Halfback
No. 39
Washington
"McElhenny has thrilled more spectators than any player in the club's history. He's an exciting running halfback who weaves and strikes once he gets into open territory. Tagged 'The King' in his 1952 rookie season, he's still going strong in his eighth year- he was named Most Valuable Player in the '58 Pro Bowl game.
McElhenny lives in Mountain View, California and is the director for promotion and merchandising for a food company."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"McElhenny has provided many thrills with his running style. Used primarily as a flanker back in 1959, he nabbed 22 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns. He carried only 18 times for 67 yards.
He picked up the nickname of 'The King' as a 1952 rookie. Los Angeles-born, he was the national high school high-hurdle champ.
McElhenny is promotion director for an Oakland food farm."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"The one-time halfback 'King' of the coast is free-wheeling Hugh McElhenny, an explosive bundle of halfback energy with a most spectacular style of running. A 49er since 1952, he was the league's most feared runner at one time, and its most difficult to contain.
Born in Los Angeles, Hugh was a scholastic hurdles champion and an All-American at the University of Washington.
He saw limited service in 1960, gaining 347 yards in 95 rushes and 114 yards with 14 pass grabs."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"It was quite a coup for a new team to land a player of Mac's class. Among the men of the NFL, he's universally regarded as the finest broken field runner of this era.
Mac, who played nine seasons with the Forty Niners, doesn't profess to have the speed that once made him a star hurdler, but he was good enough to carry the ball 95 times for 347 yards in 1960. He is also a pass receiving threat. Playing flanker one year (1957), he grabbed off 37 passes."
-1961 Fleer No. 127
"Always worth the price of admission and still the spectacular, exciting 'King' of broken-field fliers is Hugh McElhenny, the Los Angeles thrill-maker who in 1961 became the second player to gain 10,000 lifetime yards. Starting as a 1952 rookie, he was the most amazing of climax runners with the 49ers. McElhenny ripped off 570 rushing yards in '61 and added 283 as a pass receiver.
Experience as a scholastic high-hurler enabled him to apply high knee action to his scrambling dashes."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Hugh rates sixth in the NFL's all-time rushing derby. He is a regular in the Pro Bowl."
-1962 Topps No. 92
"A postseason operation on knee cartilage could help Hugh McElhenny recover some of the glory he knew as the most spectacular of all NFL running backs. 'The King' was limited to 50 rushes in 1962, all due to injuries which kept him hobbled to the bench most of the season.
Born in Los Angeles, McElhenny was a San Francisco idol for nine years and the best of 49er runners. At one time he held the high school world record for the high hurdles and still uses the highest knee action in the circuit when making a sweep."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
Saturday, May 31, 2014
1963 Profile: Allie Sherman
Head Coach
"By now it's fairly obvious that he's the new genius of the block-and-tackle set. His technique is simple: get to know the potential of the personnel and develop the strongest points.
Born in Brooklyn, he was too small to play high school football and was a left-handed quarterback at Brooklyn College during the formative stages of the T-formation. Allie studied this new attack so intently that he became a master at its operation. He played for the Eagles, mostly as a holder for placements, but always kept his eyes and ears open and absorbed as much knowledge as possible.
Allie has a completely positive approach to the game and starts the '63 year with a new five-year contract, the longest NFL pact. He has two conference champions in as many years as the head man in the Bronx."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"By now it's fairly obvious that he's the new genius of the block-and-tackle set. His technique is simple: get to know the potential of the personnel and develop the strongest points.
Born in Brooklyn, he was too small to play high school football and was a left-handed quarterback at Brooklyn College during the formative stages of the T-formation. Allie studied this new attack so intently that he became a master at its operation. He played for the Eagles, mostly as a holder for placements, but always kept his eyes and ears open and absorbed as much knowledge as possible.
Allie has a completely positive approach to the game and starts the '63 year with a new five-year contract, the longest NFL pact. He has two conference champions in as many years as the head man in the Bronx."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
Friday, May 30, 2014
1963 New York Giants Outlook
"For the last few years, ill-wishers of the New York Giants hoped the ravages of old age would put them in a place far removed from the top. But the Giants have refused to act their age and have consistently put everybody else in their places.
'They called us old before last season,' says Allie Sherman, who has coached the Giants to two successive Eastern titles, 'but after we won they changed it to 'mature.' So I guess we are a little more mature as we get ready for this season.'
Whatever the Giants are if they are not senior citizens, they are not teenagers. Age is bound to tell in several areas. Of the Giant first-line troops, 14 have put in anywhere from eight to 13 years in pro ball.
Sherman admits he is concerned about the regular front four of the defensive team. These four - Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage, Dick Modzelewski and Rosey Grier - have worked almost without relief in every game for the past seven years.
'Now they are at a stage where they will need help once in a while,' Sherman says.
Relief will have to found from among Gene Gossage, the ex-Eagle end, second-year man Ken Byers and a crop of rookies. Byers earned a battle star as a substitute for Robustelli last year. The chances are that Andy and most of the gang will be on regular duty for another full season before the new blood achieves the right corpuscular balance.
The key old timer, of course, is Y.A. Tittle, at 36 going into his 12th season. Tittle reached a peak last year with 200 completions for 3,224 yards, a shade less than two-thirds of the Giants' league leading yardage total of 5,005. His 33 scoring passes set a record.
Tittle probably will slip to a plateau high enough to keep the Giants in contention, but a longer descent would be fatal. Backing up Yat are Ralph Guglielmi, sound but no sensation, and a rookie - Glynn Griffing.
The great catching of Del Shofner, Joe Walton and Frank Gifford should keep the air attack respectable in any event, but there are still only Alex Webster and Phil King for heavy duty on the ground and Alex is aging, too.
The linebacking and secondary remain solid with Sam Huff, Jim Patton, Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes, but Tom Scott, never a sprinter, is slowing up. Ray Wietecha called it quits after 10 years to take up coaching, but Greg Larson should be an able replacement at center.
Summing up: Offense - passing may slip, receiving will remain among the best; running not to be feared. Defense - strong overall but slowing."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"It looks like another banner season coming up for the Football Giants at Yankee Stadium in 1963.
Back from last year will be virtually the same cast that swept to the National Football League's Eastern Conference title on the wings of an incredible 12-2 record.
That eastern victory, incidentally, was the fifth in the last seven years for the Giants, an unparalleled stretch of success that began when the Maramen moved into the Stadium back in 1956.
Under Jim Lee Howell, now personnel director, the Giants won the World Championship their first year at the Stadium and followed with conference wins in 1958 and 1959. Al Sherman, the NFL's only two-time Coach of the Year, took over in 1961 and has won two straight eastern crowns.
Winning three in a row is a rare feat indeed but Coach Sherman will try for it with a veteran ball club that has speed, scoring punch, and depth.
The key man, of course, is venerable quarterback Y.A. Tittle, who last season enjoyed his greatest season in pro ball. Yat set a new NFL touchdown throwing record for one year with 33 and also tied the one-game mark of seven TD tosses.
Tittle finished his productive campaign with 200 completions in 375 attempts for 3,224 yards, breaking every passing record in the Giant book. His achievements won him unanimous selection on every All-Pro team.
Returning also in 1963 will be Tittle's great receivers Del Shofner, Frank Gifford, Joe Walton and newcomer Aaron Thomas.
Alex Webster, a great all-around halfback; Phil King, who came into stardom last year, and Joe Morrison will be carrying the ball behind a top offensive line that numbers Darrell Dess and Bookie Bolin at guards, Jack Stroud and Rosey Brown at tackles and Greg Larson as a center replacement for the departed Ray Wietecha.
On defense, a Giant trademark over the years, Sherman will have all the old favorites - Andy Robustelli, Sam Huff, Jim Patton, Jim Katcavage and Dick Lynch.
Among the newcomers who may stir next season's Yankee Stadium crowds are Mississippi's All-American quarterback Glynn Griffing, Florida halfback Dick Skelly and Pittsburgh linebacker Lou Slaby, to mention a few.
Although baseball is still in the air, football is just around the corner. Get your Giant tickets now at the Giant office, 10 Columbus Circle, New York 19, N.Y. They'll be going fast, so don't wait until September!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"A preseason alignment of the teams in the National Football League is always difficult to make, and in the Eastern Conference this year the only way is to stab. Except for the Giants, that is. The New Yorkers the past two seasons have pulled ahead of the opposing teams because of more and better ball players. The Giants are loaded, so it takes no hesitation to name them as the expected Eastern champions.
You can take all the six other teams and throw them into the same pot. There is very little to choose among them, and that too helps the Giants. The six competitors are likely to beat one another so consistently that no true contender will emerge to challenge New York.
The Giants did scratch through to their 1961 Eastern title, there's no doubt about that. If Ray Renfro of the Browns had not dropped a sure touchdown pass in the last game of the regular season ...
But in 1962 New York was a shoo-in. Why? Because the team filled out at every position and for the first time had true depth and bench strength. This will be even more obvious in 1963 competition.
The Giants are loaded because: (1) veteran ball players have kept on and have gone unhurt; (2) new emphasis on scouting under ex-coach Jim Lee Howell has produced better rookies; and (3) the Giants are still masters at trading for the talent they need.
Take a look at the end and flanker positions, spots where the Giants suffered from a lack of manpower and speed for years and years. There is Del Shofner for a starter and he's the best. Then comes Frank Gifford, in his time the league's top offensive player. And add Joe Walton, a vastly underrated pro's pro. Since you can only play three receivers at a time, Aaron Thomas has to sit on the bench. Yet his talents fairly insist that he break into the lineup at split end, tight end or flanker.
What about Johnny Counts? Get his speed harnessed and what a flanker he'll be. Make'em forget Bobby Mitchell. Where do you play Jim Collier, that good-looking prospect from Arkansas? Or Louis Guy, a third draft choice traded to the Giants by the Eagles? Can a place be made on the team for rugged Lou Kirouac, the Boston College boy who unfortunately broke a leg last year? He's a kicker, too, far from Don Chandler's level. So the Giants have ends and flankers coming out of the ear holes in their helmets.
There's a guard spot open on the offensive platoon and four candidates, three of them qualified pros, competing for the job. These are Bookie Bolin, a crack rookie from 1962; Gene Gossage, a regular with the Eagles in 1961; Mickey Walker, an experienced linebacker; and promising Bob Bill, a high-draft rookie from Notre Dame.
Everywhere you look on the Giants, the situation is similar- plenty of good ball players, an embarrassment of riches and a minimum of player problems.
In one area this team is not rich and does have a problem. There are not enough seats in Yankee Stadium to accommodate all who wish to see the Giants. This year the club will sell close to 50,000 season tickets and because of the nature of that baseball stadium, the last 14,000 seats will offer a distorted view of the game. Yankee Stadium, for football, holds 64,000 and it was filled up all seven Sundays last fall. It will be again. Love those Giants."
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
OFFENSE
Receivers
"Del Shofner is the premier receiver in the game. What a steal from the Rams! Joe Walton's junior size fails to inhibit his fine blocking. He has sure hands, too. Aaron Thomas backs up either one superbly. He may wind up on the flank. Frank Gifford learned the position in '62; improvement is expected. Johnny Counts can become another Bobby Mitchell.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Interior Linemen
"Roosevelt Brown and Jack Stroud form an A-plus tackle pair but are at the injury and slowdown stage. Reed Bohovich must improve his pass blocking.
Darrell Dess rates with the league's best guards. Ray Wietecha retired, so ex-guard Greg Larson moves over and Bookie Bolin moves up. That's good. Gene Gossage, from the Eagles, is a good spare. Bob Bill was hurt all of '62.
If the old tackles hold up, no sweat.
Rating: Very Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Quarterbacks
"No one's perfect, but Y.A. Tittle comes close. This is his last year, so Glynn Griffing becomes very important.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Running Backs
"Webster-King 'elephant' tandem was terrific in '62. They went through unhurt.
Joe Morrison's ready all the time and will do well. Dick Skelly wrestles alligators, what else?
The Giants are thin here.
Rating: Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Kicker
"Don Chandler in 1962: 19 of 28 field goal attempts.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
DEFENSE
Interior Linemen
"Jim Katcavage is the king, an All-Pro. Andy Robustelli was seven times. Andy has lost nothing and is still a great outside pass rusher. Rosie Grier idles sometimes. Dick Modzelewski is a steady wrecker. The old gang goes on and on.
Chuck Janerette and offensive guard Gossage can provide breathers when necessary.
Rating: Very Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Linebackers
"Sam Huff may or not play dirty but he usually plays well. Jerry Hillebrand, a bust in '62, is ready to show'em.
Like wine, Tom Scott gains from aging. Bill Winter did well as a rookie regular. Mickey Walker's all football but may wait five years to make first string.
Rating: Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Defensive Backs
"Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch are the best corner pair going. Jim Patton is an All-Pro fixture. They can't pick on Allan Webb. He held up in '62 and fears no one.
John Symank, an ex-Packer, is an aggressive ex-regular. There will be one cut; Sam Horner must fight to stick.
The New York secondary never panics and shuns double coverage as sissy stuff.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
OUTLOOK
"Prophecy is never easy, but it can be tougher than picking the Maramen to finish on top again. Prediction: First."
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
"The New York Giants have effected a subtle change in the lexicon of pro football. A player is no longer 'old' - he's simply 'mature.' And the mature Giants, ten of them 30 years old or more, have dominated the Eastern Conference for two years and see no reason why they shouldn't make it three.
As a matter of fact, coach Allie Sherman seems quite confident they can, and the little left-hander from Brooklyn College is a super-cautious type.
An air of cockiness has almost pervaded the Giant camp. It wasn't there a year ago because the Giants were fresh from being humiliated by the Green Bay Packers, 37-0, and everybody insisted they were lucky to make that far anyhow. But they felt they gave it their best shot in losing to the Packers again, 16-7, last December 30, and were vindicated.
Coach Sherman was given an unprecedented five-year contract by the Mara brothers, Jack and Wellington, who control the operation.
A few niggling problems will keep him from being complacent. The Giants frankly need some insurance for their running attack. Alex Webster, at 32, may be only 'mature,' but he's taken a strong pounding for eight seasons in the NFL and a couple in Canada before that. Phil King, a pleasant surprise last fall, is a three-yard plugger who can't break games open. So the Giants now are taking a long look at a rookie from Florida, Dick Skelly, a husky 208-pounder.
The front defensive foursome, intact for seven years with a combined experience of 36 seasons, demands standby relief. The Giants made one move by acquiring Gene Gossage, a reserve lineman, from the Eagles. The middle of the offensive line is a slight gamble because center Ray Wietecha retired. Greg Larson, a center in college, who started as a tackle with the Giants and played guard last year, is back to his normal spot. Bookie Bolin, who looked promising in his '62 debut, has been promoted to starting guard.
But, overall, Sherman deals from strength in almost every phase of the operation. Y.A. Tittle, recovered, hopefully, from an elbow operation this May, had the greatest of his 13 seasons in the NFL and threw a record of 33 touchdown passes. That included seven in one memorable afternoon against Washington. Del Shofner, his blade-thin split end, caught 53 passes, 12 of them in the end zone. Frank Gifford, back from a year's sabbatical, got used to playing a new position, flanker-back, and has Allie bubbling that he'll amaze the league this season, barring injury.
The robust defense, featuring playing coaches Andy Robustelli and Jim Patton, has lost none of its verve or pride. Sherman just wished Rosey Grier would play every Sunday like he did against Green Bay. Sam Huff should ignore controversial entanglements, like public debate over whether he or didn't try to maim Jimmy Taylor, and let his execution as middle linebacker do the talking. The secondary is keyed by great play on the corners. Receivers don't often get behind Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes.
Babe Chandler debuted as a two-way kicker in '62 and broke all club scoring records with 104 points, and personally won three games with his field goals.
With all that veteran personnel, the Giants are a tough club on rookies. But Bill Winter of little St. Olaf made it as a regular linebacker last year. And absorbing lessons for the future will be rookie quarterback Glynn Griffing, the understudy to Tittle and Ralph Guglielmi.
Meanwhile, the present is in good hands."
-1963 Official Pro Football Almanac
"For those who picked the New York Giants in 1962, there were shudders when the Giants dropped their opener to Cleveland, 17-7. Four games later they lost again, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that was it. The Giants went on to win their next nine games, and the conference title, then lost in the NFL title game- for the second year in a row, to the Green Bay Packers.
How did the Giants do it in 1962? They did it mainly on the ageless right arm of Y.A. Tittle, who completed 200 of 375 passes for 3,224 yards, including 33 touchdowns (the most touchdown passes ever thrown in an NFL season.) Tittle threw mostly to Del Shofner, who caught 53 passes for 1,133 yards. And when he wasn't throwing, he was slipping off to Alex Webster (207 carries for 743 yards) or Phil King (108 carries for 460 yards). It was a potent enough offense while the sturdy Giant defense was allowing only 283 points. The same combination has to do it again for the Giants in '63- Tittle, plus that defense. But the warning signals are up.
In May, Tittle went to the hospital to have bone chips removed from his passing arm. The 36-year-old quarterback says he is fine and coach Allie Sherman says Tittle is fine. But if it turns out that he if not fine, the Giants will be in deep trouble. The burden will then fall on journeyman quarterback Ralph Guglielmi or, possibly, the Giants No. 1 draft choice, Glynn Griffing of Mississippi.
Then there is that Giant defense, especially that inner defense. End Andy Robustelli is 36, tackle Rosey Grier is 30, Dick Modzelewski, 32. Jim Katcavage is only 28 and possibly the best defensive lineman the Giants have.
Linebacking is another problem. Tom Scott is 33, and he has never been much more than a fringe player. The other corner man, Bill Winter, looked good as a rookie last year but needs experience. Middle linebacker Sam Huff was not as good in 1962 as he was the year before, or the year before that. And so coach Sherman will be testing Mickey Walker, plus rookie Lou Slaby, Pittsburgh, the No. 5 draft pick.
