HENRY CARR
Cornerback
No. 28
Arizona State
"One of the fastest men in pro football, Henry helped his Olympic team to two Gold medals in 1960. He averaged eight yards per carry in college as a running back. Henry set an NFL mark by running back an interception 101 yards."
-1968 Topps No. 57
WILLIE WILLIAMS
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
Since being drafted in 1965 along with fellow Giant defensive back Spider Lockhart, Willie has succeeded with a lot of hustle, his great speed and his whiplash tackling. His quick and elusive moves make him a tough man to pin down.
SPIDER LOCKHART
Safety-Punt Returner
No. 43
North Texas State
"The free-wheeling style of Spider Lockhart prompted the Giants to switch him from cornerback to free safety last year, and it could make a star out of him. Spider has all the assets a good safetyman needs - he has quick reactions and sure hands, is an aggressive and deadly tackler and he possesses gambler's blood. In three seasons as a pro, he's learned how to read upcoming plays.
Last year, despite an ankle injury and a brief move back to cornerback, he came up with five interceptions, giving him a career total of 15.
A spindly looking 6-1, 175-pounder, he played flanker and defensive halfback at North Texas State, and was signed by the Giants on the recommendation of former assistant coach Pop Ivy."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"Spider led the Giants in interceptions last season. This hard-hitting defensive back has been used as a reserve punter when needed."
-1968 Topps No. 83
BRUCE MAHER
Safety
No. 21
Detroit
"Bruce Maher worked his way up through special teams to his current celebrity as the Lions' ace safetyman and the club's MVP in 1965. It was only his second year as a regular in the secondary, but Bruce got there on a lot of hustle, his great speed and his whiplash tackling. The 5-11, 195-pound University of Detroit graduate came up with four interceptions last year, to give him a six-season total of nine.
In college, he deliberated between a career in pro football or in baseball with the Detroit Tigers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
1968 Giants Linebacker Profiles
VINCE COSTELLO
Middle Linebacker
No. 57
Ohio
"Giant fans, who hadn't been treated to quality middle linebacking since Sam Huff left New York, got a treat last year when Vince Costello joined the club after a successful career with the Browns. Though at 36 he's reaching the twilight stage, Vince still the fire and savvy that made him one of the best in trade.
There were times last season when he got in the way of enemy passes so instinctively that one supposed he was tuned in on the other team's huddle; he directed the Giant defense shrewdly and proved to be the perfect catalyst in pulling together a youthful and relatively inexperienced unit. And he came up with four interceptions.
Vince broke in with the Browns as an unheralded free agent from Ohio University in 1956, and starred at middle linebacker for next decade.
Maybe he'll need a little rest this year, but with his old pro's brain, he knows how to save a few steps by now."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
TOMMY CRUTCHER
Linebacker
No.56
Texas Christian
"This will introduce you to Tommy Crutcher, who looks and plays just as tough as his name sounds. Not that Tommy is entirely a stranger to football fans in general and Giant fans in particular. They've all seen enough of him as a member of the Packer suicide squads in recent seasons, usually because he was the first man to get to the ball carrier and cream him.
As the Packers' No. 4 linebacker, he saw occasional duty backing up Lee Roy Caffey, and veteran observers confess they didn't know when a substitution had been made until they saw Tommy's number - that's how close in talent he's rated to Caffey. Now the Giants have him, the prize in an off-season trade that sent offensive tackle Francis Peay to Green Bay.
A bruising 6-3, 230-pounder, Tommy played his college ball at TCU and has been in the league five years."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
KEN AVERY
Linebacker
No. 54
Southern Mississippi
"You can spot it real early with some players, and sometimes you can be fooled by what you see. But the Giants believe that Ken Avery is the real thing and that he won't disillusion them about his prospects of developing into an outstanding linebacker.
At an even six feet and 220 pounds, he is not as big as most linebackers, but he is muscular, combative, and eager. Sometimes too eager. Which is why he got fooled a couple of times last year. But the point is he learned.
Though he came to camp unheralded, he won a starting job. He immediately impressed everyone with his drops on pass coverage - vital for a linebacker - and also his strength against the running game. He not only isn't afraid to stick his nose in there, but he comes in there strong enough to bust up the interference line and then has the pursuit to finally get to the ball carrier.
The Giants drafted Ken as a future in 1966. A native New Yorker, he played his college ball at Southern Mississippi."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Middle Linebacker
No. 57
Ohio
"Giant fans, who hadn't been treated to quality middle linebacking since Sam Huff left New York, got a treat last year when Vince Costello joined the club after a successful career with the Browns. Though at 36 he's reaching the twilight stage, Vince still the fire and savvy that made him one of the best in trade.
There were times last season when he got in the way of enemy passes so instinctively that one supposed he was tuned in on the other team's huddle; he directed the Giant defense shrewdly and proved to be the perfect catalyst in pulling together a youthful and relatively inexperienced unit. And he came up with four interceptions.
Vince broke in with the Browns as an unheralded free agent from Ohio University in 1956, and starred at middle linebacker for next decade.
Maybe he'll need a little rest this year, but with his old pro's brain, he knows how to save a few steps by now."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
TOMMY CRUTCHER
Linebacker
No.56
Texas Christian
"This will introduce you to Tommy Crutcher, who looks and plays just as tough as his name sounds. Not that Tommy is entirely a stranger to football fans in general and Giant fans in particular. They've all seen enough of him as a member of the Packer suicide squads in recent seasons, usually because he was the first man to get to the ball carrier and cream him.
As the Packers' No. 4 linebacker, he saw occasional duty backing up Lee Roy Caffey, and veteran observers confess they didn't know when a substitution had been made until they saw Tommy's number - that's how close in talent he's rated to Caffey. Now the Giants have him, the prize in an off-season trade that sent offensive tackle Francis Peay to Green Bay.
A bruising 6-3, 230-pounder, Tommy played his college ball at TCU and has been in the league five years."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
KEN AVERY
Linebacker
No. 54
Southern Mississippi
"You can spot it real early with some players, and sometimes you can be fooled by what you see. But the Giants believe that Ken Avery is the real thing and that he won't disillusion them about his prospects of developing into an outstanding linebacker.
