Kick Returner-Wide Receiver
No. 89
West Liberty State
"In 1976 Lou saw his most action since making the pros as a free agent in 1974. He played in all 14 games and started seven at wide receiver.
'He loves to play ... gives you 100 percent and is a great special teamer,' head coach Walt Michaels says. Last year Piccone caught 15 passes for 147 yards, a 12.3 average.
He once again led the team in punt and kickoff returns. Lou ran back 31 kickoffs for 788 yards for a 23.6 average, including a career longest 58 yards in the second New England game. He returned 21 punts 173 yards for an 8.2 average and broke a 60-yarder for a touchdown against Tampa Bay, the first Jet punt return for a touchdown since 1972 and the longest of Piccone's career. His 112 yards against the Buccaneers was the second-best punt return day in Jets history.
Piccone holds the club record for kickoff return yardage in a season (961 in 1974) and a career (2,386) as well as most career kickoff returns (96). He returned more kickoffs (39) for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974, his rookie season. Lou returned five kickoffs for 157 yards against New England in '74, second-best in Jets annals. His career kickoff average is 24.9 and he has averaged 5.7 yards on 48 career punt returns.
He played out his option in 1975 but re-signed for 1976. Lou first signed with the Jets in '74 after spending two seasons in the minors with the Youngstown Hardhats and the Bridgeport Jets.
Lou excels as a tackler on punt returns and kickoff coverage. He's usually one of the first men downfield and is a reckless pursuer.
Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.
He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Sunday, May 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Burgess Owens
Free Safety
No. 22
Miami
"Needs a permanent home. Owens was drafted as a cornerback but spent his first two seasons at strong safety. The Jets have jockeyed him around at all four defensive backfield spots. He played two games at cornerback last year but the results were mediocre, prompting the shuffle back to free safety. Owens seems best suited for free safety.
The most consistent of the Jets' defensive backs the past three years, he has fine speed along with the size and strength to be a punishing tackler for a defensive back.
A first-round draft choice in 1973, Owens was an All-American cornerback at the University of Miami. He was born in Tallahassee and plans a dentistry career."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"'He found a home at free safety last season and probably had his best year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He's one of the best free safeties in the league, and now we'll have to see how far he can go from here.'
After three campaigns at strong safety, Owens was switched to cornerback in the preseason and started the first two regular season games there before a musical chairs' switch sent him to free safety, Phil Wise to strong safety and Shafer Suggs to left cornerback in the third game at Miami. Owens led the secondary in total tackles (123), was third in solo stops with 61 and recovered three fumbles. He made an outstanding play at Buffalo, catching O.J. Simpson from behind to save a touchdown and possibly the game.
Burgess has stayed healthy most of his career, missing only three games in 1975 with a torn tendon in his left knee. He was the Jets' Rookie of the Year and a member of the NFL All-Rookie team in 1973. Burgess made the Jets' last interception for a touchdown (29 yards at Baltimore in 1974) and also the last Jet kickoff return for a touchdown (82 yards against Denver in 1973). He had three interceptions in both 1974 and 1975 and one in 1973.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He made 160 tackles and eight interceptions while playing primarily at cornerback. A running back in high school, he gained over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns.
Burgess is articulate as a banquet speaker. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and his hometown is Tallahassee, Florida. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 22
Miami
"Needs a permanent home. Owens was drafted as a cornerback but spent his first two seasons at strong safety. The Jets have jockeyed him around at all four defensive backfield spots. He played two games at cornerback last year but the results were mediocre, prompting the shuffle back to free safety. Owens seems best suited for free safety.
The most consistent of the Jets' defensive backs the past three years, he has fine speed along with the size and strength to be a punishing tackler for a defensive back.
A first-round draft choice in 1973, Owens was an All-American cornerback at the University of Miami. He was born in Tallahassee and plans a dentistry career."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"'He found a home at free safety last season and probably had his best year,' says head coach Walt Michaels. 'He's one of the best free safeties in the league, and now we'll have to see how far he can go from here.'
After three campaigns at strong safety, Owens was switched to cornerback in the preseason and started the first two regular season games there before a musical chairs' switch sent him to free safety, Phil Wise to strong safety and Shafer Suggs to left cornerback in the third game at Miami. Owens led the secondary in total tackles (123), was third in solo stops with 61 and recovered three fumbles. He made an outstanding play at Buffalo, catching O.J. Simpson from behind to save a touchdown and possibly the game.