The Giants' secondary seems to be in excellent shape. Cornerbacks Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes make mistakes, but they also make key interceptions, and both are tough tacklers. All-Pro Jim Patton is back at one safety, and Dick Pesonen could beat out safety Allen Webb.
There is some uncertainty on the offensive line, uncertainty prompted by the retirement of All-Pro center Ray Wietecha. Most likely, Greg Larson, a guard last year, will move to center, which is his normal position. That leaves a guard vacancy, which sophomore Bookie Bolin will try to fill. The rest of the line is well set with All-Pro Rosey Brown and Jack Stroud at tackles, and unsung Darrell Dess at guard.
Tittle will have all his good receivers back in '63- Shofner, Joe Walton at tight end, Frank Gifford or Joe Morrison or Johnny Counts at flanker. Don Chandler, as usual, will handle the punting and field goals. He broke all Giant scoring records with 104 points last year."
-Al Silverman, Inside Football 1963
1963 New York Giants Preseason Roster
* Currie Ball (DE) Hampton Institute
49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue
* Bob Bill (G-T) Notre Dame
73 Reed Bohovich (G-T) Lehigh
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State
60 Ken Byers (DE) Cincinnati
* Chris Carr (T) Humboldt State
34 Don Chandler (K-P) Florida
* Leon Cholakis (G) Syracuse
84 Jim Collier (E) Arkansas
46 John Counts (HB) Illinois
* Nat Craddock (FB) Parsons College
* Ed Cummings (LB) Stanford
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
16 Frank Gifford (FL) USC
74 Gene Gossage (G-DE) Northwestern
76 Rosey Grier (DT) Penn State
* Glynn Griffing (QB) Mississippi
9 Ralph Guglielmi (QB) Notre Dame
* Al Gursky (DB) Penn State
* Louis Guy (DB-HB) Mississippi
* Jerry Hillebrand (DE) Colorado
* Wilburn Hollis (HB) Iowa
26 Sam Horner (S) VMI
* Lane Howell (C-DT) Grambling
70 Sam Huff (LB) West Virginia
72 Charlie Janerette (T) Penn State
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) (Dayton)
24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt
* Lou Kirouac (E) Boston College
* Dick Koblin (DE) John Carroll
53 Greg Larson (C-G) Minnesota
30 Dick Lasse (LB) Syracuse
22 Dick Lynch (CB) Notre Dame
* Bob McAdams (G) North Carolina Central
77 Dick Modzelewski (DT) Maryland
40 Joe Morrison (FL-HB) Cincinnati
* Jim Moss (T) South Carolina
* John Mummey (HB) Ohio State
* Bill Pashe (DB) George Washington
20 Jim Patton (S) Mississippi
25 Dick Pesonen (DB) Minnesota-Duluth
* Roger Reynolds (HB) Bowling Green
81 Andy Robustelli (DE) Arnold
* Don Scott (T) Tampa
82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
* Dick Skelly (HB) Florida
* Lou Slaby (LB) Pittsburgh
66 Jack Stroud (T) Tennessee
27 Joe Symank (DB) Florida
* Bob Taylor (DE) Maryland State
* Joe Taylor (HB) North Carolina A & T
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU
64 Mickey Walker (LB) Michigan State
80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh
21 Allan Webb (S) Arnold
29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State
* J.R. Williams (C-LB) Fresno State
31 Bill Winter (LB) St. Olaf
* rookie
-1963 Pro Football Handbook
1963 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Receivers
Del Shofner (S) (Baylor)
Aaron Thomas (S-T) (Oregon State)
Jim Collier (S) (Arkansas)
Joe Walton (T) (Pittsburgh)
Frank Gifford (F) (USC)
Johnny Counts (F) (Illinois)
Lewis Guy (F) (Mississippi)
(S)-Split End (T)-Tight End (F)-Flanker
Interior Linemen
Roosevelt Brown (T) (Morgan State)
Jack Stroud (T) (Tennessee)
Reed Bohovich (T) (Lehigh)
Darrell Dess (G) (North Carolina State)
Bookie Bolin (G) (Mississippi)
Gene Gossage (G) (Northwestern)
Bob Bill (G) (Notre Dame)
Greg Larson (C) (Minnesota)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)-Center
Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame)
Glynn Griffing (Mississippi)
Running Backs
Alex Webster (F) (North Carolina State)
Phil King (F-H) (Vanderbilt)
Joe Morrison (F-H) (Cincinnati)
Dick Skelly (H) (Florida)
(F)-Fullback (H)-Halfback
Kicker
Don Chandler (Florida)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jim Katcavage (E) (Dayton)
Andy Robustelli (E) (Arnold)
Ken Byers (E) (Cincinnati)
Dick Modzelewski (T) (Maryland)
Rosey Grier (T) (Penn State)
Chuck Janerette (T) (Penn State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Sam Huff (M) (West Virginia)
Jerry Hillebrand (M) (Colorado)
Dick Lasse (M) (Syracuse)
Tom Scott (O) (Virginia)
Bill Winter (O) (St. Olaf)
Mickey Walker (O) (Michigan State)
(M)-Middle Linebacker (O)-Outside Linebacker
Defensive Backs
Erich Barnes (C) (Purdue)
Dick Lynch (C) (Notre Dame)
Dick Pesonen (C) (Minnesota-Duluth)
Jim Patton (S) (Mississippi)
Allan Webb (S) (Arnold)
Joe Symank (S) Florida
Sam Horner (S) (VMI)
(C)-Cornerback (S)-Safety
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Johnny Counts (Illinois) 46
E - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh) 73
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Lane Howell (Grambling)*
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
E - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
Defense
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Dick Lasse (Syracuse) 30
LB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20, Sam Horner (VMI) 26
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21, Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22, Al Gursky (Penn State)*
* rookie
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9, Glynn Griffing (Mississippi)*
HB - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Dick Skelly (Florida)*
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29, Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Johnny Counts (Illinois) 46, Lewis Guy (F) (Mississippi)*
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Lou Kirouac (Boston College)*
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Lane Howell (Grambling)*
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh) 73
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Gene Gossage (Northwestern) 74
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 76, Lou Kirouac (Boston College)*
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Bob Taylor (Maryland State)*
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70, Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)*
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Lou Slaby (Pittsburgh)*
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49, Al Gursky (Penn State)*
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21, Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20, John Symank (Florida) 27
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
PR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
*rookie
1963 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
Assistant Coach - Ed Kolman
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14
HB - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
HB - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 78
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Gene Gossage (Northwestern) 74
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
PR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
'They called us old before last season,' says Allie Sherman, who has coached the Giants to two successive Eastern titles, 'but after we won they changed it to 'mature.' So I guess we are a little more mature as we get ready for this season.'
Whatever the Giants are if they are not senior citizens, they are not teenagers. Age is bound to tell in several areas. Of the Giant first-line troops, 14 have put in anywhere from eight to 13 years in pro ball.
Sherman admits he is concerned about the regular front four of the defensive team. These four - Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage, Dick Modzelewski and Rosey Grier - have worked almost without relief in every game for the past seven years.
'Now they are at a stage where they will need help once in a while,' Sherman says.
Relief will have to found from among Gene Gossage, the ex-Eagle end, second-year man Ken Byers and a crop of rookies. Byers earned a battle star as a substitute for Robustelli last year. The chances are that Andy and most of the gang will be on regular duty for another full season before the new blood achieves the right corpuscular balance.
The key old timer, of course, is Y.A. Tittle, at 36 going into his 12th season. Tittle reached a peak last year with 200 completions for 3,224 yards, a shade less than two-thirds of the Giants' league leading yardage total of 5,005. His 33 scoring passes set a record.
Tittle probably will slip to a plateau high enough to keep the Giants in contention, but a longer descent would be fatal. Backing up Yat are Ralph Guglielmi, sound but no sensation, and a rookie - Glynn Griffing.
The great catching of Del Shofner, Joe Walton and Frank Gifford should keep the air attack respectable in any event, but there are still only Alex Webster and Phil King for heavy duty on the ground and Alex is aging, too.
The linebacking and secondary remain solid with Sam Huff, Jim Patton, Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes, but Tom Scott, never a sprinter, is slowing up. Ray Wietecha called it quits after 10 years to take up coaching, but Greg Larson should be an able replacement at center.
Summing up: Offense - passing may slip, receiving will remain among the best; running not to be feared. Defense - strong overall but slowing."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"It looks like another banner season coming up for the Football Giants at Yankee Stadium in 1963.
Back from last year will be virtually the same cast that swept to the National Football League's Eastern Conference title on the wings of an incredible 12-2 record.
That eastern victory, incidentally, was the fifth in the last seven years for the Giants, an unparalleled stretch of success that began when the Maramen moved into the Stadium back in 1956.
Under Jim Lee Howell, now personnel director, the Giants won the World Championship their first year at the Stadium and followed with conference wins in 1958 and 1959. Al Sherman, the NFL's only two-time Coach of the Year, took over in 1961 and has won two straight eastern crowns.
Winning three in a row is a rare feat indeed but Coach Sherman will try for it with a veteran ball club that has speed, scoring punch, and depth.
The key man, of course, is venerable quarterback Y.A. Tittle, who last season enjoyed his greatest season in pro ball. Yat set a new NFL touchdown throwing record for one year with 33 and also tied the one-game mark of seven TD tosses.
Tittle finished his productive campaign with 200 completions in 375 attempts for 3,224 yards, breaking every passing record in the Giant book. His achievements won him unanimous selection on every All-Pro team.
Returning also in 1963 will be Tittle's great receivers Del Shofner, Frank Gifford, Joe Walton and newcomer Aaron Thomas.
Alex Webster, a great all-around halfback; Phil King, who came into stardom last year, and Joe Morrison will be carrying the ball behind a top offensive line that numbers Darrell Dess and Bookie Bolin at guards, Jack Stroud and Rosey Brown at tackles and Greg Larson as a center replacement for the departed Ray Wietecha.
On defense, a Giant trademark over the years, Sherman will have all the old favorites - Andy Robustelli, Sam Huff, Jim Patton, Jim Katcavage and Dick Lynch.
Among the newcomers who may stir next season's Yankee Stadium crowds are Mississippi's All-American quarterback Glynn Griffing, Florida halfback Dick Skelly and Pittsburgh linebacker Lou Slaby, to mention a few.
Although baseball is still in the air, football is just around the corner. Get your Giant tickets now at the Giant office, 10 Columbus Circle, New York 19, N.Y. They'll be going fast, so don't wait until September!"
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"A preseason alignment of the teams in the National Football League is always difficult to make, and in the Eastern Conference this year the only way is to stab. Except for the Giants, that is. The New Yorkers the past two seasons have pulled ahead of the opposing teams because of more and better ball players. The Giants are loaded, so it takes no hesitation to name them as the expected Eastern champions.
You can take all the six other teams and throw them into the same pot. There is very little to choose among them, and that too helps the Giants. The six competitors are likely to beat one another so consistently that no true contender will emerge to challenge New York.
The Giants did scratch through to their 1961 Eastern title, there's no doubt about that. If Ray Renfro of the Browns had not dropped a sure touchdown pass in the last game of the regular season ...
But in 1962 New York was a shoo-in. Why? Because the team filled out at every position and for the first time had true depth and bench strength. This will be even more obvious in 1963 competition.
The Giants are loaded because: (1) veteran ball players have kept on and have gone unhurt; (2) new emphasis on scouting under ex-coach Jim Lee Howell has produced better rookies; and (3) the Giants are still masters at trading for the talent they need.
Take a look at the end and flanker positions, spots where the Giants suffered from a lack of manpower and speed for years and years. There is Del Shofner for a starter and he's the best. Then comes Frank Gifford, in his time the league's top offensive player. And add Joe Walton, a vastly underrated pro's pro. Since you can only play three receivers at a time, Aaron Thomas has to sit on the bench. Yet his talents fairly insist that he break into the lineup at split end, tight end or flanker.
What about Johnny Counts? Get his speed harnessed and what a flanker he'll be. Make'em forget Bobby Mitchell. Where do you play Jim Collier, that good-looking prospect from Arkansas? Or Louis Guy, a third draft choice traded to the Giants by the Eagles? Can a place be made on the team for rugged Lou Kirouac, the Boston College boy who unfortunately broke a leg last year? He's a kicker, too, far from Don Chandler's level. So the Giants have ends and flankers coming out of the ear holes in their helmets.
There's a guard spot open on the offensive platoon and four candidates, three of them qualified pros, competing for the job. These are Bookie Bolin, a crack rookie from 1962; Gene Gossage, a regular with the Eagles in 1961; Mickey Walker, an experienced linebacker; and promising Bob Bill, a high-draft rookie from Notre Dame.
Everywhere you look on the Giants, the situation is similar- plenty of good ball players, an embarrassment of riches and a minimum of player problems.
In one area this team is not rich and does have a problem. There are not enough seats in Yankee Stadium to accommodate all who wish to see the Giants. This year the club will sell close to 50,000 season tickets and because of the nature of that baseball stadium, the last 14,000 seats will offer a distorted view of the game. Yankee Stadium, for football, holds 64,000 and it was filled up all seven Sundays last fall. It will be again. Love those Giants."
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
OFFENSE
Receivers
"Del Shofner is the premier receiver in the game. What a steal from the Rams! Joe Walton's junior size fails to inhibit his fine blocking. He has sure hands, too. Aaron Thomas backs up either one superbly. He may wind up on the flank. Frank Gifford learned the position in '62; improvement is expected. Johnny Counts can become another Bobby Mitchell.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Interior Linemen
"Roosevelt Brown and Jack Stroud form an A-plus tackle pair but are at the injury and slowdown stage. Reed Bohovich must improve his pass blocking.
Darrell Dess rates with the league's best guards. Ray Wietecha retired, so ex-guard Greg Larson moves over and Bookie Bolin moves up. That's good. Gene Gossage, from the Eagles, is a good spare. Bob Bill was hurt all of '62.
If the old tackles hold up, no sweat.
Rating: Very Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Quarterbacks
"No one's perfect, but Y.A. Tittle comes close. This is his last year, so Glynn Griffing becomes very important.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Running Backs
"Webster-King 'elephant' tandem was terrific in '62. They went through unhurt.
Joe Morrison's ready all the time and will do well. Dick Skelly wrestles alligators, what else?
The Giants are thin here.
Rating: Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Kicker
"Don Chandler in 1962: 19 of 28 field goal attempts.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
DEFENSE
Interior Linemen
"Jim Katcavage is the king, an All-Pro. Andy Robustelli was seven times. Andy has lost nothing and is still a great outside pass rusher. Rosie Grier idles sometimes. Dick Modzelewski is a steady wrecker. The old gang goes on and on.
Chuck Janerette and offensive guard Gossage can provide breathers when necessary.
Rating: Very Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Linebackers
"Sam Huff may or not play dirty but he usually plays well. Jerry Hillebrand, a bust in '62, is ready to show'em.
Like wine, Tom Scott gains from aging. Bill Winter did well as a rookie regular. Mickey Walker's all football but may wait five years to make first string.
Rating: Good"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Defensive Backs
"Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch are the best corner pair going. Jim Patton is an All-Pro fixture. They can't pick on Allan Webb. He held up in '62 and fears no one.
John Symank, an ex-Packer, is an aggressive ex-regular. There will be one cut; Sam Horner must fight to stick.
The New York secondary never panics and shuns double coverage as sissy stuff.
Rating: Excellent"
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
OUTLOOK
"Prophecy is never easy, but it can be tougher than picking the Maramen to finish on top again. Prediction: First."
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
"The New York Giants have effected a subtle change in the lexicon of pro football. A player is no longer 'old' - he's simply 'mature.' And the mature Giants, ten of them 30 years old or more, have dominated the Eastern Conference for two years and see no reason why they shouldn't make it three.
As a matter of fact, coach Allie Sherman seems quite confident they can, and the little left-hander from Brooklyn College is a super-cautious type.
An air of cockiness has almost pervaded the Giant camp. It wasn't there a year ago because the Giants were fresh from being humiliated by the Green Bay Packers, 37-0, and everybody insisted they were lucky to make that far anyhow. But they felt they gave it their best shot in losing to the Packers again, 16-7, last December 30, and were vindicated.
Coach Sherman was given an unprecedented five-year contract by the Mara brothers, Jack and Wellington, who control the operation.
A few niggling problems will keep him from being complacent. The Giants frankly need some insurance for their running attack. Alex Webster, at 32, may be only 'mature,' but he's taken a strong pounding for eight seasons in the NFL and a couple in Canada before that. Phil King, a pleasant surprise last fall, is a three-yard plugger who can't break games open. So the Giants now are taking a long look at a rookie from Florida, Dick Skelly, a husky 208-pounder.
The front defensive foursome, intact for seven years with a combined experience of 36 seasons, demands standby relief. The Giants made one move by acquiring Gene Gossage, a reserve lineman, from the Eagles. The middle of the offensive line is a slight gamble because center Ray Wietecha retired. Greg Larson, a center in college, who started as a tackle with the Giants and played guard last year, is back to his normal spot. Bookie Bolin, who looked promising in his '62 debut, has been promoted to starting guard.
But, overall, Sherman deals from strength in almost every phase of the operation. Y.A. Tittle, recovered, hopefully, from an elbow operation this May, had the greatest of his 13 seasons in the NFL and threw a record of 33 touchdown passes. That included seven in one memorable afternoon against Washington. Del Shofner, his blade-thin split end, caught 53 passes, 12 of them in the end zone. Frank Gifford, back from a year's sabbatical, got used to playing a new position, flanker-back, and has Allie bubbling that he'll amaze the league this season, barring injury.
The robust defense, featuring playing coaches Andy Robustelli and Jim Patton, has lost none of its verve or pride. Sherman just wished Rosey Grier would play every Sunday like he did against Green Bay. Sam Huff should ignore controversial entanglements, like public debate over whether he or didn't try to maim Jimmy Taylor, and let his execution as middle linebacker do the talking. The secondary is keyed by great play on the corners. Receivers don't often get behind Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes.
Babe Chandler debuted as a two-way kicker in '62 and broke all club scoring records with 104 points, and personally won three games with his field goals.