At an even six feet and 220 pounds, he is not as big as most linebackers, but he is muscular, combative, and eager. Sometimes too eager. Which is why he got fooled a couple of times last year. But the point is he learned.
Though he came to camp unheralded, he won a starting job. He immediately impressed everyone with his drops on pass coverage - vital for a linebacker - and also his strength against the running game. He not only isn't afraid to stick his nose in there, but he comes in there strong enough to bust up the interference line and then has the pursuit to finally get to the ball carrier.
The Giants drafted Ken as a future in 1966. A native New Yorker, he played his college ball at Southern Mississippi."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Sunday, September 28, 2014
1968 Profile: Joe Morrison
Flanker
No. 40
Cincinnati
"There is a minority group of approximately 60,000 fans which believes that Joe Morrison is the most underrated flankerback in the league. These, of course, are the fans at Yankee Stadium, who have made Joe their favorite Giant since he came to New York nine years ago.
You know, they could be right. Joe has been the Giants' all-everything man, a versatile performer who has been used at six different positions, including defense. He was even readied once to be the backup quarterback - a position he hasn't played since his college days at Cincinnati U.
But he is most at home on the flank, where last year he had a typical season, catching 37 passes for 524 yards and seven touchdowns. When the Giants had to play him as a set back in '67, he managed to pick up 161 yards on 36 carries for a 4.5 average and two scores. He makes up for his lack of speed with finesse, excellent hands and all-out effort."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"In 1967, Joe scored two touchdowns rushing and seven touchdowns receiving. He has played halfback, fullback, split end, tight end, flanker and safety."
-1968 Topps No. 211
No. 40
Cincinnati
"There is a minority group of approximately 60,000 fans which believes that Joe Morrison is the most underrated flankerback in the league. These, of course, are the fans at Yankee Stadium, who have made Joe their favorite Giant since he came to New York nine years ago.
You know, they could be right. Joe has been the Giants' all-everything man, a versatile performer who has been used at six different positions, including defense. He was even readied once to be the backup quarterback - a position he hasn't played since his college days at Cincinnati U.
But he is most at home on the flank, where last year he had a typical season, catching 37 passes for 524 yards and seven touchdowns. When the Giants had to play him as a set back in '67, he managed to pick up 161 yards on 36 carries for a 4.5 average and two scores. He makes up for his lack of speed with finesse, excellent hands and all-out effort."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"In 1967, Joe scored two touchdowns rushing and seven touchdowns receiving. He has played halfback, fullback, split end, tight end, flanker and safety."
-1968 Topps No. 211
Friday, September 26, 2014
1968 Profiles: Ernie Koy and Randy Minniear
ERNIE KOY
Halfback-Punter
No. 23
Texas
"He's really a big boy now, Ernie Koy is. Since he already is 6-3 and 230 pounds, this has nothing to do with his size, but rather with his stature as an NFL running back. Ernie began living up to the potential the Giants saw in him when he first joined them out of the University of Texas in 1965.
He took over at fullback last season and literally shredded opposing lines. His biggest improvement was in the way he hit a hole hard and quick and refused to be stopped by the first man who hit him. Ernie finished tenth in the league with 704 yards rushing on 146 carries for a 4.8 average and four touchdowns.
He had an off-season knee operation which was not regarded as serious. As far as the Giants are concerned, he's still a growing boy who only needs experience to become even better."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"This fine running back topped the Giants in rushing in 1967. Ernie doubles as a punter for New York.
His dad was a big league baseball player. Ernie was raised on a ranch in Texas."
-1968 Topps No. 5
RANDY MINNIEAR
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 27
Purdue
Randy averaged 16.3 yards per kick return last year, with a long of 23 yards. Last November 19 at Yankee Stadium against the Steelers, he also proved his value as a halfback when his reception of a six-yard touchdown pass from Tarkenton in the second quarter and a one-yard touchdown run in the third was the winning margin in a 28-20 Giant win.
At Purdue in 1964, Randy finished second in the Big Ten in touchdowns (9) and second in the conference in points (54).
Halfback-Punter
No. 23
Texas
"He's really a big boy now, Ernie Koy is. Since he already is 6-3 and 230 pounds, this has nothing to do with his size, but rather with his stature as an NFL running back. Ernie began living up to the potential the Giants saw in him when he first joined them out of the University of Texas in 1965.
He took over at fullback last season and literally shredded opposing lines. His biggest improvement was in the way he hit a hole hard and quick and refused to be stopped by the first man who hit him. Ernie finished tenth in the league with 704 yards rushing on 146 carries for a 4.8 average and four touchdowns.
He had an off-season knee operation which was not regarded as serious. As far as the Giants are concerned, he's still a growing boy who only needs experience to become even better."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"This fine running back topped the Giants in rushing in 1967. Ernie doubles as a punter for New York.
His dad was a big league baseball player. Ernie was raised on a ranch in Texas."
-1968 Topps No. 5
RANDY MINNIEAR
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 27
Purdue
Randy averaged 16.3 yards per kick return last year, with a long of 23 yards. Last November 19 at Yankee Stadium against the Steelers, he also proved his value as a halfback when his reception of a six-yard touchdown pass from Tarkenton in the second quarter and a one-yard touchdown run in the third was the winning margin in a 28-20 Giant win.
At Purdue in 1964, Randy finished second in the Big Ten in touchdowns (9) and second in the conference in points (54).
Thursday, September 25, 2014
1968 Profiles: Jim Katcavage and Bruce Anderson
JIM KATACAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"There may be more for Jim Katcavage to look back upon than there is to look forward to, but it would be unwise to 'retire' him prematurely.
Kat is 34 now, old by pro standards. He no longer can blow in on a passer with the relentless fury of his youth, but he's still capable of doing it on occasion. He seems to rise up and come up with his best shot when it's needed the most, as he did last season when he flattened Frank Ryan in the closing moments of the Cleveland game. The play proved to be the game-saver.
