RAY WIETECHA
Center
No. 55
Northwestern
No. 55
Northwestern
"As a rookie Giant last season, Ray saw action on both the offensive and defensive platoons. He has unusual speed which has been used at defensive halfback in scrimmages.
Ray was All-Big Ten at Northwestern and played for the Quantico Marines in 1952. He was in the Washington Senators baseball chain and was highly regarded as an outfielder and a hitter."
-1954 Bowman No. 31
"Wietecha was the Giants' iron man last season, playing more minutes than any other player. He was the regular offensive center and filled in as a linebacker on occasion.
Very fast, Ray was a bonus outfielder in Class B baseball in the Washington Senator chain two years ago. He was a Marine officer, playing for the Quantico team, and was an All-Big Ten selection."
-1955 Bowman No. 24
"The Giants' iron man in 1954 when he led the team in minutes played, Wietecha had to be relieved of some his emergency duties in '55 because he was the only offensive center on the squad. He played every offensive minute last season and excelled. He can and has played linebacker, defensive halfback and offensive end as a pro.
Very fast and mobile, Wietecha was a bouns outfielder in the Washington Senator chain before coming to the Giants in 1953. He was a Marine officer and an All-Big Ten selection and played in the Rose Bowl. He was drafted No. 12 for the future in 1950.
Wietecha's home is East Chicago, Indiana."
-1956 Jay Publishing
"Giant coaches rate Wietecha the best center in the League. They say he is tops at moving the middle linebacker out of the play and is equally adept at blocking for the passer.
Ray is a top-notch athlete who could have made it at center, linebacker, defensive halfback or end- in 1953 he played all those positions, though a rookie, and the following season he led the team in minutes played. He was a bonus outfielder in the Senator chain before choosing football. Drafted No. 12 for the future by the Giants in 1950, Ray is a former Marine officer.
His home is East Chicago, Indiana."
-1957 Jay Publishing
"Ray's most important job is to give protection to Charlie Conerly. For a center, he's surprisingly fast and agile and he can throw devasting downfield blocks. In addition to being an accomplished offensive center, Ray can also fill in as a linebacker or roam the secondary as an expert pass defender.
After playing in the Rose Bowl, Ray became a Marine officer. He was given a baseball bonus by the Washington Senators in 1952."
-1957 Topps No. 122
"Ray Wietecha, Giant center, has been called 'The Iron Man' because of his durability. One year he played every offensive down. He can play linebacker, defensive halfback, and offensive end in an emergency."
-1957 Chicago Bears Official Program
"Ray Wietecha (55), who played a half a dozen positions well for the Giants as a rookie in 1953, was installed as offensive center the following year and has been a fixture there ever since. The Giants rate him as the best pivotman in the NFL.
At Northwestern, Ray was also an outstanding baseball player."
-1958 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)
"The game's No. 1 offensive center, Ray was an All-Pro unanimous choice. He played four positions as a rookie in 1953 after coming out of Northwestern U.
Ray lives in East Chicago, Indiana."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Ray Wietecha could commiserate with Jim Ringo about toiling in obscurity if it were a matter of misery. The New York Giants' ultra-fine center only lately in his seven-year pro career has been granted a piece of the spotlight.
New York never thinks in terms of having to play two centers, a natural thought in any camp. Ray's ruggedness, willingness and versatility have prompted the Giants to dismiss thoughts about backup help there. Wietecha (29, 6-1, 225) comes from good football country, East Chicago, Indiana, and from a tough football conference, the Big Ten, where he played for Northwestern. The former Wildcat brought such versatility to the Giants that in his rookie season he performed variously as a center, linebacker, defensive halfback, and end.
Ray's versatility extended into another field. He had also starred in baseball at Northwestern and was signed as a bonus outfielder in the Washington Senators chain before switching to football. Before the Giants finally got him, he saw service in the Marine Corps as a commissioned officer.
There was a moment in a New York-Cleveland game late last fall when the spotlight did shine on Ray Wietecha, not because he was in the open field with his jersey number exposed, but because his own tremendous drive showed through.