With all that veteran personnel, the Giants are a tough club on rookies. But Bill Winter of little St. Olaf made it as a regular linebacker last year. And absorbing lessons for the future will be rookie quarterback Glynn Griffing, the understudy to Tittle and Ralph Guglielmi.
Meanwhile, the present is in good hands."
-1963 Official Pro Football Almanac
"For those who picked the New York Giants in 1962, there were shudders when the Giants dropped their opener to Cleveland, 17-7. Four games later they lost again, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that was it. The Giants went on to win their next nine games, and the conference title, then lost in the NFL title game- for the second year in a row, to the Green Bay Packers.
How did the Giants do it in 1962? They did it mainly on the ageless right arm of Y.A. Tittle, who completed 200 of 375 passes for 3,224 yards, including 33 touchdowns (the most touchdown passes ever thrown in an NFL season.) Tittle threw mostly to Del Shofner, who caught 53 passes for 1,133 yards. And when he wasn't throwing, he was slipping off to Alex Webster (207 carries for 743 yards) or Phil King (108 carries for 460 yards). It was a potent enough offense while the sturdy Giant defense was allowing only 283 points. The same combination has to do it again for the Giants in '63- Tittle, plus that defense. But the warning signals are up.
In May, Tittle went to the hospital to have bone chips removed from his passing arm. The 36-year-old quarterback says he is fine and coach Allie Sherman says Tittle is fine. But if it turns out that he if not fine, the Giants will be in deep trouble. The burden will then fall on journeyman quarterback Ralph Guglielmi or, possibly, the Giants No. 1 draft choice, Glynn Griffing of Mississippi.
Then there is that Giant defense, especially that inner defense. End Andy Robustelli is 36, tackle Rosey Grier is 30, Dick Modzelewski, 32. Jim Katcavage is only 28 and possibly the best defensive lineman the Giants have.
Linebacking is another problem. Tom Scott is 33, and he has never been much more than a fringe player. The other corner man, Bill Winter, looked good as a rookie last year but needs experience. Middle linebacker Sam Huff was not as good in 1962 as he was the year before, or the year before that. And so coach Sherman will be testing Mickey Walker, plus rookie Lou Slaby, Pittsburgh, the No. 5 draft pick.
The Giants' secondary seems to be in excellent shape. Cornerbacks Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes make mistakes, but they also make key interceptions, and both are tough tacklers. All-Pro Jim Patton is back at one safety, and Dick Pesonen could beat out safety Allen Webb.
There is some uncertainty on the offensive line, uncertainty prompted by the retirement of All-Pro center Ray Wietecha. Most likely, Greg Larson, a guard last year, will move to center, which is his normal position. That leaves a guard vacancy, which sophomore Bookie Bolin will try to fill. The rest of the line is well set with All-Pro Rosey Brown and Jack Stroud at tackles, and unsung Darrell Dess at guard.
Tittle will have all his good receivers back in '63- Shofner, Joe Walton at tight end, Frank Gifford or Joe Morrison or Johnny Counts at flanker. Don Chandler, as usual, will handle the punting and field goals. He broke all Giant scoring records with 104 points last year."
-Al Silverman, Inside Football 1963
1963 New York Giants Preseason Roster
* Currie Ball (DE) Hampton Institute
49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue
* Bob Bill (G-T) Notre Dame
73 Reed Bohovich (G-T) Lehigh
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State
60 Ken Byers (DE) Cincinnati
* Chris Carr (T) Humboldt State
34 Don Chandler (K-P) Florida
* Leon Cholakis (G) Syracuse
84 Jim Collier (E) Arkansas
46 John Counts (HB) Illinois
* Nat Craddock (FB) Parsons College
* Ed Cummings (LB) Stanford
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
16 Frank Gifford (FL) USC
74 Gene Gossage (G-DE) Northwestern
76 Rosey Grier (DT) Penn State
* Glynn Griffing (QB) Mississippi
9 Ralph Guglielmi (QB) Notre Dame
* Al Gursky (DB) Penn State
* Louis Guy (DB-HB) Mississippi
* Jerry Hillebrand (DE) Colorado
* Wilburn Hollis (HB) Iowa
26 Sam Horner (S) VMI
* Lane Howell (C-DT) Grambling
70 Sam Huff (LB) West Virginia
72 Charlie Janerette (T) Penn State
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) (Dayton)
24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt
* Lou Kirouac (E) Boston College
* Dick Koblin (DE) John Carroll
53 Greg Larson (C-G) Minnesota
30 Dick Lasse (LB) Syracuse
22 Dick Lynch (CB) Notre Dame
* Bob McAdams (G) North Carolina Central
77 Dick Modzelewski (DT) Maryland
40 Joe Morrison (FL-HB) Cincinnati
* Jim Moss (T) South Carolina
* John Mummey (HB) Ohio State
* Bill Pashe (DB) George Washington
20 Jim Patton (S) Mississippi
25 Dick Pesonen (DB) Minnesota-Duluth
* Roger Reynolds (HB) Bowling Green
81 Andy Robustelli (DE) Arnold
* Don Scott (T) Tampa
82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
* Dick Skelly (HB) Florida
* Lou Slaby (LB) Pittsburgh
66 Jack Stroud (T) Tennessee
27 Joe Symank (DB) Florida
* Bob Taylor (DE) Maryland State
* Joe Taylor (HB) North Carolina A & T
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU
64 Mickey Walker (LB) Michigan State
80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh
21 Allan Webb (S) Arnold
29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State
* J.R. Williams (C-LB) Fresno State
31 Bill Winter (LB) St. Olaf
* rookie
-1963 Pro Football Handbook
1963 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Receivers
Del Shofner (S) (Baylor)
Aaron Thomas (S-T) (Oregon State)
Jim Collier (S) (Arkansas)
Joe Walton (T) (Pittsburgh)
Frank Gifford (F) (USC)
Johnny Counts (F) (Illinois)
Lewis Guy (F) (Mississippi)
(S)-Split End (T)-Tight End (F)-Flanker
Interior Linemen
Roosevelt Brown (T) (Morgan State)
Jack Stroud (T) (Tennessee)
Reed Bohovich (T) (Lehigh)
Darrell Dess (G) (North Carolina State)
Bookie Bolin (G) (Mississippi)
Gene Gossage (G) (Northwestern)
Bob Bill (G) (Notre Dame)
Greg Larson (C) (Minnesota)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)-Center
Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame)
Glynn Griffing (Mississippi)
Running Backs
Alex Webster (F) (North Carolina State)
Phil King (F-H) (Vanderbilt)
Joe Morrison (F-H) (Cincinnati)
Dick Skelly (H) (Florida)
(F)-Fullback (H)-Halfback
Kicker
Don Chandler (Florida)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jim Katcavage (E) (Dayton)
Andy Robustelli (E) (Arnold)
Ken Byers (E) (Cincinnati)
Dick Modzelewski (T) (Maryland)
Rosey Grier (T) (Penn State)
Chuck Janerette (T) (Penn State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Sam Huff (M) (West Virginia)
Jerry Hillebrand (M) (Colorado)
Dick Lasse (M) (Syracuse)
Tom Scott (O) (Virginia)
Bill Winter (O) (St. Olaf)
Mickey Walker (O) (Michigan State)
(M)-Middle Linebacker (O)-Outside Linebacker
Defensive Backs
Erich Barnes (C) (Purdue)
Dick Lynch (C) (Notre Dame)
Dick Pesonen (C) (Minnesota-Duluth)
Jim Patton (S) (Mississippi)
Allan Webb (S) (Arnold)
Joe Symank (S) Florida
Sam Horner (S) (VMI)
(C)-Cornerback (S)-Safety
-Harold Rosenthal, All-Pro 1963 Football
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Johnny Counts (Illinois) 46
E - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh) 73
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Lane Howell (Grambling)*
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
E - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
Defense
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Dick Lasse (Syracuse) 30
LB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20, Sam Horner (VMI) 26
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21, Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22, Al Gursky (Penn State)*
* rookie
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9, Glynn Griffing (Mississippi)*
HB - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Dick Skelly (Florida)*
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29, Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Johnny Counts (Illinois) 46, Lewis Guy (F) (Mississippi)*
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Lou Kirouac (Boston College)*
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Lane Howell (Grambling)*
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh) 73
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Gene Gossage (Northwestern) 74
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 76, Lou Kirouac (Boston College)*
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Bob Taylor (Maryland State)*
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70, Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)*
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Lou Slaby (Pittsburgh)*
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49, Al Gursky (Penn State)*
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21, Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20, John Symank (Florida) 27
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
PR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
*rookie
1963 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
Assistant Coach - Ed Kolman
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14
HB - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
HB - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 78
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Gene Gossage (Northwestern) 74
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
PR - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
Friday, May 23, 2014
1962 Profile: Joe Walton
Tight End
No. 80
Pittsburgh
"A tight end who blocks as fiercely as a tackle, Joe Walton gives New York a dual threat at the vital flank position.
He was a Giant first-timer in 1961 - coming from the Redskins - and compiled his best offensive mark, catching 36 passes for 544 yards.
Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, he comes a fine football family - his father Frank was a Redskin 14 years and his brother Frank was a Steeler."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Joe was acquired from the Redskins in July of 1961. He's a top-notch pass receiver."
-1962 Topps No. 103
No. 80
Pittsburgh
"A tight end who blocks as fiercely as a tackle, Joe Walton gives New York a dual threat at the vital flank position.
He was a Giant first-timer in 1961 - coming from the Redskins - and compiled his best offensive mark, catching 36 passes for 544 yards.
Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, he comes a fine football family - his father Frank was a Redskin 14 years and his brother Frank was a Steeler."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Joe was acquired from the Redskins in July of 1961. He's a top-notch pass receiver."
-1962 Topps No. 103
1962 Profiles: Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski
ROSEY GRIER
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Penn State
"The singing tackle of the defense is Rosey Grier, who cuts records in the off-season and cuts down blockers, runners and passers as a defensive bulwark during the fall. He's potentially one of the greats of the game but is handicapped by the club's defensive setup which limits his tremendous pursuit.
Rosey has maintained his speed and agility since his rookie campaign of 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
DICK MODZELEWSKI
Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Maryland
Appreciated by both teammates and opponents for his great physical strength and consistent line play, Dick's importance to the Giant defense has been recognized by New York's knowledgeable football fans. In a 53-0 rout of the Redskins last November 5 at Yankee Stadium, the first score of the game resulted from Dick tackling Washington quarterback Norm Snead in the end zone for a safety. The win put the Giants just one game behind the Eagles in the East standings.
A 1952 consensus All-American and that year's Outland Trophy winner, Dick has played every game for New York since being acquired from Pittsburgh in 1956.
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Penn State
"The singing tackle of the defense is Rosey Grier, who cuts records in the off-season and cuts down blockers, runners and passers as a defensive bulwark during the fall. He's potentially one of the greats of the game but is handicapped by the club's defensive setup which limits his tremendous pursuit.
Rosey has maintained his speed and agility since his rookie campaign of 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
DICK MODZELEWSKI
Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Maryland
Appreciated by both teammates and opponents for his great physical strength and consistent line play, Dick's importance to the Giant defense has been recognized by New York's knowledgeable football fans. In a 53-0 rout of the Redskins last November 5 at Yankee Stadium, the first score of the game resulted from Dick tackling Washington quarterback Norm Snead in the end zone for a safety. The win put the Giants just one game behind the Eagles in the East standings.
A 1952 consensus All-American and that year's Outland Trophy winner, Dick has played every game for New York since being acquired from Pittsburgh in 1956.
1962 Profile: Don Chandler
Kicker
No. 34
Florida
"The punting man of the club is Don Chandler, the Tulsa terror whose job in '61 fell somewhat short of his previous performances. 'Babe' was the NFL's No. 1 kicker in '57 and was second-best in '58 and '59. He got off a 43.9 average last year, a trifle shy of his lifetime figure, but he wasn't in prime condition for part of the season.
He remains a major threat as an outside runner from punt formation and averaged 10 yards per carry last year in this role."
-1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Don once punted a ball 90 yards against the Bears. He finished sixth in the NFL in punting in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 107
No. 34
Florida
"The punting man of the club is Don Chandler, the Tulsa terror whose job in '61 fell somewhat short of his previous performances. 'Babe' was the NFL's No. 1 kicker in '57 and was second-best in '58 and '59. He got off a 43.9 average last year, a trifle shy of his lifetime figure, but he wasn't in prime condition for part of the season.
He remains a major threat as an outside runner from punt formation and averaged 10 yards per carry last year in this role."
-1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Don once punted a ball 90 yards against the Bears. He finished sixth in the NFL in punting in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 107
1962 Giarnt Linebacker Profiles
SAM HUFF
Middle Linebacker
No. 70
West Virginia
"Some of the glitter of Sam Huff was tarnished in 1961 when he was way below his All-Pro stature. The fearsome one from Fairmont, West Virginia, exposed to the wiles of the New York advertising and business worlds, suffered a letdown in general play and too much off-the-field activity may have been harmful.
He was among the ablest of linebackers as a 1957 sophomore and was an All-League choice four straight years."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Not many players hit as hard as Sam. He's considered a top defensive player."
-1962 Topps No. 110
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"The New York Giants are looking to this young rookie for a real pro performance in 1962. Chances are, Yankee Stadium fans will be cheering Jerry as he boots field goals and extra points in assembly line fashion. He's a strong, fast runner, too."
-1962 Topps No. 113
TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
Considered by opponents one of the hardest tacklers, Tom earned recognition from New York's fans last November 12 against the Eagles in Yankee Stadium. He returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of a game the Giants would win to lift their record to 7-2 and tie Philadelphia for the Eastern lead.
A Virginia All-American who later was a two-time selection as a defensive end, Tom has been a stalwart of the Giant defense as a linebacker.
Middle Linebacker
No. 70
West Virginia
"Some of the glitter of Sam Huff was tarnished in 1961 when he was way below his All-Pro stature. The fearsome one from Fairmont, West Virginia, exposed to the wiles of the New York advertising and business worlds, suffered a letdown in general play and too much off-the-field activity may have been harmful.
He was among the ablest of linebackers as a 1957 sophomore and was an All-League choice four straight years."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Not many players hit as hard as Sam. He's considered a top defensive player."
-1962 Topps No. 110
JERRY HILLEBRAND
Linebacker
No. 87
Colorado
"The New York Giants are looking to this young rookie for a real pro performance in 1962. Chances are, Yankee Stadium fans will be cheering Jerry as he boots field goals and extra points in assembly line fashion. He's a strong, fast runner, too."
-1962 Topps No. 113
TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
Considered by opponents one of the hardest tacklers, Tom earned recognition from New York's fans last November 12 against the Eagles in Yankee Stadium. He returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter of a game the Giants would win to lift their record to 7-2 and tie Philadelphia for the Eastern lead.
A Virginia All-American who later was a two-time selection as a defensive end, Tom has been a stalwart of the Giant defense as a linebacker.
1962 Giant Offensive Line Profiles
RAY WIETECHA
Center
No. 55
Northwestern
A Pro Bowl selection as recently as 1960, Ray was last year named All-Conference by the Sporting News. Considered by many to be the best in the league at blocking the middle linebacker out of a play, he's just as adept at giving protection on passing plays.
All-Big Ten in college, Ray saw action as a Giant rookie at end, linebacker and defensive back before settling in at center, where he has started every game since 1954.
JACK STROUD
Guard
No. 66
Tennessee
Jack is the New York offensive lineman often graded highest by Giant coaches and is widely regarded as one the best guards in the league. He can always be counted on to open a hole with a devastating block, lead a sweep or block for a pass. He's perhaps best known for pulling out to block for Alex Webster off left tackle.
All-American and team captain at Tennessee, Jack has played in three Pro Bowls and has been named All-Pro five times by AP or UPI.
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
An unsung hero of the Giant offense, Darrell is known for leading interference to the strong side. He also provides solid pass protection for Y.A. Tittle. Playing every game last year, his strength and confidence won respect throughout the league.
Darrell won two letters in football and one in wrestling during his college days.
ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Tardy recovery from a knee operation may make All-Pro tackle Roosevelt Brown a question mark in 1962.
A huge bulk who moves downfield like a fullback, he's a devastating blocker for passers and runners, and few teams have been able to check him with just one defender. He's almost impossible to counter when in full flight on Giant kickoffs.
Roosevelt was a 27th draft choice in 1953 which proves the value (?) of scouting reports."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
CHUCK JANERETTE
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Penn State
One of the fastest offensive tackles in the pros, Chuck played every game as a rookie for the Rams in 1960. Last year, he made the Giant offensive line a solid wall of protection for Giant quarterbacks and even recovered a fumble.
Chuck earned four college football letters, earned All-American honorable mention, and played in the Copper Bowl and All-American Bowl.
Center
No. 55
Northwestern
A Pro Bowl selection as recently as 1960, Ray was last year named All-Conference by the Sporting News. Considered by many to be the best in the league at blocking the middle linebacker out of a play, he's just as adept at giving protection on passing plays.
All-Big Ten in college, Ray saw action as a Giant rookie at end, linebacker and defensive back before settling in at center, where he has started every game since 1954.
JACK STROUD
Guard
No. 66
Tennessee
Jack is the New York offensive lineman often graded highest by Giant coaches and is widely regarded as one the best guards in the league. He can always be counted on to open a hole with a devastating block, lead a sweep or block for a pass. He's perhaps best known for pulling out to block for Alex Webster off left tackle.
All-American and team captain at Tennessee, Jack has played in three Pro Bowls and has been named All-Pro five times by AP or UPI.
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
An unsung hero of the Giant offense, Darrell is known for leading interference to the strong side. He also provides solid pass protection for Y.A. Tittle. Playing every game last year, his strength and confidence won respect throughout the league.
Darrell won two letters in football and one in wrestling during his college days.
ROOSEVELT BROWN
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Tardy recovery from a knee operation may make All-Pro tackle Roosevelt Brown a question mark in 1962.