His job could be lightened considerably if the Giants could come up with a strong young rusher to play beside him and take away some of the double coverage he occasionally receives. This year is Jim's thirteenth in the NFL, and he'll need a breather now and then. But save a cheer or two for him - he still has a couple of big plays left in him."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The defensive captain of the New York Giants, Jim is the leader on the club in years of service.
During his college days, 'The Kat' was an offensive and defensive end for the University of Dayton. His brother was a lineman for Dayton."
-1968 Topps No. 187
BRUCE ANDERSON
Defensive End
No. 79
Willamette
Coming to the Giants after his rookie season with the Rams, Bruce saw action in all 14 games last year. He shows promise of being one of the stalwarts of the young line of the rebuilding New York defense.
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"There may be more for Jim Katcavage to look back upon than there is to look forward to, but it would be unwise to 'retire' him prematurely.
Kat is 34 now, old by pro standards. He no longer can blow in on a passer with the relentless fury of his youth, but he's still capable of doing it on occasion. He seems to rise up and come up with his best shot when it's needed the most, as he did last season when he flattened Frank Ryan in the closing moments of the Cleveland game. The play proved to be the game-saver.
His job could be lightened considerably if the Giants could come up with a strong young rusher to play beside him and take away some of the double coverage he occasionally receives. This year is Jim's thirteenth in the NFL, and he'll need a breather now and then. But save a cheer or two for him - he still has a couple of big plays left in him."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The defensive captain of the New York Giants, Jim is the leader on the club in years of service.
During his college days, 'The Kat' was an offensive and defensive end for the University of Dayton. His brother was a lineman for Dayton."
-1968 Topps No. 187
BRUCE ANDERSON
Defensive End
No. 79
Willamette
Coming to the Giants after his rookie season with the Rams, Bruce saw action in all 14 games last year. He shows promise of being one of the stalwarts of the young line of the rebuilding New York defense.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
1968 Profile: Homer Jones
Split End
No. 45
Texas Southern
"Homer is skyrocketing into the upper echelons of NFL receivers. His flashing speed, sure-catch hands and powerful torso make covering him a difficult job for any one - or two - defenders. With his 9.3 speed, it's virtually to catch Homer from behind, and at 6-2 and 215 pounds, he can bowl over a defender who gets in his way.
Last year, he busted loose for 49 receptions which were good for 1,209 yards and a league high of 13 touchdowns; his 24.7 yards per catch were also the best in the league. He had his first big year in 1966 when he caught 48 passes for 1,044 yards, a 21.8 average, and eight touchdowns. Naturally, he gets a lot of double coverage, even more than normal because the Giants have no other deep threat.
A six-year vet from Texas Southern, Homer was slow getting started as a pro because he had trouble learning the science of pattern running. Now he could qualify as a Ph.D. in the subject."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"A sensation in 1967, Homer led the NFL with 13 touchdowns last year. His 24.7 average gain per grab was also tops in the circuit.
Homer defeated the Russians in the 1960 Olympics."
-1968 Topps No. 31
No. 45
Texas Southern
"Homer is skyrocketing into the upper echelons of NFL receivers. His flashing speed, sure-catch hands and powerful torso make covering him a difficult job for any one - or two - defenders. With his 9.3 speed, it's virtually to catch Homer from behind, and at 6-2 and 215 pounds, he can bowl over a defender who gets in his way.
Last year, he busted loose for 49 receptions which were good for 1,209 yards and a league high of 13 touchdowns; his 24.7 yards per catch were also the best in the league. He had his first big year in 1966 when he caught 48 passes for 1,044 yards, a 21.8 average, and eight touchdowns. Naturally, he gets a lot of double coverage, even more than normal because the Giants have no other deep threat.
A six-year vet from Texas Southern, Homer was slow getting started as a pro because he had trouble learning the science of pattern running. Now he could qualify as a Ph.D. in the subject."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"A sensation in 1967, Homer led the NFL with 13 touchdowns last year. His 24.7 average gain per grab was also tops in the circuit.
Homer defeated the Russians in the 1960 Olympics."
-1968 Topps No. 31
Monday, September 22, 2014
1968 Profile: Fran Tarkenton
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"New York may be the biggest towaway zone in the nation, but last season Fran Tarkenton showed the natives how to beat the scene: never stay in one place too long. The scrambling quarterback was all over the field, as he throttled the Giants into one of the NFL's top attacking clubs.
When Fran wasn't scrambling for 306 yards, he was compiling the best passing yardage of his seven years in the league and climbing to third place among all NFL passers. He completed 204 throws out of 377 attempts for 3,088 yards - a 54.1 accuracy percentage. His 29 touchdown passes were second only to passing leader Sonny Jurgensen.
Francis, now 28, may be coming into his own in a town that really digs him. He was an All-American at Georgia and came into the league the same time the Minnesota Vikings did, as their No. 3 draft choice."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"'Every quarterback in the NFL has his own personality, his own style of play,' claims Fran Tarkenton. 'My style is wide open and daring. When I'm at my best I'll stay in the pocket sometimes. I'll roll out, bootleg, scramble. I want to keep the defense off balance,' he adds.
Tarkenton, who joined the New York Giants last year, certainly made things more interesting at Yankee Stadium as the New Yorkers bounced back from a pathetic 1-12-1 season in 1966 to break even in 14 games in 1967.
A flair for the spectacular has made Tarkenton one of the most controversial players in the game. The 28-year-old broke in with the newly- organized Minnesota Vikings as a rookie in 1961 and soon won headlines because of his proclivity to scramble whenever he didn't spot an open receiver. But friction began to develop between Tarkenton and Minnesota Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Matters came to a head late in the 1966 season when Fran was benched in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. His substitute had five passes intercepted and the Vikings lost. 'Can you imagine?' Tarkenton snapped. 'The Dutchman (Van Brocklin) gave up on us and there were three games to go in the season.'
