1962 Profiles: Del Shofner and Aaron Thomas

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

"Long noted as the most dangerous deep pass receiver in the NFL, Del Shofner (85) hit peak efficiency with the Giants in 1961. His 68 receptions were good for 1,125 yards, a total that led the league, and he scored 11 touchdowns.

The Giants snagged Del, a 1957 Baylor graduate, in a preseason deal with the Rams. In combination with the Y.A. Tittle, he gave them an offensive boost that helped them win the Eastern title."

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium) 

"The first winner of the weekly Kinney Award- free use of a Kinney rental car for a full year- was All-Pro end Del Shofner, who caught six passes for 90 yards before being injured against the Steelers last Sunday."

-from Giant Jottings, 1962 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

AARON THOMAS

Split End

No. 88

Oregon State

"For insurance against injuries to Del Shofner and Frank Gifford, their prime pass receivers, the Giants got big Aaron Thomas (88) from the 49ers early this season in exchange for Bob Gaiters. The 6-3, 208-pound Oregon State graduate, who hauled down 15 passes for 301 yards as a 1961 rookie, can go get 'em."

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)