A huge bulk who moves downfield like a fullback, he's a devastating blocker for passers and runners, and few teams have been able to check him with just one defender. He's almost impossible to counter when in full flight on Giant kickoffs.
Roosevelt was a 27th draft choice in 1953 which proves the value (?) of scouting reports."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
CHUCK JANERETTE
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Penn State
One of the fastest offensive tackles in the pros, Chuck played every game as a rookie for the Rams in 1960. Last year, he made the Giant offensive line a solid wall of protection for Giant quarterbacks and even recovered a fumble.
Chuck earned four college football letters, earned All-American honorable mention, and played in the Copper Bowl and All-American Bowl.
1962 Profiles: Jim Patton and Dick Pesonen
JIM PATTON
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
"For size and weight, there isn't anybody as rough and tough as Jim Patton, the Belzoni (Mississippi) ball hawk who seems much lighter than his listed 180 pounds. Again a unanimous All-NFL selection at safety, he intercepted eight forwards and returned them 163 yards. He's one of the few who can meet Jim Brown or Jim Taylor head-on and make the tackle, one-on-one.
Speed, determination and a study of opposing pass receivers make Jim the best at his position."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Jimmy Patton coaches on and off the field. He tutors the New York Giant secondary in practice then shows them how as a safety on Sundays."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Jimmy led the NFL with 11 receptions in 1958. He was drafted by the Giants in 1955."
-1962 Topps No. 112
DICK PESONEN
Safety
No. 25
Minnesota-Duluth
Acquired from Minnesota in exchange for veteran linebacker Cliff Livingston and a high draft choice, the Giants are looking to Pesonen to join forces with Jimmy Patton to give New York an impressive safety tandem.
After seeing action in all 12 games as a Packer rookie in 1960, Dick was a starting cornerback for the NFL's new Minnesota club in 1961, returning an interception 28 yards. He also returned six kicks for an average of 22.7 yards.
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
"For size and weight, there isn't anybody as rough and tough as Jim Patton, the Belzoni (Mississippi) ball hawk who seems much lighter than his listed 180 pounds. Again a unanimous All-NFL selection at safety, he intercepted eight forwards and returned them 163 yards. He's one of the few who can meet Jim Brown or Jim Taylor head-on and make the tackle, one-on-one.
Speed, determination and a study of opposing pass receivers make Jim the best at his position."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Jimmy Patton coaches on and off the field. He tutors the New York Giant secondary in practice then shows them how as a safety on Sundays."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Jimmy led the NFL with 11 receptions in 1958. He was drafted by the Giants in 1955."
-1962 Topps No. 112
DICK PESONEN
Safety
No. 25
Minnesota-Duluth
Acquired from Minnesota in exchange for veteran linebacker Cliff Livingston and a high draft choice, the Giants are looking to Pesonen to join forces with Jimmy Patton to give New York an impressive safety tandem.
After seeing action in all 12 games as a Packer rookie in 1960, Dick was a starting cornerback for the NFL's new Minnesota club in 1961, returning an interception 28 yards. He also returned six kicks for an average of 22.7 yards.
1962 Profiles: Alex Webster and Phil King
ALEX WEBSTER
Fullback
No. 29
North Carolina State
"Comeback kid of the 1961 tournament was Alex Webster, the bruising halfback-fullback who was in danger of being cut in pre-season camp. The Kearney (New Jersey) crusher, a victim of shoulder and leg ailments, whipped himself into such superior shape that he was the league's No. 3 rusher and gained 1,241 yards a runner and pass receiver. Alex was outstanding at picking up that vital third down yardage.
He first starred in the Canadian loop before joining the Giants in 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"In the best year of his career in 1961, Alex was third in the NFL in rushing."
-1962 Topps No. 105
PHIL KING
Fullback
No. 24
Vanderbilt
New York's first draft pick in 1958 played every game in the Eastern title seasons of '58 and '59. As a rookie, Phil rushed for 316 yards, his longest run 38 yards, gained 132 yards receiving, his longest reception 35 yards, and returned 13 kicks 279 yards for a 21.5 average, his longest return 31 yards.
As a collegiate star at Vanderbilt, Phil topped the Southeastern Conference with 773 yards from scrimmage in 1956.
Fullback
No. 29
North Carolina State
"Comeback kid of the 1961 tournament was Alex Webster, the bruising halfback-fullback who was in danger of being cut in pre-season camp. The Kearney (New Jersey) crusher, a victim of shoulder and leg ailments, whipped himself into such superior shape that he was the league's No. 3 rusher and gained 1,241 yards a runner and pass receiver. Alex was outstanding at picking up that vital third down yardage.
He first starred in the Canadian loop before joining the Giants in 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"In the best year of his career in 1961, Alex was third in the NFL in rushing."
-1962 Topps No. 105
PHIL KING
Fullback
No. 24
Vanderbilt
New York's first draft pick in 1958 played every game in the Eastern title seasons of '58 and '59. As a rookie, Phil rushed for 316 yards, his longest run 38 yards, gained 132 yards receiving, his longest reception 35 yards, and returned 13 kicks 279 yards for a 21.5 average, his longest return 31 yards.
As a collegiate star at Vanderbilt, Phil topped the Southeastern Conference with 773 yards from scrimmage in 1956.
1962 Profiles: Andy Robustelli and Jim Katcavage
ANDY ROBUSTELLI
Defensive End
No. 81
Arnold
"Andy was an NFL star with the Los Angeles Rams before he was traded to New York in 1956. One of the smartest defensive ends in the business, Andy is a great favorite with the Giants' fans. He is selected regularly to the All-Pro defensive squad."
-1962 Topps No. 108
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Jim Katcavage demonstrated the value of desire and aggressiveness in 1961 when he was rewarded with All-Pro recognition, outshining his highly publicized fellow defensive end, Andy Robustelli. Superior strength at fending off blockers helped him to whistle into enemy backfields and reduce the efficiency of quarterback-gunners.
Born in Philadelphia, he's been a starter since his freshman 1956 campaign. Always underrated, he's finally been recognized for the genuine standout he is."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Jim Katcavage, always the Giants' unsung man, is finally getting his due as an All-Pro defensive end."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Joining the New York club as a rookie in 1956, the big defensive end was an important cog in the Giants' world championship title that year. Jim played as an offensive and defensive end during his college days. He's one of the game's most reliable players."
-1962 Topps No. 109
Defensive End
No. 81
Arnold
"Andy was an NFL star with the Los Angeles Rams before he was traded to New York in 1956. One of the smartest defensive ends in the business, Andy is a great favorite with the Giants' fans. He is selected regularly to the All-Pro defensive squad."
-1962 Topps No. 108
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Jim Katcavage demonstrated the value of desire and aggressiveness in 1961 when he was rewarded with All-Pro recognition, outshining his highly publicized fellow defensive end, Andy Robustelli. Superior strength at fending off blockers helped him to whistle into enemy backfields and reduce the efficiency of quarterback-gunners.
Born in Philadelphia, he's been a starter since his freshman 1956 campaign. Always underrated, he's finally been recognized for the genuine standout he is."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Jim Katcavage, always the Giants' unsung man, is finally getting his due as an All-Pro defensive end."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Joining the New York club as a rookie in 1956, the big defensive end was an important cog in the Giants' world championship title that year. Jim played as an offensive and defensive end during his college days. He's one of the game's most reliable players."
-1962 Topps No. 109
1962 Profiles: Bob Gaiters and Sam Horner
BOB GAITERS
Halfback
No. 35
New Mexico State
"Training camp was like going to school again for Bob Gaiters, the Santa Ana (California) slasher who looked so good - and bad - as a rookie left half in 1961. Although he bolts well to the inside and is effective on the quick-openers, he must learn to absorb the pro system and overcome an inferiority [sic] that he's 'not good enough.'
Bob was the nation's leading scorer and rusher at New Mexico State in 1960."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
SAM HORNER
Halfback
No. 26
VMI
"Sam Horner showed enough in 1960 to qualify as a starting halfback this season. The Fort Sill (Okla.) firebrand was spotted defensively and offensively last year and never failed to please. He had 22 rushing attempts, gaining 80 yards, and rolled for 106 yards as a pass-catcher; he also stayed busy serving as a returner of punts.
Sam played halfback, fullback, defensive halfback and safety at VMI, in addition to punting."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Sam, besides being an excellent punter, was the second leading rusher on the club [Washington] in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 167
Halfback
No. 35
New Mexico State
"Training camp was like going to school again for Bob Gaiters, the Santa Ana (California) slasher who looked so good - and bad - as a rookie left half in 1961. Although he bolts well to the inside and is effective on the quick-openers, he must learn to absorb the pro system and overcome an inferiority [sic] that he's 'not good enough.'
Bob was the nation's leading scorer and rusher at New Mexico State in 1960."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
SAM HORNER
Halfback
No. 26
VMI
"Sam Horner showed enough in 1960 to qualify as a starting halfback this season. The Fort Sill (Okla.) firebrand was spotted defensively and offensively last year and never failed to please. He had 22 rushing attempts, gaining 80 yards, and rolled for 106 yards as a pass-catcher; he also stayed busy serving as a returner of punts.
Sam played halfback, fullback, defensive halfback and safety at VMI, in addition to punting."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Sam, besides being an excellent punter, was the second leading rusher on the club [Washington] in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 167
1962 Profiles: Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"A change of playing arenas worked wonders for Erich Barnes and helped get him named to the All-Pro team. A defensive halfback at Chicago since 1958, he longed for a chance to get traded and showed his appreciation by performing so splendidly in New York. The Elkhart (Indiana) antelope can do everything required of a defender and his only problem is to curb some of his aggressiveness, which occasionally causes him to stray from his assigned territory.
He tied an NFL mark in 1961 by returning an interception for a 102-yard touchdown (vs. the Cowboys) and he topped the loop in bringing back interceptions (195 yards)."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Last season, Erich intercepted a pass and returned it 102 yards for a touchdown."
-1962 Topps No. 111
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Touted as the best man in all football for one-on-one coverage is Dick Lynch, the spirited corner back of the New York Giants, also the NFL's pass interception leader."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"A change of playing arenas worked wonders for Erich Barnes and helped get him named to the All-Pro team. A defensive halfback at Chicago since 1958, he longed for a chance to get traded and showed his appreciation by performing so splendidly in New York. The Elkhart (Indiana) antelope can do everything required of a defender and his only problem is to curb some of his aggressiveness, which occasionally causes him to stray from his assigned territory.
He tied an NFL mark in 1961 by returning an interception for a 102-yard touchdown (vs. the Cowboys) and he topped the loop in bringing back interceptions (195 yards)."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Last season, Erich intercepted a pass and returned it 102 yards for a touchdown."
-1962 Topps No. 111
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Touted as the best man in all football for one-on-one coverage is Dick Lynch, the spirited corner back of the New York Giants, also the NFL's pass interception leader."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
1962 Profile: Del Shofner
Split End
No. 85
Baylor
"The master receiver of down-and-out patterns is Del Shofner, the ex-Ram who was so instrumental in aiding the club to its 1961 flag. He moved 1,125 yards with 68 forwards last year and closed as No. 3 man in this category.
The Center (Texas) cyclone came to L.A. in 1957 and was too fast to keep at defensive halfback. Switched to end in '58, he was the league leader as a pass receiver and also was used as a punter."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Del ranked third in pass receiving in 1961. He came to the Giants from the Los Angeles Rams."
-1962 Topps No. 106
No. 85
Baylor
"The master receiver of down-and-out patterns is Del Shofner, the ex-Ram who was so instrumental in aiding the club to its 1961 flag. He moved 1,125 yards with 68 forwards last year and closed as No. 3 man in this category.
The Center (Texas) cyclone came to L.A. in 1957 and was too fast to keep at defensive halfback. Switched to end in '58, he was the league leader as a pass receiver and also was used as a punter."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Del ranked third in pass receiving in 1961. He came to the Giants from the Los Angeles Rams."
-1962 Topps No. 106
1962 Profiles: Y.A. Tittle and Ralph Guglielmi
Y.A. TITTLE
Quarterback
No. 14
LSU
"There are few, if any, NFL passers who can hit as consistently in a third down situation as Y.A. Tittle, the skin-headed sharpshooter who moved the Giant air works in 1961. It wasn't all easy for Y.A., who was forced to adjust to the New York offensive system and the strange personnel. His career completion percentage tops all other quarterbacks and in '61 he was No.2 with a 57.2 figure."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"'Yat' Tittle has been in the NFL for well over a decade as the star quarterback for both the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco Forty-Niners. He was traded to the New York Giants before the 1961 season and led his new club to the Eastern Conference crown.
In the following article, written exclusively for ALL-PRO FOOTBALL, he comments on a topic he is expert in- running backs. Not that he is one himself, he quickly admits, but as the man who thousands of times has sent runners on their way, he certainly qualifies to speak on the subject."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"The idea came to me one day last season while I was looking over the rushing statistics issued by the league office. The three top ground gainers were Jimmy Brown of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Taylor of the Green Bay Packers and J.D. Smith of the San Francisco Forty-Niners.
Normally, I'm not too concerned with these figures because my interests, as they have for the last 14 years, lean more to the column that says 'passes completed.' Believe me, I am no runner myself and far from being the last word on the subject. Like Norm Van Brocklin says, a quarterback should only run out of sheer fright.
But it did occur to me that the three top yardage gainers in the NFL did not have running styles commonly associated with the image of a picture ball carrier. Most kids breaking into football are taught to run with high knee action, making it more difficult for tacklers to bring them down.
Yet Jimmy Brown runs with his long body leaning, not really bent over, not straight up, looking like he's shuffling his way along. Until somebody tries to tackle him. You know what Kyle Rote of the Giants heard last year as our defensive platoon came off the field after putting up with Mr. Brown for a few plays. 'I touched him, I touched him,' yelled one of the defensive backs, all excited, like he'd just returned a pass 100 yards for a score.
J.D., who broke in as a running back with the Forty-Niners when I was their quarterback, runs something like Brown does. Taylor is a little different. He scoots along the ground because, for one thing, he's a little shorter than the others; when somebody puts a hand on him, he sort of explodes.
But your biggest asset, common in all three, seems to be balance. Each of them is tough to knock off his feet. It takes a good shot to drag any one of them down, and even that doesn't always do it because the Giants hit Taylor every which way when we played Green Bay in early December and he still ran for 186 yards.
The thought occurred to me that maybe with the high knee action, which looks spectacular from up in the stands, one leg is always high in the air when the runner is hit, and consequently it is more difficult for him to maintain his balance.
As a kid at Louisiana State, I briefly got a chance to see one of the greatest runners in history, Steve Van Buren, and later when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles I saw him a few times in action. I never remember him taking his feet off the ground to any extent.
With the Forty-Niners I was privileged to play in the same backfield with Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. Very few quarterbacks have ever had the good luck to be able to call on a pair that could do so much with a ball tucked under an arm. There have been greater individual runners, but I don't think anyone has ever had two like them on the same team.
Perry, you know, goes into this season as the leading ground-gainer in league history, and that doesn't count the two early years he spent with the Forty-Niners in the old All-America Conference. He was sent to the Baltimore Colts last year and, at the age of 35, was their leading rusher.
Mac, to my mind, is the best all-around back I've ever seen. There are guys today who are magicians carrying the ball, like Jon Arnett of the Rams. But I'm still partial to McElhenny.
Mac was the only one to come up during my career who had tremendous speed, bounce and unbelievable shiftiness to complement a considerable amount of power. In his heyday, he was the greatest, and if anyone thinks he's lost it, he should see the pictures of The King, as they used to call him in San Francisco, running for the Minnesota Vikings against his old teammates, the Forty-Niners. On an old-fashioned Statue of Liberty play, seven defenders actually had a clear shot at him as he weaved 32 yards for a touchdown.
It was interesting to me, though, that even with Mac's great talent for eluding tacklers he was only mediocre as a faker while running pass patterns. One year the Forty-Niners played him exclusively as a flanker- without too much success. Carrying the ball, Mac let the tackler move first before he committed himself. It was natural instinct that provided the moves to shake him loose. As a receiver, however, he had to pre-plan his cuts and pass routes and consequently was not as elusive.
This reinforces my belief that great running backs are born- with the necessary speed and balance explaining most of their success.
There are some things you can't teach a guy. No one had to show Alex Webster of the Giants how to change direction on a dime, one little maneuver that has transformed him from a back of just average speed into one of the toughest, most elusive runners in the game. And when someone comes along as marvelously equipped as Jimmy Brown, with both quickness and muscle, you just sit back and count the damage.
From my vantage point, handing the ball off and high-tailing it out of there as fast as these old legs will permit, I've seen some great ones in action. None of it has rubbed off, though. My running style is patterned after my little daughter's."
Y.A. Tittle, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Acquired from the 49ers before the season began, Y.A. was sixth in passing in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 102
RALPH GUGLIELMI
Quarterback
No. 9
Notre Dame
"The No. 2 passer to little LeBaron. A healthy right arm should furnish new spark this season. Guglielmi can be spotted as a defensive back.
A No. 1 draft pick in '55, he's one of Notre Dame's all-time greats. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he sells insurance."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Guglielmi starts the 1960 campaign certain of a regular signal-calling spot. The club's No. 1 pick in 1955, he lost two years (1956-57) in military service. He tossed four touchdown passes, gaining 617 yards, and also carried for 97 yards. A sore arm hindered his progress in '58.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Guglielmi set the all-time Notre Dame record for yards gained passing. He also sparkled on defense as a collegian.
Guglielmi sells insurance between seasons."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"There were many grandstanders who failed to be enchanted by the 1960 quarterbacking and play-calling of Ralph Guglielmi. 'Goog' reserved his better jobs for foreign fields and carved his best season with 125 completions for 1,574 yards. Ralph rifled nine tallies and hung up a husky 56.1 completion average. He also showed excellent roll-out ability, carrying 79 times, an NFL high for quarterbacks. Despite the impressive credentials of Norm Snead, he must be considered the Redskins' No. 1 quarterback.