The Vikings ended the 1966 season with a 4-9-1 record, finishing in a tie with Detroit for cellar honors in the Western Conference. Van Brocklin resigned and Tarkenton was traded to the Giants where he responded by completing 204 of 377 passes for 3,088 yards and 29 touchdowns. In addition, Fran carried the ball 44 times- usually on scrambles- gaining 306 yards or seven yards per try. Among his best performances was the afternoon he led the Giants to a 38-34 upset against Cleveland, passing for three touchdowns and scoring a fourth. In the season's opener, against St. Louis, he pitched three touchdowns as the Giants won, 37-20.
The University of Georgia graduate feels he's just beginning to hit his stride, although this year marks his eighth season in the NFL. Says Fran: 'Quarterbacks are just like fine wine. They get better with age.'"
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
"After six great years with Minnesota, Fran was obtained by the Giants. To land this quarterback, New York gave the Vikings three top draft picks and a player."
-1968 Topps No. 161
No. 10
Georgia
"New York may be the biggest towaway zone in the nation, but last season Fran Tarkenton showed the natives how to beat the scene: never stay in one place too long. The scrambling quarterback was all over the field, as he throttled the Giants into one of the NFL's top attacking clubs.
When Fran wasn't scrambling for 306 yards, he was compiling the best passing yardage of his seven years in the league and climbing to third place among all NFL passers. He completed 204 throws out of 377 attempts for 3,088 yards - a 54.1 accuracy percentage. His 29 touchdown passes were second only to passing leader Sonny Jurgensen.
Francis, now 28, may be coming into his own in a town that really digs him. He was an All-American at Georgia and came into the league the same time the Minnesota Vikings did, as their No. 3 draft choice."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"'Every quarterback in the NFL has his own personality, his own style of play,' claims Fran Tarkenton. 'My style is wide open and daring. When I'm at my best I'll stay in the pocket sometimes. I'll roll out, bootleg, scramble. I want to keep the defense off balance,' he adds.
Tarkenton, who joined the New York Giants last year, certainly made things more interesting at Yankee Stadium as the New Yorkers bounced back from a pathetic 1-12-1 season in 1966 to break even in 14 games in 1967.
A flair for the spectacular has made Tarkenton one of the most controversial players in the game. The 28-year-old broke in with the newly- organized Minnesota Vikings as a rookie in 1961 and soon won headlines because of his proclivity to scramble whenever he didn't spot an open receiver. But friction began to develop between Tarkenton and Minnesota Coach Norm Van Brocklin. Matters came to a head late in the 1966 season when Fran was benched in a game against the Atlanta Falcons. His substitute had five passes intercepted and the Vikings lost. 'Can you imagine?' Tarkenton snapped. 'The Dutchman (Van Brocklin) gave up on us and there were three games to go in the season.'
The Vikings ended the 1966 season with a 4-9-1 record, finishing in a tie with Detroit for cellar honors in the Western Conference. Van Brocklin resigned and Tarkenton was traded to the Giants where he responded by completing 204 of 377 passes for 3,088 yards and 29 touchdowns. In addition, Fran carried the ball 44 times- usually on scrambles- gaining 306 yards or seven yards per try. Among his best performances was the afternoon he led the Giants to a 38-34 upset against Cleveland, passing for three touchdowns and scoring a fourth. In the season's opener, against St. Louis, he pitched three touchdowns as the Giants won, 37-20.
The University of Georgia graduate feels he's just beginning to hit his stride, although this year marks his eighth season in the NFL. Says Fran: 'Quarterbacks are just like fine wine. They get better with age.'"
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
"After six great years with Minnesota, Fran was obtained by the Giants. To land this quarterback, New York gave the Vikings three top draft picks and a player."
-1968 Topps No. 161
Saturday, September 20, 2014
1968 Profile: Allie Sherman
Head Coach
"There are few coaches around whose fortunes have varied with greater mercurial inconstancy than Allie Sherman - and even fewer who are better equipped to handle it.
Sherman, many of the fans forget, was part of the great Giant dynasty. He inherited a championship club from his predecessor, Jim Lee Howell, in 1961 and proceeded to rip off three consecutive Eastern Conference title, despite the fact the Giants were visibly starting to come apart. When they did - all at once - in 1964 and dipped to a 2-10-2 record, the wolves in the stands began to howl.
But Allie brought the club back to respectability the following season with a 7-7 mark. He was back in the fans' good graces again. Temporarily. When the Giants had another descent in '66 with a 1-12-1 record - their worst in history - the old echoes started up fresh again.
Then last year, after negotiating the trade which brought Fran Tarkenton to New York, Allie restored the Giants as a contender. He feels confident there will be no relapse this time. The Giants are one of the youngest teams in the NFL now, with a solid core of young veterans who matured last season.
By now, everyone must know that Allie was the first football player to put Brooklyn College on the map. He was a left-handed quarterback there who caught the eye of Greasy Neale, then coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. It was Neale who launched Allie's career in the NFL."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"There are few coaches around whose fortunes have varied with greater mercurial inconstancy than Allie Sherman - and even fewer who are better equipped to handle it.
Sherman, many of the fans forget, was part of the great Giant dynasty. He inherited a championship club from his predecessor, Jim Lee Howell, in 1961 and proceeded to rip off three consecutive Eastern Conference title, despite the fact the Giants were visibly starting to come apart. When they did - all at once - in 1964 and dipped to a 2-10-2 record, the wolves in the stands began to howl.
But Allie brought the club back to respectability the following season with a 7-7 mark. He was back in the fans' good graces again. Temporarily. When the Giants had another descent in '66 with a 1-12-1 record - their worst in history - the old echoes started up fresh again.
Then last year, after negotiating the trade which brought Fran Tarkenton to New York, Allie restored the Giants as a contender. He feels confident there will be no relapse this time. The Giants are one of the youngest teams in the NFL now, with a solid core of young veterans who matured last season.
By now, everyone must know that Allie was the first football player to put Brooklyn College on the map. He was a left-handed quarterback there who caught the eye of Greasy Neale, then coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. It was Neale who launched Allie's career in the NFL."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
1968 New York Giants Outlook
"Don't tell the Giants anything about fate. In the past few seasons, they've seen their fortunes bob around like a cork on a boiling sea. Now, as they switch from a weak Century Division to a Cowboy-dominated Capitol Division, they see themselves as winners in a losing cause. But that's the luck of the draw.