A Giant back had carried the ball deep into Brown territory in the tight game being played at fever pitch on a miserably cold day. He was tackled and fumbled. The ball bounded crazily forward into the midst of no fewer than five Browns.
Down on the ground, involved in a blocking attempt with two of those Browns, was Wietecha, entangled between the pair. The ball cartwheeled tantalizingly near them. The Brown on one side of Wietecha was only an arm's length away from the ball, blocking out Ray; in fact, he had Ray pinned to the ground.
Wietecha didn't figure to have a chance, but in a flash of sheer determination he raised himself, despite being partially anchored, and simply reached around the body of the Brown, snatched the ball, drew it past his opponent to his chest and held on incontestably. It was the supreme effort that kept the Giant rally alive, enabling them to go on to victory over Cleveland and force the division playoff that eventually sent them into the championship game with Baltimore.
The effort also greatly increased public recognition of the corps offensive centers- the Jim Ringos, the Ray Wietechas, the Larry Stricklands (Chicago Bears) and the Jim Schraders (Washington Redskins)- who have to make reputations the hard way."
Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1959 Pro Football
Ray lives in East Chicago, Indiana."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Ray Wietecha could commiserate with Jim Ringo about toiling in obscurity if it were a matter of misery. The New York Giants' ultra-fine center only lately in his seven-year pro career has been granted a piece of the spotlight.
New York never thinks in terms of having to play two centers, a natural thought in any camp. Ray's ruggedness, willingness and versatility have prompted the Giants to dismiss thoughts about backup help there. Wietecha (29, 6-1, 225) comes from good football country, East Chicago, Indiana, and from a tough football conference, the Big Ten, where he played for Northwestern. The former Wildcat brought such versatility to the Giants that in his rookie season he performed variously as a center, linebacker, defensive halfback, and end.
Ray's versatility extended into another field. He had also starred in baseball at Northwestern and was signed as a bonus outfielder in the Washington Senators chain before switching to football. Before the Giants finally got him, he saw service in the Marine Corps as a commissioned officer.
There was a moment in a New York-Cleveland game late last fall when the spotlight did shine on Ray Wietecha, not because he was in the open field with his jersey number exposed, but because his own tremendous drive showed through.
A Giant back had carried the ball deep into Brown territory in the tight game being played at fever pitch on a miserably cold day. He was tackled and fumbled. The ball bounded crazily forward into the midst of no fewer than five Browns.
Down on the ground, involved in a blocking attempt with two of those Browns, was Wietecha, entangled between the pair. The ball cartwheeled tantalizingly near them. The Brown on one side of Wietecha was only an arm's length away from the ball, blocking out Ray; in fact, he had Ray pinned to the ground.
Wietecha didn't figure to have a chance, but in a flash of sheer determination he raised himself, despite being partially anchored, and simply reached around the body of the Brown, snatched the ball, drew it past his opponent to his chest and held on incontestably. It was the supreme effort that kept the Giant rally alive, enabling them to go on to victory over Cleveland and force the division playoff that eventually sent them into the championship game with Baltimore.
The effort also greatly increased public recognition of the corps offensive centers- the Jim Ringos, the Ray Wietechas, the Larry Stricklands (Chicago Bears) and the Jim Schraders (Washington Redskins)- who have to make reputations the hard way."
Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1959 Pro Football
"Wietecha was the Giants' 12th round draft choice for the future in 1950. He joined New York in 1953 and played center, linebacker, defensive halfback and end before establishing himself at offensive center.
He was All-Big Ten at Northwestern University. He also played baseball and was a bonus outfielder in the Washington Senator chain before switching to football. He's a former Marine officer.
Wietecha was the All-League offensive center in 1958. He played in the Pro Bowl in 1958 and '59."
-1959 N.F.L. Pro-Football Yearbook (Jay Publishing)
"The fellow who is most responsible for the protection of Charlie Conerly is Ray Wietecha. When it comes to prying open an enemy line or tossing downfield blocks, Ray is tops."