Ralph was born in Columbus, Ohio."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Redskin hopes are pinned on the quarterbacking of this former Notre Dame All-American (1954).
He's had a spotted pro career, first operating in the shadow of Eddie LeBaron, missing all of two seasons in military service and then returning in 1958 to find LeBaron still the boss.
In 1960, he got his first full shot at the job; he looked great. And now with sole responsibility, handsome and articulate Ralph has the chance to develop into the top echelons of pro leadership."
-1961 Fleer No. 108
Quarterback
No. 14
LSU
"There are few, if any, NFL passers who can hit as consistently in a third down situation as Y.A. Tittle, the skin-headed sharpshooter who moved the Giant air works in 1961. It wasn't all easy for Y.A., who was forced to adjust to the New York offensive system and the strange personnel. His career completion percentage tops all other quarterbacks and in '61 he was No.2 with a 57.2 figure."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"'Yat' Tittle has been in the NFL for well over a decade as the star quarterback for both the Baltimore Colts and the San Francisco Forty-Niners. He was traded to the New York Giants before the 1961 season and led his new club to the Eastern Conference crown.
In the following article, written exclusively for ALL-PRO FOOTBALL, he comments on a topic he is expert in- running backs. Not that he is one himself, he quickly admits, but as the man who thousands of times has sent runners on their way, he certainly qualifies to speak on the subject."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
"The idea came to me one day last season while I was looking over the rushing statistics issued by the league office. The three top ground gainers were Jimmy Brown of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Taylor of the Green Bay Packers and J.D. Smith of the San Francisco Forty-Niners.
Normally, I'm not too concerned with these figures because my interests, as they have for the last 14 years, lean more to the column that says 'passes completed.' Believe me, I am no runner myself and far from being the last word on the subject. Like Norm Van Brocklin says, a quarterback should only run out of sheer fright.
But it did occur to me that the three top yardage gainers in the NFL did not have running styles commonly associated with the image of a picture ball carrier. Most kids breaking into football are taught to run with high knee action, making it more difficult for tacklers to bring them down.
Yet Jimmy Brown runs with his long body leaning, not really bent over, not straight up, looking like he's shuffling his way along. Until somebody tries to tackle him. You know what Kyle Rote of the Giants heard last year as our defensive platoon came off the field after putting up with Mr. Brown for a few plays. 'I touched him, I touched him,' yelled one of the defensive backs, all excited, like he'd just returned a pass 100 yards for a score.
J.D., who broke in as a running back with the Forty-Niners when I was their quarterback, runs something like Brown does. Taylor is a little different. He scoots along the ground because, for one thing, he's a little shorter than the others; when somebody puts a hand on him, he sort of explodes.
But your biggest asset, common in all three, seems to be balance. Each of them is tough to knock off his feet. It takes a good shot to drag any one of them down, and even that doesn't always do it because the Giants hit Taylor every which way when we played Green Bay in early December and he still ran for 186 yards.
The thought occurred to me that maybe with the high knee action, which looks spectacular from up in the stands, one leg is always high in the air when the runner is hit, and consequently it is more difficult for him to maintain his balance.
As a kid at Louisiana State, I briefly got a chance to see one of the greatest runners in history, Steve Van Buren, and later when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles I saw him a few times in action. I never remember him taking his feet off the ground to any extent.
With the Forty-Niners I was privileged to play in the same backfield with Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. Very few quarterbacks have ever had the good luck to be able to call on a pair that could do so much with a ball tucked under an arm. There have been greater individual runners, but I don't think anyone has ever had two like them on the same team.
Perry, you know, goes into this season as the leading ground-gainer in league history, and that doesn't count the two early years he spent with the Forty-Niners in the old All-America Conference. He was sent to the Baltimore Colts last year and, at the age of 35, was their leading rusher.
Mac, to my mind, is the best all-around back I've ever seen. There are guys today who are magicians carrying the ball, like Jon Arnett of the Rams. But I'm still partial to McElhenny.
Mac was the only one to come up during my career who had tremendous speed, bounce and unbelievable shiftiness to complement a considerable amount of power. In his heyday, he was the greatest, and if anyone thinks he's lost it, he should see the pictures of The King, as they used to call him in San Francisco, running for the Minnesota Vikings against his old teammates, the Forty-Niners. On an old-fashioned Statue of Liberty play, seven defenders actually had a clear shot at him as he weaved 32 yards for a touchdown.
It was interesting to me, though, that even with Mac's great talent for eluding tacklers he was only mediocre as a faker while running pass patterns. One year the Forty-Niners played him exclusively as a flanker- without too much success. Carrying the ball, Mac let the tackler move first before he committed himself. It was natural instinct that provided the moves to shake him loose. As a receiver, however, he had to pre-plan his cuts and pass routes and consequently was not as elusive.
This reinforces my belief that great running backs are born- with the necessary speed and balance explaining most of their success.
There are some things you can't teach a guy. No one had to show Alex Webster of the Giants how to change direction on a dime, one little maneuver that has transformed him from a back of just average speed into one of the toughest, most elusive runners in the game. And when someone comes along as marvelously equipped as Jimmy Brown, with both quickness and muscle, you just sit back and count the damage.
From my vantage point, handing the ball off and high-tailing it out of there as fast as these old legs will permit, I've seen some great ones in action. None of it has rubbed off, though. My running style is patterned after my little daughter's."
Y.A. Tittle, All-Pro 1962 Football
"Acquired from the 49ers before the season began, Y.A. was sixth in passing in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 102
RALPH GUGLIELMI
Quarterback
No. 9
Notre Dame
"The No. 2 passer to little LeBaron. A healthy right arm should furnish new spark this season. Guglielmi can be spotted as a defensive back.
A No. 1 draft pick in '55, he's one of Notre Dame's all-time greats. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, where he sells insurance."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Guglielmi starts the 1960 campaign certain of a regular signal-calling spot. The club's No. 1 pick in 1955, he lost two years (1956-57) in military service. He tossed four touchdown passes, gaining 617 yards, and also carried for 97 yards. A sore arm hindered his progress in '58.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Guglielmi set the all-time Notre Dame record for yards gained passing. He also sparkled on defense as a collegian.
Guglielmi sells insurance between seasons."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"There were many grandstanders who failed to be enchanted by the 1960 quarterbacking and play-calling of Ralph Guglielmi. 'Goog' reserved his better jobs for foreign fields and carved his best season with 125 completions for 1,574 yards. Ralph rifled nine tallies and hung up a husky 56.1 completion average. He also showed excellent roll-out ability, carrying 79 times, an NFL high for quarterbacks. Despite the impressive credentials of Norm Snead, he must be considered the Redskins' No. 1 quarterback.
Ralph was born in Columbus, Ohio."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Redskin hopes are pinned on the quarterbacking of this former Notre Dame All-American (1954).
He's had a spotted pro career, first operating in the shadow of Eddie LeBaron, missing all of two seasons in military service and then returning in 1958 to find LeBaron still the boss.
In 1960, he got his first full shot at the job; he looked great. And now with sole responsibility, handsome and articulate Ralph has the chance to develop into the top echelons of pro leadership."
-1961 Fleer No. 108
1962 Profiles: Frank Gifford and Joe Morrison
FRANK GIFFORD
Flanker
No. 16
USC
"Frank Gifford, the glamor-boy of the pro ranks, returns after taking a year off to recover completely from a brain concussion. The Bakersfield, California native has been the busiest of all Giants since starting in 1952. He's acquired All-Pro status as both an offensive and defensive halfback, and none could execute the pass-option as capably. Tremendous as a runner and receiver, Frank is good as a passer and all alone as an inspirational leader.
He leaves lucrative advertising and radio-TV duties to attempt to win a 1962 job as a flanker-back."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Frank returns to the active ranks in 1962. He is the all-time Giant point scorer."
-1962 Topps No. 104
JOE MORRISON
Flanker-Safety
No. 40
Cincinnati
Joe's greatest value to the Giants is his versatility. He can be relied on as a halfback, fullback, flanker, tight end, defensive back or kick returner. As a rookie in 1959, he had a 23.0 kickoff return average and in the championship game returned two kicks, one for 33 yards and the other for 22 yards. In 1960, he rushed for 346 yards, recorded 29 receptions for 367 yards, a 12.7 average, and on defense recovered three fumbles.
Last September 24 in Yankee Stadium, Joe caught a key touchdown pass from Tittle in the third quarter for a 17-7 lead in a 17-14 win over Pittsburgh, New York's first win of the season. On October 15 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Joe's one-yard touchdown run gave the Giants a 17-10 lead in an eventual 31-10 win over the Cowboys, lifting New York to a 4-1 record and a tie with Philadelphia for first in the East.
Flanker
No. 16
USC
"Frank Gifford, the glamor-boy of the pro ranks, returns after taking a year off to recover completely from a brain concussion. The Bakersfield, California native has been the busiest of all Giants since starting in 1952. He's acquired All-Pro status as both an offensive and defensive halfback, and none could execute the pass-option as capably. Tremendous as a runner and receiver, Frank is good as a passer and all alone as an inspirational leader.
He leaves lucrative advertising and radio-TV duties to attempt to win a 1962 job as a flanker-back."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Frank returns to the active ranks in 1962. He is the all-time Giant point scorer."
-1962 Topps No. 104
JOE MORRISON
Flanker-Safety
No. 40
Cincinnati
Joe's greatest value to the Giants is his versatility. He can be relied on as a halfback, fullback, flanker, tight end, defensive back or kick returner. As a rookie in 1959, he had a 23.0 kickoff return average and in the championship game returned two kicks, one for 33 yards and the other for 22 yards. In 1960, he rushed for 346 yards, recorded 29 receptions for 367 yards, a 12.7 average, and on defense recovered three fumbles.
Last September 24 in Yankee Stadium, Joe caught a key touchdown pass from Tittle in the third quarter for a 17-7 lead in a 17-14 win over Pittsburgh, New York's first win of the season. On October 15 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Joe's one-yard touchdown run gave the Giants a 17-10 lead in an eventual 31-10 win over the Cowboys, lifting New York to a 4-1 record and a tie with Philadelphia for first in the East.
1962 Profile: Allie Sherman
Head Coach
"The Brooklyn boy who grew up to coach the team he once watched from the bleachers, Able Allie took home a winner as a rookie NFL head coach in 1961 and earned admiration from the players and the press.
He failed to make his high school team but became a left-handed T quarterback at Brooklyn College. Allie was a third-string quarterback with the Eagles (1943-47) and Coach Greasy Neale credited him with having 'one of the sharpest football minds in our business.' Allie was later the Giant backfield coach (1949-53, '59 and '60)."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"The Brooklyn boy who grew up to coach the team he once watched from the bleachers, Able Allie took home a winner as a rookie NFL head coach in 1961 and earned admiration from the players and the press.
He failed to make his high school team but became a left-handed T quarterback at Brooklyn College. Allie was a third-string quarterback with the Eagles (1943-47) and Coach Greasy Neale credited him with having 'one of the sharpest football minds in our business.' Allie was later the Giant backfield coach (1949-53, '59 and '60)."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
Thursday, May 22, 2014
1962 New York Giants Outlook
"Strange will it be to see a Giant club without Charley Conerly and Kyle Rote, a pair of elder statesmen who decided to labor no longer on Sundays. Their retirements, however, have no bearing on the team's predicted drop to second place.
Y.A. Tittle will be the boss at the T controls, ably assisted by Ralph Guglielmi, the former Redskin and Card. Alex Webster at fullback and halfback Bob Gaiters, both of questionable value, share the ball-carrying duties. Questions: did Webster really 'come back' in '61, or was it his final fling as a quality performer? Can Gaiters overcome his shyness and take command as a heavy duty rusher?
Pass catchers, despite Rote's loss, are plentiful and productive. Let's start with Del Shofner and continue through Jim Podoley, Joe Walton, rookie Jerry Hillebrand and Frank Gifford, back again and supposedly in sound condition. Giff is tabbed for the flanker post and only panic would make coach Allie Sherman move Frank back to his old running spot.
Up front is where New York has its mightiest muscles. The line is fast moving, blocks sharply and under the tutelage of line coach Ed Kolman will get better. There are plenty of guards to go around - Jack Stroud, Darrell Dess, Mickey Walker and Zeke Smith. Tackles, too, are numerous and good: Rosey Brown, Greg Larson and Charlie Janerette. And Notre Dame's Bob Bill is one freshman who has the physique and credentials to succeed as an interior lineman.
The famed Giant defense is rusting in certain areas. The ageless quartet of Andy Robustelli and Jim Katcavage (ends) and Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski (tackles) may be intact, but the Green Bay Packers served notice that these four are not the man-eaters of yesterday.
There'll be some reshuffling among the linebackers now that Cliff Livingston has gone over to the Vikings for Dick Pesonen. Also, Sam Huff must play back to form after a '61 slump. Tom Scott will have to face challenges from holdovers Bob Simms and Larry Hayes, and all will battle with rookies Cody Binkley, Dave Bishop and Curt Miranda.
Dick Lynch, Jim Patton and Erich Barnes are the excellent pass defenders back on the job. Scrapping for the fourth spot will be Joe Morrison, Gene Johnson and Allan Webb.
Summing up: Offense - passing strong; pass receiving outstanding; running must be proved; line of high caliber. Defense - minor adjustments required before veterans fade too quickly."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"The Maramen will never be accused of resting on their laurels under Allie Sherman. He shook up both the coaching staff and the team to revitalize the Eastern champions. To watch the machinations of the New York Giants last winter, you would have thought they finished 1961 in the second division and were striving to desperately to rebuild.
That traumatic experience on the last day of December in Green Bay no doubt caused a certain amount of shock. Maybe there was also the realization that the Giants had no business, on paper, dominating the Eastern Conference.
Everything conspired in their favor. They nursed a couple of Frank Merriwell performances out of their quadragenarian quarterback, Charlie Conerly, and he promptly retired. Almost as ancient Y.A. Tittle, who had never played on a winner in a decade of pro ball, joined the club on the eve of the season and was a remarkable leader. Alex Webster, hobbling on gimpy legs, invited to camp only on a trial basis, carried the main portion of the running load. Del Shofner, discarded by the Rams, became the best deep receiver in Giant history. A rookie, Greg Larson, who never played tackle in his life, found himself a pro starter at that position. Pat Summerall played well, then announced his retirement in the spring.
So Allie Sherman, in his first year as an NFL coach, had a conference champion. And the first postseason statement was, 'We won't stand pat. Things change fast in this business, and you've got to change with them or you'll wind up in last place instead of first.'
The 37-0 debacle in the title game influenced his thinking. So did Conerly's farewell. And Kyle Rote retired to become the offensive coach.
Not even the coaching staff was allowed the privilege of 'stand-patism.' Defensive coach Harland Svare and backfield coach Don Heinrich were 'allowed' to resign and return to their native West Coast habitats, the former as the defensive aide of the Los Angeles Rams. Andy Robustelli assumes a full-time role as head of the defense while continuing his active playing career.
To make up for Conerly, the Giants dealt draftee Bill Triplett and a future choice to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ralph Guglielmi, the old Notre Dame and Washington Redskins pitcher. They're apparently convinced that young Lee Grosscup isn't the answer to their future quarterbacking plans. Frank Gifford ended his one-year sabbatical and will try to resume his role as one of the star halfbacks in the league. Chances are he'll spend most of his time flanking as a receiver.
Safety man Dick Nolan, an eight-year veteran, was permitted to take a coaching job with Dallas. In the biggest surprise, corner linebacker Cliff Livingston, also an eight-year fixture, was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings for young corner halfback Dick Pesonen. More shakeups are due after the training camp exercises.
The only stumbling block to big shifts in personnel is a reluctance by other clubs to deal with the Giants after their phenomenal haul of Tittle and Shofner. But Tittle will benefit by his year of acquaintanceship with the Giant offense. And Shofner, Joe Walton, Gifford, Jim Podoley and husky rookie Jerry Hillebrand comprise a formidable crew of receivers.
There's the same defensive line that has held the fort since 1956- Jim Katcavage, Robustelli, Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski. Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes will match any set of corner backs in the league. Jim Patton is a playing coach at safety.
The offensive line retains familiar dependable Rosey Brown (tip-top again after knee surgery), Jack Stroud, Ray Wietecha and Darrell Dess, with youngsters Larson and Mickey Walker.
The most vulnerable are the running backs. Webster could fall apart at any time. Bobby Gaiters was erratic as a rookie. Phil King always gets hurt. Joe Morrison never settles long enough at one spot.
Another potential trouble area is the linebacking, where Sam Huff and Tom Scott are reliable, but a replacement must be found for Livingston. The defensive secondary lacks a fourth starter unless Pesonen justifies the trade or Morrison is allowed a full-time lease at safety. With Robustelli's coaching burden, a swing man will also be necessary on the defensive line.
It's a cinch the Giants aren't standing still."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
OFFENSE
"Ends: Del Shofner's deep threat and Joe Walton's blocking is an ideal combination. Jerry Hillebrand is built to stand the gaff.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Rosey Brown's operation is key. Greg Larson's inexperience hurt at times last year- he should be better. Bob Bill is supposed to have good speed.
Rating: Good
Guards: Jack Stroud and Darrell Dess figure to be starters again (unless Jack is moved to tackle), with Mickey Walker an acceptable reserve and Zeke Smith in the picture.
Rating: Good
Centers: Ray Wietecha goes on and on. Larson can play center in a pinch.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: Having Y.A. Tittle right from the start of camp is a big boost. If Yat slows down, Ralph Guglielmi is on hand.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: Bob Gaiters has the physical ability. Will he mature into a top hand?
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Frank Gifford can play tight half, but will probably stay on the flank.
Rating: Very Good
Fullbacks: Can they coax another year out of Alex Webster? They better.
Rating: Good
Strength: The passing game is the best it's been in years, with the Tittle-Shofner combo and a plus in the return of Gifford and Podoley. Weakness: Those are no kids for the key spots, with four 10-year men and a couple more just on the verge.