Still to be answered this season is whether it was really Giant luck or just plain Tarkenton pluck that brought them back from the ashes of a 1966 campaign. The installation of Fran Tarkenton at quarterback last year produced a high-powered mobile offense which propelled the Giants into third place in scoring in the league; they topped the NFL in touchdowns with 49, 33 of them coming on passes.
There is no doubt that Tarkenton gives the offense leadership, direction and diversity. In addition to his well-known scrambling tactics, he is a capable and often deadly passer and a is slick ball-handler. Without him at the control, the Giants are just another ball club. In the bullpen behind him are reliable Earl Morrall and young Tom Kennedy.
The striking power of the Giants is reflected in the 13 touchdown grabs made by Homer Jones last year. Defenses can go just so far in covering a man with Homer's blazing speed, and he spends most of his playing time on Sundays with at least two backs for company. Just think what another speed end would do for him. In the meantime, the Giants won't come up empty-handed with the versatile Joe Morrison at flanker and Aaron Thomas at tight end. But coach Allie Sherman concedes he's a bit short of receivers. Bob Crespino is a valuable third-down sub at tight end, and Barry Brown, obtained from Baltimore where he was a linebacker, will also be tried at this spot. The Giants are high on recruit Joe Koontz, a 6-1, 192-pound flanker from San Francisco State drafted in the ninth round.
If you include Tarkenton, the Giant backfield accounted for more than 1,400 yards last year; but even if you don't count his contribution, the other backs did pretty well on their own. This is mainly true because Ernie Koy has come into his own as a big league fullback. He bulled his way to 704 yards on the ground last year. His running mate, Tucker Frederickson, was just getting back into high gear again after a serious knee problem when he again was cut down by an injury to the other knee. If he makes it back this year, the backfield picture will be sound. Bill Triplett, Allen Jacobs and Randy Minnier provide the Giants with good depth, but they are still desperate for a speed back. Maybe Ronnie Bly, coming off the taxi squad, is the man they're seeking.
One of the happier developments of last season was the way the offensive line came back after breaking down in '66. Sherman says all it needed was a refresher course in the fundamentals. He could be proved right. The only change anticipated is at right tackle, where ex-Packer Steve Wright will be moved in ahead of Charley Harper. The rest of the unit is comprised of Willie Young at left tackle, Pete Case and Darrell Dess at the guards, and Greg Larson at center. Sherman has ample reserve strength in Harper and rookie Dick Buzin (Penn State) at tackle, taxi-squader Doug Van Horn and Bookie Bolin at guard, and Chuck Hinton at center.
This much is certain about the defense: Allie has enough bodies to populate three lines. The only problem will be in finding the right four. The probable starters will be captain Jim Katcavage and Glen Condren at the ends, and Roger Anderson and Bob Lurtsema, a Nordic-looking giant who appears to be a real find, at the tackles. From his vast pool of subs and convalescents, Allie may eventually build a better line. Rosey Davis and Bruce Anderson are other possibles at end, and Jim Colvin, Don Davis and Jim Moran are the other tackles. From all this, you can fairly make two fairly safe assessments: one, the Giants lead the league in Davises and Andersons, and two, the pass rush should be a little better than in the past.
The linebacking presents almost the same questions of adequacy as the defensive line, but there appears to be a lot more hope here. Vince Costello, who was imported from Cleveland at the start of last season, will hold down the middle job as long as his 37-year-old legs hold up. Bill Swain, who made a comeback from knee surgery last year, and Ken Avery, a real discovery in '67, will be on the outside. However, somebody may have to make room for Tommy Crutcher, the aggressive young head-knocker the Giants got from the Packers in the off-season. He could play either in the middle or on the outside. Not to be discounted are Ed Vargo, Mike Ciccolella or Jeff Smith among the returnees, and rookie Henry Davis, an 11th-round draft pick from Grambling who could be the 'sleeper' of the year for the Giants.
With a better rush up front, the Giant secondary should look better than it's been. They have a promising young cornerback in Scott Eaton, who stuck out as a rookie last year, and a flashy safetyman in Spider Lockhart. Willie Williams, one of the original 'Gremlins' of 1965, rejoined his mates last season and figures to be one of the regular corners. Freeman White, whose defensive skills have not yet caught up to his athletic ability, will get first shot at strong safety. Clarence Childs will have to fight off rookies Jim Holifield (Jackson State) and Ken Parker (Fordham) for the extra cornerback job, while holdover Dave Hathcock and rookie Bobby Duhon (Tulane) will available for duty at safety."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
IN BRIEF
Probable 1968 Finish: 2nd
Strengths: a splashy offense with Tarkenton as ringmaster, with assists from Jones and Koy.
Biggest Needs: some backfield speed, a much stronger pass rush, and an extra receiver or two with speed.
1967 finish: 2nd (7-7)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The turnabout of the New York Giants was unbelievable. From their poorest team in history, winners of only one game in 1966, they reversed the field to finish second in their division and were serious challengers for the title as late as December.
Coach Allie Sherman achieved that change with one major alteration- Fran Tarkenton playing quarterback. Mr. Scramble inspired an offensive effort which produced more touchdowns than any team in the NFL (49), and he produced his own career highs in touchdown passes, completions and yards gained. It was a fantastic introduction to New York after spending his first six years as a pro in the tundra of Minnesota.
It'll be unbelievable if the Giants can do as well this year. For one thing, they've changed over from the Century Division to the Capitol Division. That'll put them in direct competition with Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia- more formidable opposition than they had last year. For another, they still have that same defense which is so vulnerable (only Philadelphia and Atlanta had more points scored against them).
On paper, the Giants didn't get much help between seasons to alleviate the situation. The big swap of the winter sent Francis Peay, disappointing offensive tackle, to Green Bay for Steve Wright, who plays the same position, and Tommy Crutcher, a reserve linebacker. The college draft yielded Dick Buzin of Penn State, a relatively unknown offensive tackle.
So the defense continues to lean heavily on guys like Jim Katcavage and Vince Costello, who between them have played 25 years of pro football. Around them are a lot of inexperienced kids, castoffs and retreads.