-1959 Topps No. 99
"Ray Wietecha (55), who played half a dozen different positions as a rookie in 1953, settled down at offensive center in 1954. If there's a better one, you'll have to prove it to Jim Lee Howell and company. When he blocks you can hear the leather pop.
At Northwestern, Ray also was a crack baseball player."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
BOB SCHMIDT
Center
No. 78
Minnesota
"Bob Schmidt (78) was signed by the Giants in 1958 after he had been cut by the Cardinals. Carried on the Giant reserve list last season, he moved up to the varsity this fall and is doing a good job as a line spare. Bob, who stands 6-4 and weighs 245, played his college ball at Minnesota."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
JACK STROUD
Guard
No. 66
Tennessee
Guard
No. 66
Tennessee
"Stroud was a Pro Bowl choice following last season. Giant coaches graded the blocking of linemen after each game from the movies and Stroud consistently led the pack. Coach Howell called him 'phenomenal' and said he almost never missed an assignment.
Whether called upon to block for the passer or open a hole straight ahead- it seemingly made no difference to Stroud. He was largely responsible for the great success of Alex Webster off left tackle, since right guard Stroud pulled out to lead the charge on this play. He can also play tackle in an emergency.
Stroud was an All-American tackle at Tennessee as well as team captain. He was drafted No. 4 in 1951. Married, with two children, he lives in Knoxville."
-1956 Jay Publishing
"Jack was team captain and an All-American at Tennessee and played in the Cotton Bowl. He made the All-Army team in 1951 and 1952.
Jack made starting right guard in his first year with the Giants. He is used at tackle in an emergency."
-1956 Wrigley Field Official Program (Chicago)
"The best right guard in the league according to Giant coaches and many other experts, Stroud is adept at leading wide plays and also strong on straight-ahead plunges. Very big and powerful for a guard, he can play tackle.
Stroud was an All-American tackle and team captain at Tennessee. He was drafted No. 4 in 1951, then was in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant for the next two years. Married, with two children, he lives in Knoxville."
-1957 Jay Publishing
"One of the sharpest and widest-ranging offensive guards in the league, Jack is a steady veteran starting his seventh season.
He lives in Knoxville, Tennessee."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Jack Stroud (66), thankfully, is sound again after a couple of seasons of being plagued by knee injuries. When he's on solid underpinning, there's no better guard in the business than the deep-chested Tennessee graduate.
Even when hobbled, as he was during most of 1957 and 1958, he was better than fair. Jack puts his 235 pounds to effective blocking use on straight forward plays and also is a tiger at leading the interference on sweeps."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 15)
AL BARRY
GuardNo. 68
USC
"Al Barry (68), obtained from the Packers in a pre-season trade, has done a splendid job for the Giants at guard, a position dogged by injuries this year. This is the 235-pound USC graduate's third pro season.
He was drafted by Green Bay in 1953 but stayed an extra year in college and put in a service hitch before joining them."
-1958 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)
"Al can open holes in the enemy's defense like a tank going through shrubbery. His splendid efforts helped the New Yorkers win the Eastern Division Championship."
-1959 Topps No. 138
"Al Barry (68), acquired from the Packers in a '58 trade, has done a solid job of blocking for the Giants at offensive left guard. Spry despite his 238 pounds, he's at his best leading wide plays.
An off-season insurance agent in South Pasadena, California, Al is a USC graduate of 1954. Two years in the Air Force interrupted his pro career."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
"Darrell Dess (62), a 24-year-old North Carolina State graduate out of New Castle, Pa., was acquired by the Giants from the Steelers last spring in exchange for C.R. Roberts, a reserve fullback. The brawny 243-pound Dess, an all-purpose lineman, has already made a big contribution. He filled in brilliantly at right guard while Jack Stroud was sidelined a few weeks back."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
BUZZ GUY
Guard
No. 60
Duke
"Buzz Guy (60), drafted No. 3 by the Browns in 1958, was acquired by the Giants as a free agent after he had been released by Cleveland. It was a good pick-up. The 248-pound Duke graduate has been a valuable offensive line spare and key member of the various special units. Amazingly fast for his size, he excels at recovering kicks."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Brown was a football bargain, a No. 27 draft choice who made good. Now in his fourth season as the regular left tackle, he was a Pro Bowl choice last winter.
