1963 Profile: Jim Patton

Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
"The Giants' defensive backfield coach doesn't have to tell his charges how to do the job. All they have to do is watch him. He's Jimmy Patton who doubles as possibly the best safetyman in the NFL. The most aggressive secondary man on the club, he's vicious in his desire to get the job done. A dangerous runner, he had seven interceptions in 1962, 11 in 1958 (to lead the NFL).
Jimmy lives in Greenville, Mississippi and was a three-sport star at Ole Miss."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"Lean and limber Jimmy Patton is a standout performer in the age of the pro football specialist. As roving safetyman for the New York Giants, Patton usually has to pick up the deep receiver, a tricky, nimble speedster who can be a touchdown threat on almost play. But not many of them can out-sprint Jimmy, who ran the 100-yard dash in 9.9 seconds during his student days at Mississippi.
'In addition to his speed,' says Giant coach Allie Sherman, 'Patton has the experience to anticipate passing situations. He's familiar with the opposition and he's learned most of the tricks a good safety man needs.'
What are some of these tricks? Patton divulges one trade secret when he admits he watches a spot near the receiver's wishbone because it will turn when the man turns and cuts.
'That split second,' declares Jimmy, 'is when you have to react - and fast.'
When it comes to tackling a shifty powerhouse like Cleveland's Jimmy Brown, Patton aims for the belt buckle because even the trickiest runner can't wiggle his belt buckle.
A midget by pro standards at 5'10" and 175 pounds, Patton used to meet opposing ball-carriers head on - a hazardous occupation in the long run for a little guy. Former Giant coach Jim Lee Howell taught Patton how to tackle from an angle so that his body wouldn't absorb the explosive impact of the direct approach.
When Patton first joined the Giants in 1955 they often used him as a specialist in returning punts and kickoffs. On one occasion, against the Redskins, he picked up a kickoff on his two and streaked 98 yards for a touchdown. But today New York's All-Pro safety man is used only on defense. In the words of coach Sherman: 'We don't like to risk Patton. We need him too much at safety.'
The 30-year-old veteran also serves as an assistant coach.
'My coaching is strictly on weekdays,' Jimmy grins. 'On Sunday I concentrate on playing. It's more fun.'"

-1963 Official Pro Football Almanac