Tarkenton, mobile as he is, will suffer if Tucker Frederickson doesn't return from his second knee operation to provide backfield blocking. Ernie Koy as a runner needs Tucker's help, too.
The chief weapon remains the long bomb to Homer Jones, who now drives the only Cadillac convertible in Pittsburgh, Texas."
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
1968 New York Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
73 Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
54 Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
Ron Blye (RB) Notre Dame
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
McKinley Boston (DT-DE) Minnesota
Gerry Boyd (E) Morgan State
*Richard Buzin (T) Penn State
Jack Calcaterra (G) Purdue
28 Henry Carr (DB) Arizona State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
Gary Cassells (G) Indiana
Doug Chatman (DE) Jackson State
Lou Checchetto (QB) Upsala
48 Clarence Childs (DB) Florida A&M
58 Mike Cicolella (LB) Dayton
Roy Clay (LB) Tennessee
72 Jim Colvin (DE) Houston
70 Glen Condren (DE) Oklahoma
57 Vince Costello (LB) Ohio
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
50 Tommy Crutcher (LB) TCU
Bernard Dallas (LB-K) Massachusetts
76 Don Davis (DT) Los Angeles State
*Henry Davis (LB-DE) Grambling
77 Rosey Davis (DE) Tennessee A & I
Tom Dean (G) Morgan State
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
*Bob Duhon (RB-DB) Tulane
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
Bob Fiorini (LB) Indiana
24 Tucker Frederickson (FB) Auburn
Fred Freeman (DT) Mississippi Valley
John Gallagher (DE) Boston University
Charles Glenn (G-T) Auburn
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
Frank Goldberg (LB) Central Michigan
64 Andy Gross (G) Auburn
61 Charlie Harper (T) Oklahoma State
46 Phil Harris (DB) Texas
26 Wendell Harris (DB) LSU
Dick Herzing (DT) Drake
56 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
*Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
Ted Holman (DB) Syracuse
Lynn Hughes (DB) Georgia
Howard Humphries (K-FL) Maryland
30 Allen Jacobs (FB) Utah
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
Bill Kelly (DT) Virginia Union
18 Tom Kennedy (QB) Los Angeles State
Ron Kenny (G) Rutgers
Larry Kohn (E-LB) Georgia
*Joe Koontz (E) San Francisco State
Dick Kotite (TE) Wagner
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
John Lawler (DT)
John Lium (DT-C) Notre Dame
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
71 Bob Lurtsema (DE) Western Michigan
27 Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
Warren Montgomery (TE) Wagner
74 Jim Moran (DT) Idaho
Bill Moreman (RB) Florida State
11 Earl Morrall (QB) Michigan State
40 Joe Morrison (HB) Cincinnati
84 Les Murdock (K) Florida State
Roger Nitsch (RB) Adams State
Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
Randy Payne (E) Indiana State
Bill Perkins (RB) Iowa
Bud Phillips (OE) North Carolina
Pete Pifer (RB) Oregon State
22 Bob Post (DB) Kings Point
Gary Rowe (OE) North Carolina State
Carl San Marco (DT) Edinboro State
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
Joe Siesel (LB) Bowling Green
55 Jeff Smith (LB) USC
83 Randy Staten (DE) Minnesota
Gerry Stevenson (RB) Missouri
Dennis Stuewe (DB) Nebraska
52 Bill Swain (LB) Oregon
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
Lou Thompson (G) Alabama
Jim Toon (DE) North Carolina A & T
38 Bill Triplett (HB) Miami-Ohio
Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
25 Larry Vargo (LB) Detroit
Hank Washington (QB) West Texas State
51 Ed Weisacosky (LB) Miami
59 Joe Wellborn (C) Texas A & M
81 Freeman White (DB) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1968
1968 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State)
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 56
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Richard Buzin (Penn State)*
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89, Barry Brown (Florida)
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77
DT - Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73, Jim Colvin (Houston) 72
DT - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DE - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 70, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Henry Davis (Grambling)*
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57, Jeff Smith (USC) 55
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Tommy Crutcher (TCU) 50
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State)*
S - Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis)
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Rich Buzin (Penn State)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Andy Gross (Auburn) 64
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 60
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72
DT - Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Barry Brown (Florida) 83
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57, Henry Davis (Grambling)*
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State)*
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21, Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Ronnie Blye (Notre Dame)*, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
*rookie
1968 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
HB - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DT - Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
Still to be answered this season is whether it was really Giant luck or just plain Tarkenton pluck that brought them back from the ashes of a 1966 campaign. The installation of Fran Tarkenton at quarterback last year produced a high-powered mobile offense which propelled the Giants into third place in scoring in the league; they topped the NFL in touchdowns with 49, 33 of them coming on passes.
There is no doubt that Tarkenton gives the offense leadership, direction and diversity. In addition to his well-known scrambling tactics, he is a capable and often deadly passer and a is slick ball-handler. Without him at the control, the Giants are just another ball club. In the bullpen behind him are reliable Earl Morrall and young Tom Kennedy.
The striking power of the Giants is reflected in the 13 touchdown grabs made by Homer Jones last year. Defenses can go just so far in covering a man with Homer's blazing speed, and he spends most of his playing time on Sundays with at least two backs for company. Just think what another speed end would do for him. In the meantime, the Giants won't come up empty-handed with the versatile Joe Morrison at flanker and Aaron Thomas at tight end. But coach Allie Sherman concedes he's a bit short of receivers. Bob Crespino is a valuable third-down sub at tight end, and Barry Brown, obtained from Baltimore where he was a linebacker, will also be tried at this spot. The Giants are high on recruit Joe Koontz, a 6-1, 192-pound flanker from San Francisco State drafted in the ninth round.
If you include Tarkenton, the Giant backfield accounted for more than 1,400 yards last year; but even if you don't count his contribution, the other backs did pretty well on their own. This is mainly true because Ernie Koy has come into his own as a big league fullback. He bulled his way to 704 yards on the ground last year. His running mate, Tucker Frederickson, was just getting back into high gear again after a serious knee problem when he again was cut down by an injury to the other knee. If he makes it back this year, the backfield picture will be sound. Bill Triplett, Allen Jacobs and Randy Minnier provide the Giants with good depth, but they are still desperate for a speed back. Maybe Ronnie Bly, coming off the taxi squad, is the man they're seeking.