He may be the fastest big man in the game. He's an excellent downfield blocker. Brown has great strength, too, and was a heavyweight wrestler in college.
His off-season occupation, teacher. His hometown, Charlottesville, Virginia."
-1956 Jay Publishing
"One of the fastest linemen in the game, 'Rosie' can open big holes in the enemy line, then turn on the speed to take out a secondary with a neat downfield block. Whenever a Giant needs to pick up some added protection for an open field run, more than likely 'Rosie' will be one of the escorts.
'Rosie' was only the No. 27 selection on the Giants' draft list but he has proven to be one of their biggest bargains."
-1956 Topps No. 41
"A regular with the Giants before he was 20, Brown last year won the Associated Press award as the outstanding offensive lineman in the League. Twice selected to the Pro Bowl, he may be the fastest big man in the game. He's an excellent downfield blocker from his left tackle spot. Brown has great strength, too, and was a heavyweight wrestler in college.
His selection in the 1953 draft was real luck by the Giants- they got him in the 27th round. Four seasons later he was the team iron man, leading the squad in minutes played.
His off-season occupation, teacher. His hometown, Charlottesville, Virginia."
-1957 Jay Publishing
"Rosie was picked to the East All-Pro squad for the second straight time last year. He can tear a defensive to tatters with ease and played a big part in helping the Giants to the Championship in 1956. He's great at downfield blocking.
Rosie is considered one of football's most unexpected pleasures, being an unheralded player when he first reported to New York. He was a college heavyweight wrestler."
-1957 Topps No. 11
"Roosevelt Brown (79) achieved the rare distinction of qualifying as a Giant regular before he was 20. Now at 24 the big Morgan State graduate rates as the NFL's top offensive tackle. He was a real find for the Giants back in 1953, when they took a flyer on him as their 27th draft choice. Rosie weighs 245 but runs like a fullback."
-1957 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)
"Roosevelt Brown, Giant tackle, is called the fastest big man in pro football by many writers. This is his fifth season as the regular left tackle on offense- he made '56 All-Pro teams.
Roosevelt was a heavyweight wrestler in college."
-1957 Chicago Bears Official Program
"One of the mainstays of the Giant line, Brown is a bruising blocker who knocks opposing players over like tenpins. Ball-carriers following him through a hole usually find a good, clear path in front of them for plenty of yardage. Many are the touchdown run Brown has cleared during his career with the Giants."
-1958 Topps No. 102
"An outstanding offensive tackle in his seventh season, Roosevelt won the AP award as best offensive lineman of 1956. Durable, he usually plays more minutes than any Giant since he's used as a defender on goal-line stands.
A heavyweight wrestling champion in college, Roosevelt was born and lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he teaches school."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"When he lines up on the scrimmage line- right leg anchored back too far, left hand dangling uncertainly at his side, his crouch looking tentative and unsure- there is no reason to expect Roosevelt Brown to be the first man downfield.
But Rosy Brown gets there, thrashing away at opponents in a manner that has prompted experts to term him the most devastating downfield blocker in the league. It's an awesome sight, this 6-3, 260-pound juggernaut under full steam, bowling over tacklers like an angry bull tossing aside novices.
Brown, who served his early days learning to crawl before he could run, now paves the way for the New York Giants. His was a rough apprenticeship, getting just the kind of respect a 28th round draft choice (Morgan State) might expect. He was only 19 years old (this was in '53, in the Giant training camp) and fair game for one of the mean old-timers who enjoyed giving him a hard time. Immature, inexperienced Brown, new-boy tackle, took it- then ran extra laps around the field to make himself even fitter. He took his lumps for two years, but he's been handing them back ever since.
