1964 Profile: Jim Katcavage

Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Now the anchorman of the Giants' defensive line, Jim Katcavage hopes to make the All-NFL team for the fourth straight season. He's the only survivor of the once famous Fearsome Foursome: Andy Robustelli has retired, Roosevelt Grier and Dick Modzelewski have been traded.
Born October 28, 1934, he was a little-known end at Dayton but played in the East-West Game. Drafted No. 4 by the Giants in 1956, he won a starting berth as a rookie and contributed to the NFL championship that year.
Jim is a cement salesman in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"New York's famed Fearsome Foursome is now reduced to a single original, Jim Katcavage, and there are few to equal his all-around dependability as a defensive end. Always the most under-publicized of the glamorous quartet, he's a definite All-NFL workman and still considered to be at the peak of his game. Listen to a fullback who's spent years working him over as a blocker:
'I'm black and blue after a session with that guy. He springs at you and doesn't let up like many other defensive ends. He won't stop until he stomps you into the ground, walks over you and flings the passer down.'
Born October 28, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he's in a business between seasons that's logical for him - concrete sales."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

" 'In college,' recalls defensive end Jim Katcavage, 'I used to watch the ball and go with the snap. My first eight games with the Giants, I watched the ball and the offensive tackle beat me on the first step every play.'
Then veteran defenseman Andy Robustelli offered Katcavage some good advice: 'Jim, the offensive tackle knows the count and you don't. He's moving on the snap and he always has the edge on you.'
Robustelli made that observation back in 1956, Jim's rookie season with the New Yorkers. Since then Katcavage has reacted to the slightest movement of the offensive lineman. He has quickened the pace of his getaway charge and now he usually beats the other guy to the punch.
Jim enjoys playing in the bone-crunching world of defensive football. One of the most dedicated players in the game, Katcavage revels in dropping a rival ball carrier in his tracks with a jarring tackle or obliterating a rival quarterback under his 240 pounds of beef. Significantly, the Giants have won six Eastern Conference titles since he joined the club. During the last three seasons, Katcavage has made every All-Pro team.
Born October 28, 1934 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Jim led Philadelphia's Roman Catholic High School to three straight football championships. He went on to win All-America honors at the University of Dayton.
For several seasons Jim labored in the shadow of the more publicized members of New York's superb defensive unit. But in recent years he's been receiving the recognition that was always his due. Katcavage is quick to credit Robustelli for teaching him the finer points of the game.
'I learned everything watching Andy play end,' says Jim. 'He knows all the tricks.'
Now 37, Robustelli has just retired after 13 years as a pro to devote his full time as the Giants' defensive coach. His job will be made easier with players like New York's big 'Kat.' "

-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac

"One of the National Football League's defensive bulwarks, Jim is one of the reasons why the Giants have been Eastern Division kingpins these past several seasons. Recognition has come to Katcavage during these last three campaigns after years of being taken for granted. He's been named to both the AP and UPI All-NFL teams for the seasons of 1961, 1962 and 1963.
The Giants drafted 'Kat' as their fourth selection in 1956. He immediately became a starter, teaming up with Andy Robustelli, Dick Modzelewski and Rosey Grier to form the New Yorkers' famed 'Fearsome Foursome' rush line."

-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants

"Jim won a starting spot at defensive end in his first pro year. He plays tackle, too, but Allie wants him at end. 'Kat' ranks with the NFL's top defensive ends."

-1964 Philadelphia No. 119