Rating: Good"
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
DEFENSE
"Jim Katcavage is at the top of his game, but the dual responsibility of playing and coaching could affect Andy Robustelli. The Giants need another dependable lineman.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Same depth problem here, too, with another man needed to spell Dick Modzelewski or Rosey Grier if age or injuries ever fell them. Fran Kehoe is a big one at 330.
Rating: Good
Linebackers: The possible Achilles heel of the defense. Allie Sherman gambled by trading Cliff Livingston and hopes Larry Hayes or Bob Simms can fill the bill. At his age, Tom Scott might need help, too. Bookie Bolin could be the brightest of the rookies.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Top-notch corner play, the best you could want, from Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch, and they should be right at the peaks of their bright careers.
Rating: Excellent
Safeties: Jim Patton is Old Reliable, but one spot is open. The traded-for Dick Pesonen is the likely man to fill it, but the Giants can always fall back on Joe Morrison.
Rating: Good
Strength: The front four have been playing together so long that they almost do it by rote. The corner backs are the best in the league. Weakness: They definitely need more linemen to meet emergencies. They also need to fill voids at linebacker and safety.
Rating: Good"
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
THE GIANTS ARE BACK IN THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS
"The New York Football Giants, boasting a colorful array of seasoned stars and promising rookies, will be back at Yankee Stadium next Fall seeking their second straight NFL Eastern title- and their fifth division championship in the past seven years!
Coach Allie Sherman's exciting team, which won ten of 14 games with one tie last year, returns with most of the old favorites for its tough seven-game Stadium schedule.
Leading the offense, the second-best attacking unit in pro football in 1961, will be the venerable quarterback Y.A. Tittle, pass receiving stars Del Shofner, Joe Walton and Kyle Rote, fullback Alex Webster, speed merchant Bob Gaiters and those line stalwarts- center Ray Wietecha and All-Pro tackle Rosey Brown.
The Giants defensive unit, which permitted the fewest points (220) last season, again is led by All-Pro linebacker Sam Huff, Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage, Rosey Grier, Dick Lynch, Erich Barnes and Jimmy Patton.
Among the promising newcomers are No. 1 draft pick Jerry Hillebrand, the Colorado All-American end; Bob Bill, Notre Dame tackle; Ken Byers, Cincinnati tackle; Bookie Bolin, All-American guard from Ole Miss; Jim Collier, Arkansas end, and Steve Simms, Rutgers, fullback and younger brother of Giant linebacker Bob Simms.
Win, lose or draw, Giant fans can expect plenty of fireworks at Yankee Stadium again this season. Who can forget that memorable steak last season when Coach Sherman's missile-minded forces amassed 170 points in four games- a surge that carried them to the Eastern title?
But don't wait too long to buy your tickets- they're going fast! Order through the Giants' Coliseum Tower offices and make sure you're on hand to see the Maramen battle Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, St. Louis, Dallas and the Detroit Lions, who are making their first appearance ever at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook
Y.A. Tittle will be the boss at the T controls, ably assisted by Ralph Guglielmi, the former Redskin and Card. Alex Webster at fullback and halfback Bob Gaiters, both of questionable value, share the ball-carrying duties. Questions: did Webster really 'come back' in '61, or was it his final fling as a quality performer? Can Gaiters overcome his shyness and take command as a heavy duty rusher?
Pass catchers, despite Rote's loss, are plentiful and productive. Let's start with Del Shofner and continue through Jim Podoley, Joe Walton, rookie Jerry Hillebrand and Frank Gifford, back again and supposedly in sound condition. Giff is tabbed for the flanker post and only panic would make coach Allie Sherman move Frank back to his old running spot.
Up front is where New York has its mightiest muscles. The line is fast moving, blocks sharply and under the tutelage of line coach Ed Kolman will get better. There are plenty of guards to go around - Jack Stroud, Darrell Dess, Mickey Walker and Zeke Smith. Tackles, too, are numerous and good: Rosey Brown, Greg Larson and Charlie Janerette. And Notre Dame's Bob Bill is one freshman who has the physique and credentials to succeed as an interior lineman.
The famed Giant defense is rusting in certain areas. The ageless quartet of Andy Robustelli and Jim Katcavage (ends) and Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski (tackles) may be intact, but the Green Bay Packers served notice that these four are not the man-eaters of yesterday.
There'll be some reshuffling among the linebackers now that Cliff Livingston has gone over to the Vikings for Dick Pesonen. Also, Sam Huff must play back to form after a '61 slump. Tom Scott will have to face challenges from holdovers Bob Simms and Larry Hayes, and all will battle with rookies Cody Binkley, Dave Bishop and Curt Miranda.
Dick Lynch, Jim Patton and Erich Barnes are the excellent pass defenders back on the job. Scrapping for the fourth spot will be Joe Morrison, Gene Johnson and Allan Webb.
Summing up: Offense - passing strong; pass receiving outstanding; running must be proved; line of high caliber. Defense - minor adjustments required before veterans fade too quickly."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"The Maramen will never be accused of resting on their laurels under Allie Sherman. He shook up both the coaching staff and the team to revitalize the Eastern champions. To watch the machinations of the New York Giants last winter, you would have thought they finished 1961 in the second division and were striving to desperately to rebuild.
That traumatic experience on the last day of December in Green Bay no doubt caused a certain amount of shock. Maybe there was also the realization that the Giants had no business, on paper, dominating the Eastern Conference.
Everything conspired in their favor. They nursed a couple of Frank Merriwell performances out of their quadragenarian quarterback, Charlie Conerly, and he promptly retired. Almost as ancient Y.A. Tittle, who had never played on a winner in a decade of pro ball, joined the club on the eve of the season and was a remarkable leader. Alex Webster, hobbling on gimpy legs, invited to camp only on a trial basis, carried the main portion of the running load. Del Shofner, discarded by the Rams, became the best deep receiver in Giant history. A rookie, Greg Larson, who never played tackle in his life, found himself a pro starter at that position. Pat Summerall played well, then announced his retirement in the spring.
So Allie Sherman, in his first year as an NFL coach, had a conference champion. And the first postseason statement was, 'We won't stand pat. Things change fast in this business, and you've got to change with them or you'll wind up in last place instead of first.'
The 37-0 debacle in the title game influenced his thinking. So did Conerly's farewell. And Kyle Rote retired to become the offensive coach.
Not even the coaching staff was allowed the privilege of 'stand-patism.' Defensive coach Harland Svare and backfield coach Don Heinrich were 'allowed' to resign and return to their native West Coast habitats, the former as the defensive aide of the Los Angeles Rams. Andy Robustelli assumes a full-time role as head of the defense while continuing his active playing career.
To make up for Conerly, the Giants dealt draftee Bill Triplett and a future choice to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ralph Guglielmi, the old Notre Dame and Washington Redskins pitcher. They're apparently convinced that young Lee Grosscup isn't the answer to their future quarterbacking plans. Frank Gifford ended his one-year sabbatical and will try to resume his role as one of the star halfbacks in the league. Chances are he'll spend most of his time flanking as a receiver.
Safety man Dick Nolan, an eight-year veteran, was permitted to take a coaching job with Dallas. In the biggest surprise, corner linebacker Cliff Livingston, also an eight-year fixture, was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings for young corner halfback Dick Pesonen. More shakeups are due after the training camp exercises.
The only stumbling block to big shifts in personnel is a reluctance by other clubs to deal with the Giants after their phenomenal haul of Tittle and Shofner. But Tittle will benefit by his year of acquaintanceship with the Giant offense. And Shofner, Joe Walton, Gifford, Jim Podoley and husky rookie Jerry Hillebrand comprise a formidable crew of receivers.
There's the same defensive line that has held the fort since 1956- Jim Katcavage, Robustelli, Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski. Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes will match any set of corner backs in the league. Jim Patton is a playing coach at safety.
The offensive line retains familiar dependable Rosey Brown (tip-top again after knee surgery), Jack Stroud, Ray Wietecha and Darrell Dess, with youngsters Larson and Mickey Walker.
The most vulnerable are the running backs. Webster could fall apart at any time. Bobby Gaiters was erratic as a rookie. Phil King always gets hurt. Joe Morrison never settles long enough at one spot.
Another potential trouble area is the linebacking, where Sam Huff and Tom Scott are reliable, but a replacement must be found for Livingston. The defensive secondary lacks a fourth starter unless Pesonen justifies the trade or Morrison is allowed a full-time lease at safety. With Robustelli's coaching burden, a swing man will also be necessary on the defensive line.
It's a cinch the Giants aren't standing still."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
OFFENSE
"Ends: Del Shofner's deep threat and Joe Walton's blocking is an ideal combination. Jerry Hillebrand is built to stand the gaff.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Rosey Brown's operation is key. Greg Larson's inexperience hurt at times last year- he should be better. Bob Bill is supposed to have good speed.
Rating: Good
Guards: Jack Stroud and Darrell Dess figure to be starters again (unless Jack is moved to tackle), with Mickey Walker an acceptable reserve and Zeke Smith in the picture.
Rating: Good
Centers: Ray Wietecha goes on and on. Larson can play center in a pinch.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: Having Y.A. Tittle right from the start of camp is a big boost. If Yat slows down, Ralph Guglielmi is on hand.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: Bob Gaiters has the physical ability. Will he mature into a top hand?
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Frank Gifford can play tight half, but will probably stay on the flank.
Rating: Very Good
Fullbacks: Can they coax another year out of Alex Webster? They better.
Rating: Good
Strength: The passing game is the best it's been in years, with the Tittle-Shofner combo and a plus in the return of Gifford and Podoley. Weakness: Those are no kids for the key spots, with four 10-year men and a couple more just on the verge.
Rating: Good"
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
DEFENSE
"Jim Katcavage is at the top of his game, but the dual responsibility of playing and coaching could affect Andy Robustelli. The Giants need another dependable lineman.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Same depth problem here, too, with another man needed to spell Dick Modzelewski or Rosey Grier if age or injuries ever fell them. Fran Kehoe is a big one at 330.
Rating: Good
Linebackers: The possible Achilles heel of the defense. Allie Sherman gambled by trading Cliff Livingston and hopes Larry Hayes or Bob Simms can fill the bill. At his age, Tom Scott might need help, too. Bookie Bolin could be the brightest of the rookies.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Top-notch corner play, the best you could want, from Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch, and they should be right at the peaks of their bright careers.
Rating: Excellent
Safeties: Jim Patton is Old Reliable, but one spot is open. The traded-for Dick Pesonen is the likely man to fill it, but the Giants can always fall back on Joe Morrison.
Rating: Good
Strength: The front four have been playing together so long that they almost do it by rote. The corner backs are the best in the league. Weakness: They definitely need more linemen to meet emergencies. They also need to fill voids at linebacker and safety.
Rating: Good"
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
THE GIANTS ARE BACK IN THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS
"The New York Football Giants, boasting a colorful array of seasoned stars and promising rookies, will be back at Yankee Stadium next Fall seeking their second straight NFL Eastern title- and their fifth division championship in the past seven years!
Coach Allie Sherman's exciting team, which won ten of 14 games with one tie last year, returns with most of the old favorites for its tough seven-game Stadium schedule.
Leading the offense, the second-best attacking unit in pro football in 1961, will be the venerable quarterback Y.A. Tittle, pass receiving stars Del Shofner, Joe Walton and Kyle Rote, fullback Alex Webster, speed merchant Bob Gaiters and those line stalwarts- center Ray Wietecha and All-Pro tackle Rosey Brown.
The Giants defensive unit, which permitted the fewest points (220) last season, again is led by All-Pro linebacker Sam Huff, Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage, Rosey Grier, Dick Lynch, Erich Barnes and Jimmy Patton.
Among the promising newcomers are No. 1 draft pick Jerry Hillebrand, the Colorado All-American end; Bob Bill, Notre Dame tackle; Ken Byers, Cincinnati tackle; Bookie Bolin, All-American guard from Ole Miss; Jim Collier, Arkansas end, and Steve Simms, Rutgers, fullback and younger brother of Giant linebacker Bob Simms.
Win, lose or draw, Giant fans can expect plenty of fireworks at Yankee Stadium again this season. Who can forget that memorable steak last season when Coach Sherman's missile-minded forces amassed 170 points in four games- a surge that carried them to the Eastern title?
But don't wait too long to buy your tickets- they're going fast! Order through the Giants' Coliseum Tower offices and make sure you're on hand to see the Maramen battle Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, St. Louis, Dallas and the Detroit Lions, who are making their first appearance ever at Yankee Stadium."
-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook
1962 New York Giants Preseason Roster
49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue
Bob Bill (G-T) Notre Dame
Cody Binkley (LB) Vanderbilt
Dave Bishop (LB) Connecticut
Reed Bohovich (G-T) Lehigh
79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State
Ken Byers (G) Cincinnati
34 Don Chandler (K-HB) Florida
Willie Clarington (G-T) Florida A&M
Jim Collier (E) Arkansas
John Counts (HB) Illinois
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
35 Bob Gaiters (HB) New Mexico State
16 Frank Gifford (HB) USC
76 Rosey Grier (DT) Penn State
11 Lee Grosscup (QB) Utah
Ralph Guglielmi (QB) Notre Dame
Tom Haggerty (HB) Columbia
12 Pete Hall (E) Marquette
52 Larry Hayes (LB) Vanderbilt
Jerry Hillebrand (E) Colorado
70 Sam Huff (LB) West Virginia
72 Charlie Janerette (G) Penn State
41 Gene Johnson (DB) Cincinnati
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
Fran Kehoe (DT) Boston University
24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt
Lou Kirouac (E) Boston College
Glen Knight (E) Shaw
53 Greg Larson (T-C) Minnesota
22 Dick Lynch (DB) Notre Dame
Francis Marriott (QB) Troy State
Curtis Miranda (LB) Florida A&M
77 Dick Modzelewski (DT) Maryland
40 Joe Morrison (OB-DB) Cincinnati
Pete Mortimer (G) Montclair State
20 Jim Patton (DB) Mississippi
Dick Pesonen (DB) Duluth
Jim Podoley (OB) Central Michigan
81 Andy Robustelli (DE) Arnold
82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
83 Bob Simms (LB) Rutgers
Steve Simms (FB) Rutgers
61 Zeke Smith (G) Auburn
66 Jack Stroud (G) Tennessee
88 Pat Summerall (K-E) Arkansas
Joe Taylor (HB) North Carolina A&T
14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU
64 Mickey Walker (G) Michigan State
80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh
21 Allan Webb (OB-DB) Arnold
29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State
Joel Wells (OB) Clemson
55 Ray Wietecha (C) (Northwestern)
-1962 Pro Football Handbook
1962 New York Giants Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Ends
Del Shofner (Baylor)
Joe Walton (Pittsburgh)
Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)
Pete Hall (Marquette)
Tackles
Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State)
Greg Larson (Minnesota)
Chuck Janerette (Penn State)
Bob Bill (Notre Dame)
Guards
Jack Stroud (Tennessee)
Mickey Walker (Michigan State)
Darrell Dess (North Carolina State)
Zeke Smith (Auburn)
Centers
Ray Wietecha (Northwestern)
Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)
Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame)
Lee Grosscup (Utah)
Halfbacks
Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State)
Johnny Counts (Illinois)
Flankers
Frank Gifford (USC)
Jim Podoley (Central Michigan)
Fullbacks
Alex Webster (North Carolina State)
Phil King (Vanderbilt)
DEFENSE
Ends
Jim Katcavage (Dayton)
Andy Robustelli (Arnold)
Willie Clarington (Florida A & M)
Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)
Tackles
Dick Modzelewski (Maryland)
Rosey Grier (Penn State)
Fran Kehoe (Boston)
Ken Byers (Cincinnati)
Linebackers
Sam Huff (West Virginia)
Tom Scott (Virginia)
Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt)
Bob Simms (Rutgers)
Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)
Dave Bishop (Connecticut)
Halfbacks
Erich Barnes (Purdue)
Dick Lynch (Notre Dame)
Jim Collier (Arkansas)
Gene Johnson (Cincinnati)
Safeties
Jim Patton (Mississippi)
Joe Morrison (Cincinnati)
Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth)
Allan Webb (Arnold)
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29, Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Jim Podoley (Central Michigan) 23
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)*, Pete Hall (Marquette) 12
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
C - Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55, Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)*
G - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Zeke Smith (Auburn) 61
T - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Jim Collier (Arkansas) 84
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77, Ken Byers (Cincinnati)*
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)*
LB - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)*, Bob Simms (Rutgers) 83
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70, Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt) 52
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Dave Bishop (Connecticut)*
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49, Gene Johnson (Cincinnati) 41
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
PR - Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
*rookie
1962 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14
QB - Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35
HB - Sam Horner (VMI) 26
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
C - Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55
G - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
T - Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82
LB - Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado) 87
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
S - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
OFFENSE
Ends
Del Shofner (Baylor)
Joe Walton (Pittsburgh)
Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)
Pete Hall (Marquette)
Tackles
Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State)
Greg Larson (Minnesota)
Chuck Janerette (Penn State)
Bob Bill (Notre Dame)
Guards
Jack Stroud (Tennessee)
Mickey Walker (Michigan State)
Darrell Dess (North Carolina State)
Zeke Smith (Auburn)
Centers
Ray Wietecha (Northwestern)
Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)
Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame)
Lee Grosscup (Utah)
Halfbacks
Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State)
Johnny Counts (Illinois)
Flankers
Frank Gifford (USC)
Jim Podoley (Central Michigan)
Fullbacks
Alex Webster (North Carolina State)
Phil King (Vanderbilt)
DEFENSE
Ends
Jim Katcavage (Dayton)
Andy Robustelli (Arnold)
Willie Clarington (Florida A & M)
Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)
Tackles
Dick Modzelewski (Maryland)
Rosey Grier (Penn State)
Fran Kehoe (Boston)
Ken Byers (Cincinnati)
Linebackers
Sam Huff (West Virginia)
Tom Scott (Virginia)
Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt)
Bob Simms (Rutgers)
Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)
Dave Bishop (Connecticut)
Halfbacks
Erich Barnes (Purdue)
Dick Lynch (Notre Dame)
Jim Collier (Arkansas)
Gene Johnson (Cincinnati)
Safeties
Jim Patton (Mississippi)
Joe Morrison (Cincinnati)
Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth)
Allan Webb (Arnold)
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29, Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Jim Podoley (Central Michigan) 23
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)*, Pete Hall (Marquette) 12
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
C - Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55, Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)*
G - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Zeke Smith (Auburn) 61
T - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Jim Collier (Arkansas) 84
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77, Ken Byers (Cincinnati)*
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)*
LB - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)*, Bob Simms (Rutgers) 83
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70, Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt) 52
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Dave Bishop (Connecticut)*
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49, Gene Johnson (Cincinnati) 41
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
PR - Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
*rookie
1962 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14
QB - Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB - Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35
HB - Sam Horner (VMI) 26
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
C - Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55
G - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
T - Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72
DT - Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DT - Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
MLB - Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82
LB - Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado) 87
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
S - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Other 1961 Giant Profiles
LEE GROSSCUP
Quarterback
No. 11
Utah
"Maybe this is the year that quarterback Lee Grosscup 'comes of age.' Selected as the top draft choice in '59, he was carried on the practice squad, not seeing action until last year when he completed 11 passes for 144 yards. He is cool and confident, and throws a sharp pass for great distance"
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
1st Round
New Mexico State
"The retirement of Frank Gifford has created a major void at left halfback. Expected to fill it is No. 1 draft choice Bob Gaiters, the New Mexico State sensation who was boss of all college ground-gainers in '60. A shifty runner who can power a line or skirt to the outside, his speed also makes him a dangerous pass receiver. Scouts are in agreement as to his vast potential and the Giants will be mighty relieved if he can pick up the ball-carrying slack."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
CLIFF LIVINGSTON
Linebacker
No. 89
UCLA
PRO'S PRO
"His brother Howie preceded Cliff to the Giants by a decade. No great shakes as a collegian, Cliff reported to New York as a free agent, was once on the taxi squad but now has come into his own as one of the swiftest linebackers in pro ball, great on goal line saves. At 31, he's been around long enough to know all the tricks.