One of the happier developments of last season was the way the offensive line came back after breaking down in '66. Sherman says all it needed was a refresher course in the fundamentals. He could be proved right. The only change anticipated is at right tackle, where ex-Packer Steve Wright will be moved in ahead of Charley Harper. The rest of the unit is comprised of Willie Young at left tackle, Pete Case and Darrell Dess at the guards, and Greg Larson at center. Sherman has ample reserve strength in Harper and rookie Dick Buzin (Penn State) at tackle, taxi-squader Doug Van Horn and Bookie Bolin at guard, and Chuck Hinton at center.
This much is certain about the defense: Allie has enough bodies to populate three lines. The only problem will be in finding the right four. The probable starters will be captain Jim Katcavage and Glen Condren at the ends, and Roger Anderson and Bob Lurtsema, a Nordic-looking giant who appears to be a real find, at the tackles. From his vast pool of subs and convalescents, Allie may eventually build a better line. Rosey Davis and Bruce Anderson are other possibles at end, and Jim Colvin, Don Davis and Jim Moran are the other tackles. From all this, you can fairly make two fairly safe assessments: one, the Giants lead the league in Davises and Andersons, and two, the pass rush should be a little better than in the past.
The linebacking presents almost the same questions of adequacy as the defensive line, but there appears to be a lot more hope here. Vince Costello, who was imported from Cleveland at the start of last season, will hold down the middle job as long as his 37-year-old legs hold up. Bill Swain, who made a comeback from knee surgery last year, and Ken Avery, a real discovery in '67, will be on the outside. However, somebody may have to make room for Tommy Crutcher, the aggressive young head-knocker the Giants got from the Packers in the off-season. He could play either in the middle or on the outside. Not to be discounted are Ed Vargo, Mike Ciccolella or Jeff Smith among the returnees, and rookie Henry Davis, an 11th-round draft pick from Grambling who could be the 'sleeper' of the year for the Giants.
With a better rush up front, the Giant secondary should look better than it's been. They have a promising young cornerback in Scott Eaton, who stuck out as a rookie last year, and a flashy safetyman in Spider Lockhart. Willie Williams, one of the original 'Gremlins' of 1965, rejoined his mates last season and figures to be one of the regular corners. Freeman White, whose defensive skills have not yet caught up to his athletic ability, will get first shot at strong safety. Clarence Childs will have to fight off rookies Jim Holifield (Jackson State) and Ken Parker (Fordham) for the extra cornerback job, while holdover Dave Hathcock and rookie Bobby Duhon (Tulane) will available for duty at safety."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
IN BRIEF
Probable 1968 Finish: 2nd
Strengths: a splashy offense with Tarkenton as ringmaster, with assists from Jones and Koy.
Biggest Needs: some backfield speed, a much stronger pass rush, and an extra receiver or two with speed.
1967 finish: 2nd (7-7)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The turnabout of the New York Giants was unbelievable. From their poorest team in history, winners of only one game in 1966, they reversed the field to finish second in their division and were serious challengers for the title as late as December.
Coach Allie Sherman achieved that change with one major alteration- Fran Tarkenton playing quarterback. Mr. Scramble inspired an offensive effort which produced more touchdowns than any team in the NFL (49), and he produced his own career highs in touchdown passes, completions and yards gained. It was a fantastic introduction to New York after spending his first six years as a pro in the tundra of Minnesota.
It'll be unbelievable if the Giants can do as well this year. For one thing, they've changed over from the Century Division to the Capitol Division. That'll put them in direct competition with Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia- more formidable opposition than they had last year. For another, they still have that same defense which is so vulnerable (only Philadelphia and Atlanta had more points scored against them).
On paper, the Giants didn't get much help between seasons to alleviate the situation. The big swap of the winter sent Francis Peay, disappointing offensive tackle, to Green Bay for Steve Wright, who plays the same position, and Tommy Crutcher, a reserve linebacker. The college draft yielded Dick Buzin of Penn State, a relatively unknown offensive tackle.
So the defense continues to lean heavily on guys like Jim Katcavage and Vince Costello, who between them have played 25 years of pro football. Around them are a lot of inexperienced kids, castoffs and retreads.
Tarkenton, mobile as he is, will suffer if Tucker Frederickson doesn't return from his second knee operation to provide backfield blocking. Ernie Koy as a runner needs Tucker's help, too.
The chief weapon remains the long bomb to Homer Jones, who now drives the only Cadillac convertible in Pittsburgh, Texas."