Burgess has stayed healthy most of his career, missing only three games in 1975 with a torn tendon in his left knee. He was the Jets' Rookie of the Year and a member of the NFL All-Rookie team in 1973. Burgess made the Jets' last interception for a touchdown (29 yards at Baltimore in 1974) and also the last Jet kickoff return for a touchdown (82 yards against Denver in 1973). He had three interceptions in both 1974 and 1975 and one in 1973.
In college, Owens was [selected] All-America by the Sporting News and second team by the NEA. He made 160 tackles and eight interceptions while playing primarily at cornerback. A running back in high school, he gained over 1,500 yards with 19 touchdowns.
Burgess is articulate as a banquet speaker. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and his hometown is Tallahassee, Florida. His father is a professor of agronomy at Florida A&M."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, May 20, 2018
1977 Profile: Richard Osborne
Tight End
No. 86
Texas A & M
"Claimed on waivers by the Jets from Philadelphia last October 7, Osborne made an auspicious debut with the New Yorkers by catching a touchdown pass from Joe Namath only five days after reporting. The six-pointer gave the Jets a 13-0 lead [followed by a conversion by Pat Leahy] over Buffalo.
Osborne started at tight end the following week at New England when the club experimented with the move of Richard Caster to wide receiver. He spent the rest of the season on special teams and as an extra tight end on short yardage plays. He missed the final game because of an elbow injury.
A ninth-round choice of the Eagles in 1976, Richard was the most prolific receiver in Texas A & M history with 86 receptions. He was All-Southwest Conference and majored in business administration.
Richard was named the top prep player in Texas at Lee High in San Antonio. His birthplace is Wichita, Kansas and his hometown is San Antonio."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 86
Texas A & M
"Claimed on waivers by the Jets from Philadelphia last October 7, Osborne made an auspicious debut with the New Yorkers by catching a touchdown pass from Joe Namath only five days after reporting. The six-pointer gave the Jets a 13-0 lead [followed by a conversion by Pat Leahy] over Buffalo.
Osborne started at tight end the following week at New England when the club experimented with the move of Richard Caster to wide receiver. He spent the rest of the season on special teams and as an extra tight end on short yardage plays. He missed the final game because of an elbow injury.
A ninth-round choice of the Eagles in 1976, Richard was the most prolific receiver in Texas A & M history with 86 receptions. He was All-Southwest Conference and majored in business administration.
Richard was named the top prep player in Texas at Lee High in San Antonio. His birthplace is Wichita, Kansas and his hometown is San Antonio."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Sunday, May 6, 2018
1977 Profile: Billy Newsome
Defensive End
No. 87
Grambling
"Newsome played in only two games last year because of a mild fracture of his knee. He started the first game at Cleveland and only saw spot duty six weeks later.
'He could be a big help to us if he returns to his pre-1976 form because he has the ability,' says Walt Michaels. He didn't require surgery, and off-season medical reports indicate he should be ready to go.
Acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 choice in the 1975 draft, Billy had a good year in 1975 with a team leading six sacks. He served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp.
Billy spent two seasons with the Saints. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. Originally a No. 3 choice of the Colts in 1970 and a member of Baltimore's Super Bowl championship team of that season, Billy went to New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 draft choice- the Colts tabbed Bert Jones.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 87
Grambling
"Newsome played in only two games last year because of a mild fracture of his knee. He started the first game at Cleveland and only saw spot duty six weeks later.
'He could be a big help to us if he returns to his pre-1976 form because he has the ability,' says Walt Michaels. He didn't require surgery, and off-season medical reports indicate he should be ready to go.
Acquired from New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 choice in the 1975 draft, Billy had a good year in 1975 with a team leading six sacks. He served as defensive captain under interim head coach Ken Shipp.
Billy spent two seasons with the Saints. He was voted the club's MVP in 1973 and was defensive captain in '73 and '74. Originally a No. 3 choice of the Colts in 1970 and a member of Baltimore's Super Bowl championship team of that season, Billy went to New Orleans in exchange for a No. 1 draft choice- the Colts tabbed Bert Jones.
A Little-All America choice at Grambling, he captained the Tigers in his senior year. Newsome majored in industrial engineering and spends his off-seasons in Denver. His hometown is Jacksonville, Texas."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Richard Neal
Defensive End
No. 81
Southern
"'He's an old pro who knows what's going on,' says Walt Michaels. 'He gives us consistency and leadership.'
Last season Neal probably had his best year since coming to the Jets along with Delles Howell from New Orleans in a 1973 draft eve trade for the Jets' number two and three draft choices. He led last year's defensive line with four quarterback sacks. Neal had 34 solo tackles and 36 assists and played every game but the finale because of a knee injury. He was the defensive captain last season and the player representative in 1975 and 1976.
