Other 1961 Giant Profiles

LEE GROSSCUP
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

"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

"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

Halfback
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

"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

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

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

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

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