The handsome Californian lives aboard his boat in the off-season and has done both modeling and TV work. A third brother tries out this season."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football
GENE JOHNSON
Safety
No. 41
Cincinnati
"Gene got some championship flavor playing the defensive secondary for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He broke in with the Eagles as a rookie in 1959 after a solid career at Cincinnati.
In college, he played both end and halfback, leading to the suspicion that he could be tried as a pro receiver in a pinch. On defense, he's a rugged type, known as a sure tackler and a tenacious tracker of potential receivers."
-1961 Fleer No. 131
DON CHANDLER
Punter
No. 34
Florida
"The punting performance of Don Chandler dropped to a career low last year, all due to a season-long ailment. The Tulsa toe man had led the loop in '57 and was No. 2 in both '58 and '59. He was no better than 11th in '60, achieving a 40.5 average.
Don also surprised with a pair of dashes from punt formation, gaining 19 yards."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
Quarterback
No. 11
Utah
LEE GROSSCUP WRITES
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
is bound in shallows in miseries.
-Shakespeare
"Shakespeare didn't know pro football. Still the above from Julius Caeser might by translated into layman's tongue and given as a halftime 'fight talk.'
There is also a tide in the affairs of professional football players. Taken at the flood, this tide leads to dollar bills. Omitted, there is only 'wait until next year.'
Last season was one of those years for the New York Giants. But 1960 is now history. I think I speak for the Giant players when I say that 1961 is going to be different. Somehow third place doesn't suit our bunch.
I hope '61 will be better for me personally. Last year I spent most every Sunday afternoon talking on telephones. Prior to that I was on the 'taxi squad.' I've absorbed a lot of football. Now that I've studied for so long, I'd like to take my final examinations.
People seem skeptical about our ball club. I keep hearing 'the Giants are too old.' True, our club has age, but we also have youth, and many more youngsters will be trying to earn a Giant uniform in training camp this year.
If the youngsters succeed, they will give a 'new look' to the club. If not, our veterans will still be pushed to greater heights. I know from our brief association with the members of our squad that we have men who are tremendous competitors.
People are always asking me how it feels to be playing behind a man like Charlie Conerly. It feels just like playing behind anybody else ... bad. As much as I admire Charlie for what he has been for the Giants, I still want his job. When training camp rolls around I'm going to give it all I have to win the starting quarterback spot.
I think I understand Charlie well enough now to know that he wouldn't want it any other way.
Lots of other young quarterbacks have tried the same thing. I'm trying without success. Perhaps I'll be more fortunate."
-Lee Grosscup, The Official New York Giants Newsletter, February 1961
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Lee Grosscup (11) begins his second official season with the Giants a long step closer toward being a well-rounded pro quarterback. The Giants drafted him No. 1 in 1959, trained him on their taxi squad that year and put him to work on a limited basis in 1960. One of the nation's top passers at Utah, Lee rates high in the Giants' future plans."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
PHIL KING
Halfback
No. 24
Vanderbitlt
"After three years of waiting in the wings, Phil King (24) is scheduled to get a full-scale shot at running the ball for the Giants. Six-foot-four, 220 pounds and fast, he has the natural qualifications to be a top-notch carrier. He catches passes well, too.
Vanderbilt captain in 1957, Phil was the Giants' No. 1 draft choice in 1958. He prepped for his big chance by filling capably at all three backfield posts."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
JIM PODOLEY
Halfback
No. 23
Central Michigan
"Newcomer Jim didn't stop for introductions on his way through the line last season. He just kept barreling his way for first downs and headlines. It was Jim's rushing and pass-catching which helped to make the Redskins a lot stronger."
-1958 Topps No. 121
"Jim had a slow season in 1958 due to injuries. He was the NFL's premier right half during his '57 rookie campaign. He's a strong, fast runner who could make the Skins an explosive unit.
Born in Mt. Morris, Michigan, Jim was a hurdler and a 9.6 100-yard man at Central Michigan."
- Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Jim caught 18 passes for two touchdowns and 282 yards in 1959 from his right halfback position. He averaged 4.6 per carry, gaining 38 yards on 18 rushes.
Considered the best right halfback in the NFL as a 1957 rookie, torn knee cartilage in '58 slowed him up a bit. Jim was an all-around track star and two-time decathalon winner of the Kansas Relays.
Born in Mt. Morris, Michigan, he's a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Force."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
BOB GAITERS
Halfback1st Round
New Mexico State
"The retirement of Frank Gifford has created a major void at left halfback. Expected to fill it is No. 1 draft choice Bob Gaiters, the New Mexico State sensation who was boss of all college ground-gainers in '60. A shifty runner who can power a line or skirt to the outside, his speed also makes him a dangerous pass receiver. Scouts are in agreement as to his vast potential and the Giants will be mighty relieved if he can pick up the ball-carrying slack."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Bob Gaiters promises to put a zip in the Giants' attack for '61.
The New Mexico State University brochure points out, among other items, that the school's physics department has one of the leading anti-missile research programs in the country.
This is not surprising when one considers that New Mexico State's athletic department has been specializing in the development of gridiron missiles, one of whom will be wearing a Giant uniform next season.
That would be, of course, Rapid Robert Gaiters.
Gaiters, one of the most sought-after collegiate backs in the nation, was acquired by the Giants in a last-minute deal with Washington during the annual draft meeting in December. New York traded Fred Hageman, Kansas center, to the Redskins and in return was allowed to pick in Washington's place in the second round of the draft.
Without a second's hesitation, Giants VP Wellington Mara said, 'We'll take Gaiters.'
In the opinion of most pro scouts, Gaiters has the equipment to become a great NFL running back. The 23-year-old from Santa Ana, Calif., is six feet tall and weighs 205. He has been clocked at 9.7 for the one hundred many times, making him one of the swiftest rookies to hit the league in years.
Because New Mexico State, located in Los Cruces, N.M., about 40 miles north of El Paso, didn't attract too much national attention, many of Gaiters' brilliant feats went unnoticed last year. But still, you can't argue with figures.
The NCAA major college statistics disclose that the Giants' rookie led the nation in rushing, was first in scoring and finished 11th in total offense.
In 10 games, Rapid Robert carried 197 times for 1,338 yards- or almost seven yards a pop! He also scored 23 touchdowns and seven PATs for a total of 145 points.
Gaiters was just one of the many fine rookie prospects acquired by the Giants in this year's draft."
-The Official New York Giants Newsletter, February 1961
ALEX WEBSTER
Fullback
No. 29
North Carolina State
Alex can play halfback or fullback, can carry the ball through the line or to the outside or can catch passes. He can be counted on when clutch yardage is needed.
This New Jersey native starred in the Canadian League for two years before donning the Giant blue. Selected All-Pro by both UPI and AP in his rookie season of 1955 and an AP All-Pro in 1956, Alex rushed for two touchdowns in New York's championship game victory in '56.
"One of the brightest Giant developments to date has been the apparent return of Alex Webster (29) to his former effectiveness as a running back after two injury-ridden seasons. When sound, Alex has few peers at getting the last inch a play has to offer.
He was one of the Giants' prime movers on the attack from 1955 through 1958. A North Carolina State product, Webster came to the Giants via Canada."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
JOE MORRISON
Running Back
"Joe Morrison (40) begins his third season with the Giants solidly established as the team's top all-purpose back. The 195-pound Cincinnati graduate, who does everything well, is slated to play on the wing in the revamped Giant attack. But he stands ready to move back behind the ball if needed.
Drafted No. 3 in 1959, Joe gained 747 yards by devious means as a pro freshman and made 713 from scrimmage last year."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
PETE HALL
End
1st Year
Marquette
"Technically, Pete Hall (12) is a rookie, this being the first year the Giants have carried him on their in-season roster. Actually, Pete appeared on the scene last year and was carried on the Giants' 1960 taxi squad.
A quarterback at Marquette, Hall was converted to an offensive end this summer. It was an inspired shift. The position suits him and vice versa. He's tall, fast and has good hands."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
Darrell is a guard with the strength and agility to lead interference and move any opposing tacklers. He was acquired by New York from Pittsburgh in 1959 in yet another smart trade by the Giants.
A letterman in both football and wrestling at North Carolina State, Darrell is an off-season substitute teacher who plans to become a full-time teacher at the end of his playing days.
"Darrell Dess, drafted No. 11 by Washington in 1958, was acquired by the Giants in a 1959 deal with Pittsburgh. The New Yorkers mined a gem in getting the compact 235-pounder from North Carolina State.
He's the perfect running guard- fast enough to get out ahead and stay ahead of the backs on the wide plays and strong enough to bowl over any defender who is in the way."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
MICKEY WALKER
Guard
Free Agent
Michigan State
"Another of the rising young players who have given the 1961 Giants a fresh look is Mickey Walker (65). This stalwart rookie from Michigan State has the makings of a crack offensive guard. At 225 pounds, he's a bit light for the position, but he minimizes this handicap by speed and the tigerish intensity with which he carries out his blocking assignments. He was signed as a free agent."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
LOU CORDILEONE
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
"As a scholastic star in nearby Union City, New Jersey, Lou Cordileone dreamed of the day he'd play for the Giants. All this came true as a '60 rookie - he earned his spurs as a rugged offensive tackle who learned more in each game.
He was a fullback in high school and a tremendous blocking lineman at Clemson."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
CHUCK JANERETTE
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Penn State
"A three-sport star at Germantown (Penn.) High School, he earned four college football letters. Janerette was mentioned for All-American squads and played in the Copper Bowl and All-American Bowl. He was named to the 1960 College All-Star Game."
-1961Bell Brand No. 36
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
"As a scholastic star in nearby Union City, New Jersey, Lou Cordileone dreamed of the day he'd play for the Giants. All this came true as a '60 rookie - he earned his spurs as a rugged offensive tackle who learned more in each game.
He was a fullback in high school and a tremendous blocking lineman at Clemson."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
CHUCK JANERETTE
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Penn State
"A three-sport star at Germantown (Penn.) High School, he earned four college football letters. Janerette was mentioned for All-American squads and played in the Copper Bowl and All-American Bowl. He was named to the 1960 College All-Star Game."
-1961Bell Brand No. 36
CLIFF LIVINGSTON
Linebacker
No. 89
UCLA
PRO'S PRO
"His brother Howie preceded Cliff to the Giants by a decade. No great shakes as a collegian, Cliff reported to New York as a free agent, was once on the taxi squad but now has come into his own as one of the swiftest linebackers in pro ball, great on goal line saves. At 31, he's been around long enough to know all the tricks.
The handsome Californian lives aboard his boat in the off-season and has done both modeling and TV work. A third brother tries out this season."
-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football
"The Giants couldn't lick Cliff Livingston (89) so they joined him, to give a reverse twist to the success story of a dedicated football player. A brother of Howie Livingston, Cliff was signed as a free agent in 1954. For a couple of seasons, he hung on, by the skin of his teeth, as a spare. His firey play on the special units finally won attention and now he's solidly established at left linebacker."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
With Harland Svare's playing days apparently at an end, Tom has shown himself ready for regular linebacker duty. He's a hard tackler who has had no difficulty making the switch from defensive end, where the former Virginia All-American twice achieved Pro Bowl status.
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
In 1960 Dick continued to move into the upper tier of NFL cornerbacks as the feared Giant defense kept New York in contention late in the season. He made three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
A halfback on offense as a Notre Dame All-American, Dick scored five touchdowns as a senior.
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"No defensive back matured more quickly. A rookie in 1958, All-Pro mention in '59, that's the king-sized success story of this former track star.
Barnes paced the club in interceptions last season, nailing five and returning 67 yards. He can also be spotted at end, a position he sometimes handled at Purdue.
Barnes was born in Elkhart, Indiana."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"The Giants came up with this fine defender from the Bears to fill the corner position vacated by Lindon Crow. He calls himself Ee-rich and was a Chicago regular all three seasons there.
Barnes played his football at Purdue as an end, but the Bears saw his range, speed and willingness to mix it up, the perfect specifications of a defensive back. He had such a great season as a pro sophomore in 1959 that he was chosen for the Pro Bowl game. He also made the All-Pro team."
-1961 Fleer No. 73
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
With Harland Svare's playing days apparently at an end, Tom has shown himself ready for regular linebacker duty. He's a hard tackler who has had no difficulty making the switch from defensive end, where the former Virginia All-American twice achieved Pro Bowl status.
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
In 1960 Dick continued to move into the upper tier of NFL cornerbacks as the feared Giant defense kept New York in contention late in the season. He made three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
A halfback on offense as a Notre Dame All-American, Dick scored five touchdowns as a senior.
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"No defensive back matured more quickly. A rookie in 1958, All-Pro mention in '59, that's the king-sized success story of this former track star.
Barnes paced the club in interceptions last season, nailing five and returning 67 yards. He can also be spotted at end, a position he sometimes handled at Purdue.
Barnes was born in Elkhart, Indiana."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"The Giants came up with this fine defender from the Bears to fill the corner position vacated by Lindon Crow. He calls himself Ee-rich and was a Chicago regular all three seasons there.
Barnes played his football at Purdue as an end, but the Bears saw his range, speed and willingness to mix it up, the perfect specifications of a defensive back. He had such a great season as a pro sophomore in 1959 that he was chosen for the Pro Bowl game. He also made the All-Pro team."
-1961 Fleer No. 73
DICK NOLAN
Safety
No. 25
Maryland
"Dick Nolan (25) is in his third year of his second tour of duty with the Giant defensive unit. A No. 4 draft choice out of Maryland in 1954, the White Plains native was New York's regular right halfback through 1957. In 1958, he was traded to the Cardinals in the deal that brought Pat Summerall and Lindon Crow to the Giants.
They reacquired him in 1959 and he moved right back into the lineup, this time at left safety."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
Safety
No. 41
Cincinnati
"Gene got some championship flavor playing the defensive secondary for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He broke in with the Eagles as a rookie in 1959 after a solid career at Cincinnati.
In college, he played both end and halfback, leading to the suspicion that he could be tried as a pro receiver in a pinch. On defense, he's a rugged type, known as a sure tackler and a tenacious tracker of potential receivers."
-1961 Fleer No. 131
DON CHANDLER
Punter
No. 34
Florida
"The punting performance of Don Chandler dropped to a career low last year, all due to a season-long ailment. The Tulsa toe man had led the loop in '57 and was No. 2 in both '58 and '59. He was no better than 11th in '60, achieving a 40.5 average.
Don also surprised with a pair of dashes from punt formation, gaining 19 yards."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
CHANDLER
"The long-range punting of Don Chandler (34) has been an offensive and defensive asset to the Giants for six seasons. There's no more graceful kicker in the business than the 26-year-old Florida alumnus.
With seemingly no more than a flick of his toe, Don consistently sends the ball soaring on flights of 60 yards and upward. He's also a running threat from kicking formation and fills in capably at end."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
1961 Profile: Jim Katcavage
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Underrated but seldom overlooked by opponents is Jim Katcavage, a defensive end whose injuries in '60 were particularly tough to take. He missed the last few games and the club felt his absence, especially on pass-rushing techniques. He has played defensive tackle, and has the ability to switch to the offensive line.
He's one of Dayton U.'s all-time stars.
Enemy passers are not among his admirers, so tenaciously does he hound them."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Jim's problem is that he joined the Giants in 1956, and so did another defensive wing- Andy Robustelli. For a decade Andy has been one of the great defensive figures in pro football, although at 33 he's in the twilight of his career. All-Star honors automatically settled on Robustelli while the Kat toiled in obscurity, the least known component of football's most famous defense unit. A native of Philadelphia who still lives and commutes daily to practice sessions in New York, Kat got his college at Dayton University, where his play as an offensive and defensive end was so outstanding that he was named to the All-America team in 1955 and drafted No. 4 by the Giants.