Teammate Kyle Rote describes the comfort of playing end next to this offensive tackle: 'It's his second effort downfield that impresses you. He'll get his man on the line and then go down and get another. And then, if the play is still going, he's looking for someone else to block.'"
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1959 Pro Football
"Rosey stars on the Giants offensive team, hurling some of the most thunderous blocks in the N.F.L. When the Giants have their backs against the wall, he comes in for goal line stands."
-1959 Topps No. 114
A heavyweight wrestling champion in college, Roosevelt was born and lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he teaches school."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"When he lines up on the scrimmage line- right leg anchored back too far, left hand dangling uncertainly at his side, his crouch looking tentative and unsure- there is no reason to expect Roosevelt Brown to be the first man downfield.
But Rosy Brown gets there, thrashing away at opponents in a manner that has prompted experts to term him the most devastating downfield blocker in the league. It's an awesome sight, this 6-3, 260-pound juggernaut under full steam, bowling over tacklers like an angry bull tossing aside novices.
Brown, who served his early days learning to crawl before he could run, now paves the way for the New York Giants. His was a rough apprenticeship, getting just the kind of respect a 28th round draft choice (Morgan State) might expect. He was only 19 years old (this was in '53, in the Giant training camp) and fair game for one of the mean old-timers who enjoyed giving him a hard time. Immature, inexperienced Brown, new-boy tackle, took it- then ran extra laps around the field to make himself even fitter. He took his lumps for two years, but he's been handing them back ever since.
Teammate Kyle Rote describes the comfort of playing end next to this offensive tackle: 'It's his second effort downfield that impresses you. He'll get his man on the line and then go down and get another. And then, if the play is still going, he's looking for someone else to block.'"
-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1959 Pro Football
"Rosey stars on the Giants offensive team, hurling some of the most thunderous blocks in the N.F.L. When the Giants have their backs against the wall, he comes in for goal line stands."
-1959 Topps No. 114
"Back in 1953, the Giants took a flyer on the 27th round of the draft and picked a 19-year-old tackle from Morgan State College named Rosey Brown (79). Someone in the Giant office must have had a crystal ball. Within a couple of years, Rosey was the best offensive tackle in the league.
Lightning fast and 245 pounds, he blocks with crisp decisiveness. He also pitches in on defense, as middle guard on short-yardage situations."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 8)
"Roosevelt Brown was drafted No. 27 in 1953. He was in the Pro Bowl in 1955-56-57 and '58 and won the AP Offense Lineman of the League award in 1956.
As strong and as fast as any lineman in the league, Roosevelt is a fine downfield blocker. He reinforces the defense line for the celebrated Giant goal-line stands.
Roosevelt was co-captain of the Negro All-American team that played in the Polo Grounds against Wilberforce in the Negro schools classic. He was the heavyweight wrestling champion at the Central I.A.A. meet.
Born October 1932, he lives in Teaneck, New Jersey."
-1959 Cleveland Browns Official Program
"A 27th draft pick who made good in a big way, Rosey was named the offensive lineman of the year in 1956, his fourth season in the NFL. The one-time member of the Negro All-American team has participated in four Pro Bowl contests.
The 6-3, 245-pound Morgan State alumnus is strong and fast, prime requisites for an outstanding downfield blocker. A regular tackle on the attack, he is also inserted into the Giants' defensive barrier for goal-line stands."
-1959 Baltimore Colts Official Program (Memorial Stadium, NFL Championship Game)
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Minnesota
A combative offensive tackle who uses every type of block, Frank has also played defensive tackle. He saw action in 12 games in 1958 and should improve this year.
As a collegian, Frank played in the Blue-Gray Game, Senior Bowl and College All-Star Game.
"A year of experience has worked wonders for Frank Youso (72), who joined the Giants last year out of the University of Minnesota. Big, fast and aggressive from the start, Frank now has learned the tricks of the trade and seems headed toward rating as one of the game's top offensive tackles. The 6-foot 4-inch, 260-pound Youso hails from International Falls, Minnesota, also the hometown of the great Bronko Nagurski."
-1959 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium, November 15)
No comments:
Post a Comment