Richard played three different line spots in his first year with the Jets, then shared right end duties in 1974 and tied for the team lead with five sacks. He's been the regular defensive end the last two seasons.
Richard was the Saints' number two choice in 1969 and was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and captain in 1972. In his pro career he has nine fumble recoveries, 12 quarterback sacks and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in 1972.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard was a four-year letterman and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard works in public relations. His birthplace in Minden, Lousiana and his hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 81
Southern
"'He's an old pro who knows what's going on,' says Walt Michaels. 'He gives us consistency and leadership.'
Last season Neal probably had his best year since coming to the Jets along with Delles Howell from New Orleans in a 1973 draft eve trade for the Jets' number two and three draft choices. He led last year's defensive line with four quarterback sacks. Neal had 34 solo tackles and 36 assists and played every game but the finale because of a knee injury. He was the defensive captain last season and the player representative in 1975 and 1976.
Richard played three different line spots in his first year with the Jets, then shared right end duties in 1974 and tied for the team lead with five sacks. He's been the regular defensive end the last two seasons.
Richard was the Saints' number two choice in 1969 and was a regular defensive tackle for New Orleans and captain in 1972. In his pro career he has nine fumble recoveries, 12 quarterback sacks and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in 1972.
All-NAIA in 1968, Richard was a four-year letterman and was captain as a senior. He was All-SWAC. He has a B.A. in political science.
Richard works in public relations. His birthplace in Minden, Lousiana and his hometown is Shreveport, Louisiana."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, March 17, 2018
1977 Profile: Tommy Marvaso
Strong Safety
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 47
Cincinnati
"Washington's highest draft choice in 1976 as a sixth-round pick, Marvasso played in all the Redskins' preseason games. Signed by New York as a free agent last year on September 22, he was originally claimed on waivers following the final Redskin cut but didn't pass his physical. He signed a waiver and joined the Jets after two games. Marvasso recorded 27 solo tackles and 16 assists, broke up three passes and recovered a fumble. He became a special teams standout, finishing second to Larry Keller in 'RBIs.' He also filled at both safety spots and at corner.
Projected for strong and free safety, 'He's a truly hard-nosed player,' says Walt Michaels. 'He's a hustler who sticks people. He needs more playing time but makes a great contribution on special teams.'
He was a three-year starter at Cincinnati, a Sporting News All-American and was the Bearcats' 1974 MVP. Eighth in the nation in kickoff returns with a 27.7 average, Tommy played in the East-West Game.
Tommy has a B.A. in anthropology. His birthplace and hometown is Washington, D.C. and his name his pronounced Mar-VAY-so."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1977 Profile: Bob Martin
Linebacker
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
No. 59
Nebraska
"In a year when the Jets were desperate for pleasant surprises, this rookie provided one. The regular at right linebacker, Martin was second on the team in tackles. Smallish for a linebacker, the Jets hope he isn't finished growing. He has excellent speed and is an aggressive defender, a sure tackler but not the bone-cruncher type.
Born in David City, Nebraska, Martin was a defensive lineman at the University of Nebraska. He was a sixth-round draft choice who had a fine rookie year considering the handicap of learning a new position. Martin is a quiet guy who should become a solid but unspectacular player."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Martin was another of the pleasant surprises of the 1976 season. He lacks size at 6-1, 217 but Walt Michaels says, 'Bob is a good prospect. He's intelligent, a sure tackler. He hustles and chases all the time and is a good special teams player.' Michaels adds 'You don't notice him during the game because he doesn't bury people when he hits them, but you count up the tackles after the game and you realize what he's done.'
He won the right linebacking spot in the preseason and held it all year. He started 13 of 14 games, missing only the second Miami game with a hip pointer. Martin wound up second to fellow rookie Greg Buttle on the club tackling chart with 94 solos and 66 assists. He had two interceptions, off Jim Plunkett and Bert Jones.
Bob was drafted because of his intensity, intelligence and character. He was named first-team by Football News All-America, second-team by AP and UPI and All-Big East by AP and UPI. He played in the Japan, Cotton, Sugar and Fiesta Bowls. Bob was a four-year starter with 137 solo tackles and 160 assists along with 33 career sacks. He was Nebraska's defensive captain.
Quiet and soft-spoken, Bob majored in business. He was named Nebraska's Prep Athlete of the Year in 1972. His birthplace and hometown is David City, Nebraska."
-1977 New York Jets Media Guide
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