As a rookie, Jim worked right into a starting role and was so eager that he was a setup for traps as he penetrated into enemy backfields. His enthusiasm hasn't diminished (he's just 26 now), but with experience he learned when to charge full steam ahead and when to hold back for a guard pulling out to nail him on the blind side. Right now, without much fanfare, he's as good as any performer on the Front Four, though he's never made an 'all-' team."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
No. 75
Dayton
"Underrated but seldom overlooked by opponents is Jim Katcavage, a defensive end whose injuries in '60 were particularly tough to take. He missed the last few games and the club felt his absence, especially on pass-rushing techniques. He has played defensive tackle, and has the ability to switch to the offensive line.
He's one of Dayton U.'s all-time stars.
Enemy passers are not among his admirers, so tenaciously does he hound them."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Jim's problem is that he joined the Giants in 1956, and so did another defensive wing- Andy Robustelli. For a decade Andy has been one of the great defensive figures in pro football, although at 33 he's in the twilight of his career. All-Star honors automatically settled on Robustelli while the Kat toiled in obscurity, the least known component of football's most famous defense unit. A native of Philadelphia who still lives and commutes daily to practice sessions in New York, Kat got his college at Dayton University, where his play as an offensive and defensive end was so outstanding that he was named to the All-America team in 1955 and drafted No. 4 by the Giants.
As a rookie, Jim worked right into a starting role and was so eager that he was a setup for traps as he penetrated into enemy backfields. His enthusiasm hasn't diminished (he's just 26 now), but with experience he learned when to charge full steam ahead and when to hold back for a guard pulling out to nail him on the blind side. Right now, without much fanfare, he's as good as any performer on the Front Four, though he's never made an 'all-' team."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"Jim Katcavage (75) has quietly developed into one of the NFL's most destructive defensive ends. The 6 foot 3 inch Dayton graduate has been a fixture on the left flank of the four-man Giant rush line since 1957, after a freshman season of utility work. He's a tirelessly powerful crasher who delights in making life miserable for opposing passers."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
1961 Profile: Pat Summerall
Place Kicker
No. 88
Arkansas
"Still among the most solvent among placement kickers is Pat Summerall, whose 71 points led the club in scoring.
Starting his career with the Lions, he went to the Cardinals, who dealt him to the Giants in '58.
A great pass-catching college end, Pat teaches high school between seasons in Lake City, Florida."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Sam Huff, the Giants' ebullient defensive star, gave the foot in football quite an accolade. Ruminating on his team's near miss last season, he said, 'I think we've come to depend too much on Summerall's field goal kicking. We're too inclined to feel, 'Well, if worst comes to worst, we'll let Pat do it.''
That wasn't empty talk. In mid-season the Giants had one streak of 144 minutes and 33 seconds without scoring a touchdown yet lost only once. This was the team that won the Eastern Division title. In the playoff it led the Colts into the fourth quarter, and every New York point (9) scored had come on Summerall field goals. Over the season Pat's toe was the actual difference between first and second place.
The year before, the Giants would never have topped their division if Summerall hadn't kicked a prodigious 49-yard field goal through the driving snow in the final minute to beat Cleveland, 13-10.
Once the art of placing began and ended with Lou ('The Toe') Groza of the Browns, but the years have taken their toll, and during the winter Cleveland took the radical step of securing Sam Baker, a combination punter-place kicker, from Washington. Lou's pre-eminence has been usurped by Summerall.
In the pro game, kicking is a specialized art. Groza tempted fate by doubling as an offensive tackle; when he was with Chicago, Summerall did his share as a defensive end. Since coming to the Giants in a trade two years ago, however, Pat has saved almost all his foot for point making and agrees he's better off not playing. 'You get tired,' he nods. 'The old leg loses its zip late in the game and the goal posts look 100 yards away when you're standing on the 30.'
In '59 a fresh Summerall booted three field goals from 49 yards out. Altogether he had 20 three-pointers in 29 attempts, three in the playoff, and kicked 31 conversions without a miss, giving him a grand total of 100 points for the season."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
No. 88
Arkansas
"Still among the most solvent among placement kickers is Pat Summerall, whose 71 points led the club in scoring.
Starting his career with the Lions, he went to the Cardinals, who dealt him to the Giants in '58.
A great pass-catching college end, Pat teaches high school between seasons in Lake City, Florida."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Sam Huff, the Giants' ebullient defensive star, gave the foot in football quite an accolade. Ruminating on his team's near miss last season, he said, 'I think we've come to depend too much on Summerall's field goal kicking. We're too inclined to feel, 'Well, if worst comes to worst, we'll let Pat do it.''
That wasn't empty talk. In mid-season the Giants had one streak of 144 minutes and 33 seconds without scoring a touchdown yet lost only once. This was the team that won the Eastern Division title. In the playoff it led the Colts into the fourth quarter, and every New York point (9) scored had come on Summerall field goals. Over the season Pat's toe was the actual difference between first and second place.
The year before, the Giants would never have topped their division if Summerall hadn't kicked a prodigious 49-yard field goal through the driving snow in the final minute to beat Cleveland, 13-10.
Once the art of placing began and ended with Lou ('The Toe') Groza of the Browns, but the years have taken their toll, and during the winter Cleveland took the radical step of securing Sam Baker, a combination punter-place kicker, from Washington. Lou's pre-eminence has been usurped by Summerall.
In the pro game, kicking is a specialized art. Groza tempted fate by doubling as an offensive tackle; when he was with Chicago, Summerall did his share as a defensive end. Since coming to the Giants in a trade two years ago, however, Pat has saved almost all his foot for point making and agrees he's better off not playing. 'You get tired,' he nods. 'The old leg loses its zip late in the game and the goal posts look 100 yards away when you're standing on the 30.'
In '59 a fresh Summerall booted three field goals from 49 yards out. Altogether he had 20 three-pointers in 29 attempts, three in the playoff, and kicked 31 conversions without a miss, giving him a grand total of 100 points for the season."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"No team can hope to function effectively in the NFL without a top-flight place-kicker. The Giants are well-fixed in this department, thanks to Pat Summerall (88). The big Arkansan, acquired from the Cardinals in a 1958 trade, has split the uprights with 46 of 79 field goal tries and booted 91 of 93 extra points in three seasons as a Giant.
Previously, he played with the Lions and Cardinals."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
1961 Profile: Roosevelt Brown
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Tremendous strength and immediate get-away speed help make Roosevelt Brown an All-Pro and a superlative offensive tackle who's also used defensively on goal line stands. He usually leads the club downfield on kickoffs.
He was a college wrestling titleholder at Morgan State."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Rosey is proof positive of the opportunities in pro football. A real 'sleeper,' he was drafted 27th in 1953 without any advance scouting. He came to camp as a raw specimen, but the battering a rookie takes didn't discourage him. By 1956, he was the top offensive lineman in the league.
Rosey is a superb downfield blocker, faster than most of the backs. When the Giants go into goal line stands, he comes onto the field to play defense."
-1961 Fleer No. 71
"When it comes to clearing a hole for a ball carrier, Roosevelt is your man. He's great at crashing through a fort of opposing players."
-1961 Topps No. 88
SPEED, POWER- ALL IN 260 POUNDS
"Roosevelt Brown is the man on the spot for the New York Giants. When the goal line is threatened, he gets the call, and in his regular offensive tackle spot, he is charged with obliterating any opponent in the ball carrier's way.
An offensive tackle has a generally thankless job in pro ball. When Conerly or Unitas passes, the fan in the upper tier isn't nudging his neighbor and saying, 'Did you see the way Brown (or Parker) held off that defensive end?' Yet without the key pass-protection blocking provided by a tackle, the entire aerial game breaks down.
The average offensive tackle doesn't even get the kick of running with the backs, as does a guard who pulls out of the line for escort service. Fortunately for Rosey Brown, he's not average. This 260-pounder with the V-torso and the 32-inch waist is so fast that the Giants design wide plays in which the tackle pulls out, and there's not a lineman in the league who can excel him in barreling downfield and eliminating secondary defenders.
There's another bonus for Rosey in the way the Giants use him, and it's revealed when you ask him for his biggest moment of the 1960 season. 'Holding San Francisco for four downs in a goal-line stand in the opening game,' answers Brown.
Now that doesn't sound like the stuff that comes within the province of an offensive tackle, but Rosey is the kind you use in any emergency. This was the situation: the Forty-Niners trailed 21-17 with the clock running out when quarterback Y.A. Tittle slammed 19 yards on a keeper down to the Giant five and a first down. A quick smash brought it to the one.
Off the Giant bench, at the motion of coach Jim Lee Howell, trotted big No. 79. Sam Huff, No. 70, one of the NFL's defensive stars, left the field and Roosevelt Brown took his place in the middle. Twice more the San Francisco line heaved against the Giant defense and budged it a couple of precious feet. On fourth down, inches to go, the game hanging in the balance, Tittle slipped the ball to J.D. Smith, one of the hardest runners around, on a straight dive. Brown tunneled under the San Francisco blockers, straightened up to form an impenetrable mass and Smith was stopped straight in his tracks.
Brown has performed that kind of defensive feat in the clutch since 1956 when the Giants won the title and he was the outstanding tackle in the game. If his blocking weren't so valuable, Rosey would be an All-Pro playing anywhere on the defensive line. As it is, he doesn't lack activity. When the Giants kick off, he's out there with the 'kamikaze' boys seeing that the return is held to a minimum. When the Giants punt, he's the first downfield to cover.
He's an uncomplaining player, and that's why he made the club. Brown is one of the real bargains of pro football history. At the 1953 draft meeting, the Giants came to their 27th pick undecided about their choice. Wellington Mara, their personnel chief, remembered that a fellow named R. Brown of Morgan State (Maryland) had been named to the Negro All-American team. At a strapping 6-3, he looked like a pretty good gamble.
When he came into camp, the Giants saw a 20-year-old kid who didn't know how to take the proper stance, get off on the right foot or block with technique, and he was still a bit scrawny at 215 pounds. Arnie Weinmeister was their All-Pro defensive tackle, and Rosey was pitted against him in a scrimmage. The veteran ate him up. But after the bruising exchanges, when everyone else had gone in to shower, Rosey, bedraggled by the buffeting, had stayed on the field, running around the track. Such persistence was bound to impress the coaches.
Rosey made the team. He played, but he wasn't much at first. By 1956, however, he was voted Offensive Lineman of the Year, and the Giants knew they had a great one. After eight full seasons, he's still a comparative youngster at 28. 'He simply obliterates them,' explains Columbia coach Buff Donelli. 'He's so fast and strong, he doesn't have to worry about blocking angles and that kind of stuff.'
Brown says the kick of pro ball for him is 'the chance to play against some of the greatest athletes of our time.' Rosey Brown is one of them."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"A mountain of a man, and certainly the most valuable offensive tackle in pro football, Roosevelt Brown represents a longshot gamble that has paid rich dividends to the New York Giants. Upon Rosey's graduation from Morgan State in 1953 and his being named to the Negro All-American team that year, the Giants drafted him in the 27th round and signed him to a contract.
'Quite frankly,' says former Giant coach Jim Lee Howell, 'we were getting down to the end of our draft picks and stabbing in the dark. We opened a copy of the Pittsburgh Courier and looked at the pictures of the Negro All-Americans. Rosey's picture caught our attention. We knew nothing about him but his size and dimensions (six feet-three inches, 245 pounds) were impressive, so we decided to take a chance on him. He was green as grass when he arrived in our training camp but made the starting lineup that first season. By the end of the third year, he began to develop as a potential star.'
And since then, Roosevelt Brown has set a new standard of NFL offensive line play, maturing into a perennial all-leaguer and Pro Bowl performer. Big and strong, Rosey is deceptively fast as well, which explains his standout ability as a downfield blocker. He also plays defense as a member of the Giants' goal line unit.
Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was born on October 20, 1932 and where he started playing football as a 13-year-old high school freshman, Rosey today lives in Teaneck, New Jersey with his wife. In the off-season he works as a salesman for a national beer company."
-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)
No. 79
Morgan State
"Tremendous strength and immediate get-away speed help make Roosevelt Brown an All-Pro and a superlative offensive tackle who's also used defensively on goal line stands. He usually leads the club downfield on kickoffs.
He was a college wrestling titleholder at Morgan State."
-1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Rosey is proof positive of the opportunities in pro football. A real 'sleeper,' he was drafted 27th in 1953 without any advance scouting. He came to camp as a raw specimen, but the battering a rookie takes didn't discourage him. By 1956, he was the top offensive lineman in the league.
Rosey is a superb downfield blocker, faster than most of the backs. When the Giants go into goal line stands, he comes onto the field to play defense."
-1961 Fleer No. 71
"When it comes to clearing a hole for a ball carrier, Roosevelt is your man. He's great at crashing through a fort of opposing players."
-1961 Topps No. 88
SPEED, POWER- ALL IN 260 POUNDS
"Roosevelt Brown is the man on the spot for the New York Giants. When the goal line is threatened, he gets the call, and in his regular offensive tackle spot, he is charged with obliterating any opponent in the ball carrier's way.
An offensive tackle has a generally thankless job in pro ball. When Conerly or Unitas passes, the fan in the upper tier isn't nudging his neighbor and saying, 'Did you see the way Brown (or Parker) held off that defensive end?' Yet without the key pass-protection blocking provided by a tackle, the entire aerial game breaks down.
The average offensive tackle doesn't even get the kick of running with the backs, as does a guard who pulls out of the line for escort service. Fortunately for Rosey Brown, he's not average. This 260-pounder with the V-torso and the 32-inch waist is so fast that the Giants design wide plays in which the tackle pulls out, and there's not a lineman in the league who can excel him in barreling downfield and eliminating secondary defenders.
There's another bonus for Rosey in the way the Giants use him, and it's revealed when you ask him for his biggest moment of the 1960 season. 'Holding San Francisco for four downs in a goal-line stand in the opening game,' answers Brown.
Now that doesn't sound like the stuff that comes within the province of an offensive tackle, but Rosey is the kind you use in any emergency. This was the situation: the Forty-Niners trailed 21-17 with the clock running out when quarterback Y.A. Tittle slammed 19 yards on a keeper down to the Giant five and a first down. A quick smash brought it to the one.
Off the Giant bench, at the motion of coach Jim Lee Howell, trotted big No. 79. Sam Huff, No. 70, one of the NFL's defensive stars, left the field and Roosevelt Brown took his place in the middle. Twice more the San Francisco line heaved against the Giant defense and budged it a couple of precious feet. On fourth down, inches to go, the game hanging in the balance, Tittle slipped the ball to J.D. Smith, one of the hardest runners around, on a straight dive. Brown tunneled under the San Francisco blockers, straightened up to form an impenetrable mass and Smith was stopped straight in his tracks.
Brown has performed that kind of defensive feat in the clutch since 1956 when the Giants won the title and he was the outstanding tackle in the game. If his blocking weren't so valuable, Rosey would be an All-Pro playing anywhere on the defensive line. As it is, he doesn't lack activity. When the Giants kick off, he's out there with the 'kamikaze' boys seeing that the return is held to a minimum. When the Giants punt, he's the first downfield to cover.
He's an uncomplaining player, and that's why he made the club. Brown is one of the real bargains of pro football history. At the 1953 draft meeting, the Giants came to their 27th pick undecided about their choice. Wellington Mara, their personnel chief, remembered that a fellow named R. Brown of Morgan State (Maryland) had been named to the Negro All-American team. At a strapping 6-3, he looked like a pretty good gamble.
When he came into camp, the Giants saw a 20-year-old kid who didn't know how to take the proper stance, get off on the right foot or block with technique, and he was still a bit scrawny at 215 pounds. Arnie Weinmeister was their All-Pro defensive tackle, and Rosey was pitted against him in a scrimmage. The veteran ate him up. But after the bruising exchanges, when everyone else had gone in to shower, Rosey, bedraggled by the buffeting, had stayed on the field, running around the track. Such persistence was bound to impress the coaches.
Rosey made the team. He played, but he wasn't much at first. By 1956, however, he was voted Offensive Lineman of the Year, and the Giants knew they had a great one. After eight full seasons, he's still a comparative youngster at 28. 'He simply obliterates them,' explains Columbia coach Buff Donelli. 'He's so fast and strong, he doesn't have to worry about blocking angles and that kind of stuff.'
Brown says the kick of pro ball for him is 'the chance to play against some of the greatest athletes of our time.' Rosey Brown is one of them."
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football
"A mountain of a man, and certainly the most valuable offensive tackle in pro football, Roosevelt Brown represents a longshot gamble that has paid rich dividends to the New York Giants. Upon Rosey's graduation from Morgan State in 1953 and his being named to the Negro All-American team that year, the Giants drafted him in the 27th round and signed him to a contract.
'Quite frankly,' says former Giant coach Jim Lee Howell, 'we were getting down to the end of our draft picks and stabbing in the dark. We opened a copy of the Pittsburgh Courier and looked at the pictures of the Negro All-Americans. Rosey's picture caught our attention. We knew nothing about him but his size and dimensions (six feet-three inches, 245 pounds) were impressive, so we decided to take a chance on him. He was green as grass when he arrived in our training camp but made the starting lineup that first season. By the end of the third year, he began to develop as a potential star.'
And since then, Roosevelt Brown has set a new standard of NFL offensive line play, maturing into a perennial all-leaguer and Pro Bowl performer. Big and strong, Rosey is deceptively fast as well, which explains his standout ability as a downfield blocker. He also plays defense as a member of the Giants' goal line unit.
Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was born on October 20, 1932 and where he started playing football as a 13-year-old high school freshman, Rosey today lives in Teaneck, New Jersey with his wife. In the off-season he works as a salesman for a national beer company."
-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)
"Roosevelt Brown (79), now in his ninth season with the Giants, has been a model performer at offensive left tackle for eight years. A 27th-round draft choice in 1953, Rosy ranks as one of the most inspired 'deep dip' finds in Giant history.
The 6 foot 3 inch, 225-pound Morgan State graduate has the speed of a halfback, blocks with shattering impact and is a key goal-line defender."
-1961 Official New York Giants Program
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