS-kiss."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, August 13, 2017
1977 Profile: Jerome Barkum
Wide Receiver
No. 83
Jackson State
"Took him a year to do a day's work last season but it wasn't his fault. A leg muscle pull kept Barkum out of 10 games and he didn't show much after his return, catching just five passes. He's healthy again, and if the Jets can find somebody to throw the ball, he could return to top form. Barkum averaged 40 catches the previous three years and is at his best against Baltimore
Barkum's size and strength make him tough on small cornerbacks. He lacks blazing speed but is quick and has good hands. He's a good blocker for a wide receiver.
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Barkum is nicknamed 'Gee.' He once had 30 rebounds in a high school basketball game. He caught 128 passes as a four-year starter at Jackson State."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Barkum was sidelined for 10 games last year with a severely pulled hamstring suffered in the fifth preseason game. He played in the last four games but caught only five passes for 54 yards with one touchdown.
Prior to last season Barkum was always considered among pro football's premier wide receivers and has excellent size and strength for his position. An added dimension is his blocking.
In 1972 Jerome was off to a late start in his rookie year as he was late to sign but had a 19.0 average on 16 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. He came into his own in 1973 with 44 catches for 810 yards and an 18.4 average with six touchdowns. In 1974, Jerome added 41 catches for 524 yards, a 12.8 average and three touchdowns. He led the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974 and earned a Pro Bowl appearance after the 1973 season. He followed that with another good season in 1975 with 36 catches for 549 yards, a 15.3 average and five touchdowns.
His career totals show 143 receptions for 2,241 yards, a 15.7 average and 17 touchdowns. Barkum ranks seventh among all-time Jet career leaders in receiving yardage and ninth in receptions. He had his best yardage day against Denver in 1973 with 111 on four catches, and his most catches in a day were eight against Cincinnati in 1973.
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 the Jets' 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. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game.
Jerome spent the off-season working in the recreation program at Diamondhead Resort near New Orleans. He enjoys working with kids and relaxes by swimming and fishing. His birthplace and hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 83
Jackson State
"Took him a year to do a day's work last season but it wasn't his fault. A leg muscle pull kept Barkum out of 10 games and he didn't show much after his return, catching just five passes. He's healthy again, and if the Jets can find somebody to throw the ball, he could return to top form. Barkum averaged 40 catches the previous three years and is at his best against Baltimore
Barkum's size and strength make him tough on small cornerbacks. He lacks blazing speed but is quick and has good hands. He's a good blocker for a wide receiver.
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Barkum is nicknamed 'Gee.' He once had 30 rebounds in a high school basketball game. He caught 128 passes as a four-year starter at Jackson State."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Barkum was sidelined for 10 games last year with a severely pulled hamstring suffered in the fifth preseason game. He played in the last four games but caught only five passes for 54 yards with one touchdown.
Prior to last season Barkum was always considered among pro football's premier wide receivers and has excellent size and strength for his position. An added dimension is his blocking.
In 1972 Jerome was off to a late start in his rookie year as he was late to sign but had a 19.0 average on 16 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. He came into his own in 1973 with 44 catches for 810 yards and an 18.4 average with six touchdowns. In 1974, Jerome added 41 catches for 524 yards, a 12.8 average and three touchdowns. He led the Jets in receiving in 1973 and 1974 and earned a Pro Bowl appearance after the 1973 season. He followed that with another good season in 1975 with 36 catches for 549 yards, a 15.3 average and five touchdowns.
His career totals show 143 receptions for 2,241 yards, a 15.7 average and 17 touchdowns. Barkum ranks seventh among all-time Jet career leaders in receiving yardage and ninth in receptions. He had his best yardage day against Denver in 1973 with 111 on four catches, and his most catches in a day were eight against Cincinnati in 1973.
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 the Jets' 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. Jerome holds the high school record of 30 rebounds in a basketball game.
Jerome spent the off-season working in the recreation program at Diamondhead Resort near New Orleans. He enjoys working with kids and relaxes by swimming and fishing. His birthplace and hometown is Gulfport, Mississippi."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
1977 Profile: Darrell Austin
Center
No. 67
South Carolina
"Austin was acquired on waivers in 1975 from Denver. He was originally drafted in the 16th round by the Broncos in 1974.
A strong, straight ahead blocker, Darrell is good on run blocks, is developing into a good pass protector and is reckless with his body. Injuries have held back his progress.
Darrell started 11 games last year, seven at right guard and four at center. Injuries to other linemen forced him to switch positions during several games. He missed three games- New England, Washington and Cincinnati- because of a strained neck.
Darrell started every game for three years at South Carolina. He played offensive tackle as a sophomore, defensive tackle as a junior and offensive tackle as a senior and played in the East-West Game. He was named most valuable lineman as a senior.
He holds a B.S. in physical education. He's nicknamed 'Colonel' because of his likeness to television figure Steve Austin, the Bionic Man. Darrell has a plastic small finger, prompting the nickname. His father is a deputy sheriff. Union, South Carolina is his birthplace and hometown."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 67
South Carolina
"Austin was acquired on waivers in 1975 from Denver. He was originally drafted in the 16th round by the Broncos in 1974.
A strong, straight ahead blocker, Darrell is good on run blocks, is developing into a good pass protector and is reckless with his body. Injuries have held back his progress.
Darrell started 11 games last year, seven at right guard and four at center. Injuries to other linemen forced him to switch positions during several games. He missed three games- New England, Washington and Cincinnati- because of a strained neck.
Darrell started every game for three years at South Carolina. He played offensive tackle as a sophomore, defensive tackle as a junior and offensive tackle as a senior and played in the East-West Game. He was named most valuable lineman as a senior.
He holds a B.S. in physical education. He's nicknamed 'Colonel' because of his likeness to television figure Steve Austin, the Bionic Man. Darrell has a plastic small finger, prompting the nickname. His father is a deputy sheriff. Union, South Carolina is his birthplace and hometown."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Friday, July 28, 2017
1977 Profile: Bill Hampton
Equipment Manager
"Hampton is in charge of all Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round.
He started out as a stickboy for the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1945 and remained with that organization until 1964 when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year Army tour of duty from 1951-52. Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man for the Rangers in tandem with Frank Price.
A close friend of Walt Michaels, Bill was born in Astoria, New York."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
"Hampton is in charge of all Jets equipment as well as running the clubhouse operation year-round.
He started out as a stickboy for the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1945 and remained with that organization until 1964 when he joined the Jets. He interrupted his Ranger tenure with for a two-year Army tour of duty from 1951-52. Bill moved up to assistant trainer and equipment man for the Rangers in tandem with Frank Price.
A close friend of Walt Michaels, Bill was born in Astoria, New York."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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