1962 New York Giants Outlook

"New York's Giants are the defenders and they must face the reality of grid life- things will be tougher in the NFL Eastern Conference in 1962. Cleveland's Browns come equipped with a fresh attack that features Ernie Davis, a newcomer who is touted to be everything Jimmy Brown has been for five years. Then there are the Philadelphia Eagles, a dazzling aerial circus that set all-time records in '61 with the assistance of pitcher Sonny Jurgesen and catchers Bobby Walston, Tommy McDonald and Pete Retzlaff. And who can ignore the St. Louis Cardinals, particularly with a healthy John David Crow and a new coach in Wally Lemm, who was a miracle worker with the AFL Oilers of Houston in 1961.

Although a year older and perhaps a step slower, don't sell Giant stock too short. The defense is as tenacious as ever, Y.A. Tittle has been presented with Ralph Guglielmi as a quarterback competitor, and a presentable running attack should allow New York to remain among the more fortunate survivors."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"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

1962 NEW YORK GIANTS ROSTERS

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 Preseason Roster, By Position
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

1962 NEW YORK GIANTS PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
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

New York Giants Profiles, Pro Football Handbook 1962

Allie Sherman (coach)

Erich Barnes

Roosevelt Brown

Don Chandler

Bob Gaiters

Frank Gifford

Rosey Grier

Sam Huff

Jim Katcavage

Jim Patton

Del Shofner

Y.A. Tittle

Joe Walton

Alex Webster

1962 New York Giants Topps Cards

Erich Barnes

Don Chandler

Frank Gifford

Jerry Hillebrand

Sam Huff

Jim Katcavage

Jim Patton

Andy Robustelli

Del Shofner

Y.A. Tittle

Joe Walton

Alex Webster

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