-1968 True's Football Yearbook
1968 New York Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
73 Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
54 Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
Ron Blye (RB) Notre Dame
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
McKinley Boston (DT-DE) Minnesota
Gerry Boyd (E) Morgan State
*Richard Buzin (T) Penn State
Jack Calcaterra (G) Purdue
28 Henry Carr (DB) Arizona State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
Gary Cassells (G) Indiana
Doug Chatman (DE) Jackson State
Lou Checchetto (QB) Upsala
48 Clarence Childs (DB) Florida A&M
58 Mike Cicolella (LB) Dayton
Roy Clay (LB) Tennessee
72 Jim Colvin (DE) Houston
70 Glen Condren (DE) Oklahoma
57 Vince Costello (LB) Ohio
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
50 Tommy Crutcher (LB) TCU
Bernard Dallas (LB-K) Massachusetts
76 Don Davis (DT) Los Angeles State
*Henry Davis (LB-DE) Grambling
77 Rosey Davis (DE) Tennessee A & I
Tom Dean (G) Morgan State
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
*Bob Duhon (RB-DB) Tulane
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
Bob Fiorini (LB) Indiana
24 Tucker Frederickson (FB) Auburn
Fred Freeman (DT) Mississippi Valley
John Gallagher (DE) Boston University
Charles Glenn (G-T) Auburn
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
Frank Goldberg (LB) Central Michigan
64 Andy Gross (G) Auburn
61 Charlie Harper (T) Oklahoma State
46 Phil Harris (DB) Texas
26 Wendell Harris (DB) LSU
Dick Herzing (DT) Drake
56 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
*Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
Ted Holman (DB) Syracuse
Lynn Hughes (DB) Georgia
Howard Humphries (K-FL) Maryland
30 Allen Jacobs (FB) Utah
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
Bill Kelly (DT) Virginia Union
18 Tom Kennedy (QB) Los Angeles State
Ron Kenny (G) Rutgers
Larry Kohn (E-LB) Georgia
*Joe Koontz (E) San Francisco State
Dick Kotite (TE) Wagner
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
John Lawler (DT)
John Lium (DT-C) Notre Dame
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
71 Bob Lurtsema (DE) Western Michigan
27 Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
Warren Montgomery (TE) Wagner
74 Jim Moran (DT) Idaho
Bill Moreman (RB) Florida State
11 Earl Morrall (QB) Michigan State
40 Joe Morrison (HB) Cincinnati
84 Les Murdock (K) Florida State
Roger Nitsch (RB) Adams State
Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
Randy Payne (E) Indiana State
Bill Perkins (RB) Iowa
Bud Phillips (OE) North Carolina
Pete Pifer (RB) Oregon State
22 Bob Post (DB) Kings Point
Gary Rowe (OE) North Carolina State
Carl San Marco (DT) Edinboro State
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
Joe Siesel (LB) Bowling Green
55 Jeff Smith (LB) USC
83 Randy Staten (DE) Minnesota
Gerry Stevenson (RB) Missouri
Dennis Stuewe (DB) Nebraska
52 Bill Swain (LB) Oregon
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
Lou Thompson (G) Alabama
Jim Toon (DE) North Carolina A & T
38 Bill Triplett (HB) Miami-Ohio
Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
25 Larry Vargo (LB) Detroit
Hank Washington (QB) West Texas State
51 Ed Weisacosky (LB) Miami
59 Joe Wellborn (C) Texas A & M
81 Freeman White (DB) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1968
1968 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State)
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 56
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Richard Buzin (Penn State)*
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89, Barry Brown (Florida)
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77
DT - Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73, Jim Colvin (Houston) 72
DT - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DE - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 70, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Henry Davis (Grambling)*
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57, Jeff Smith (USC) 55
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Tommy Crutcher (TCU) 50
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State)*
S - Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis)
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Rich Buzin (Penn State)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Andy Gross (Auburn) 64
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 60
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72
DT - Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Barry Brown (Florida) 83
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57, Henry Davis (Grambling)*
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State)*
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21, Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Ronnie Blye (Notre Dame)*, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Bob Duhon (Tulane)*
*rookie
1968 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
HB - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DT - Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
1967 Profiles: Tucker Frederickson and Allen Jacobs
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"In New York, they equate Tucker Frederickson with Jack Armstrong or Frank Merriwell - or any other such fictional hero. His electrifying rookie year of 1965, when he ripped off 659 yards on 195 carries for a 3.8 average and five touchdowns to finish eighth among NFL rushers, charged up the imagination of Giant fans. Here was the next great fullback, everyone said. And everyone was probably right - until Tucker had his knee practically wrecked in a pre-season game last year. Doctors who operated on him said they had never seen a worse knee.
So while the Giants were losing football games, Tucker ran up and down the steps of Yankee Stadium and went through a rigorous program of therapy, the results of which won't be known until he takes his first fierce tackle.
A gifted runner, he has more cuts than a delicatessen owner and the balance of a high-wire walker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
ALLEN JACOBS
Fullback
No. 30
Utah
"A product of the Vince Lombardi school of football, Allen Jacobs bears the unmistakable stamp of the Green Bay maestro and carries more than a striking resemblance to the fullback he understudied, Jim Taylor. Built along the same lines as Taylor at 6-1 and 215 pounds, Jacobs is a grit-and-grunt runner and a devastating blocker.
He joined the Giants from Green Bay during the 1966 season and got his chance to play after injuries cut down the first-liners. Then he began to look like one himself, as he piled up better than 90 yards against the Browns; he wound up the year gaining 273 yards on 77 carries for a 3.5 average and one touchdown.
A 25-year-old in his third NFL season, Allen played college ball at Utah."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Allen was obtained from the Packers before the season and saw limited action until injuries gave him his chance. He became the Giants' tough yardage runner, picking up 273 yards on 77 carries, and scored a touchdown.
He is a strong blocker."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 112
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"In New York, they equate Tucker Frederickson with Jack Armstrong or Frank Merriwell - or any other such fictional hero. His electrifying rookie year of 1965, when he ripped off 659 yards on 195 carries for a 3.8 average and five touchdowns to finish eighth among NFL rushers, charged up the imagination of Giant fans. Here was the next great fullback, everyone said. And everyone was probably right - until Tucker had his knee practically wrecked in a pre-season game last year. Doctors who operated on him said they had never seen a worse knee.
So while the Giants were losing football games, Tucker ran up and down the steps of Yankee Stadium and went through a rigorous program of therapy, the results of which won't be known until he takes his first fierce tackle.
A gifted runner, he has more cuts than a delicatessen owner and the balance of a high-wire walker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
ALLEN JACOBS
Fullback
No. 30
Utah
"A product of the Vince Lombardi school of football, Allen Jacobs bears the unmistakable stamp of the Green Bay maestro and carries more than a striking resemblance to the fullback he understudied, Jim Taylor. Built along the same lines as Taylor at 6-1 and 215 pounds, Jacobs is a grit-and-grunt runner and a devastating blocker.
He joined the Giants from Green Bay during the 1966 season and got his chance to play after injuries cut down the first-liners. Then he began to look like one himself, as he piled up better than 90 yards against the Browns; he wound up the year gaining 273 yards on 77 carries for a 3.5 average and one touchdown.
A 25-year-old in his third NFL season, Allen played college ball at Utah."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Allen was obtained from the Packers before the season and saw limited action until injuries gave him his chance. He became the Giants' tough yardage runner, picking up 273 yards on 77 carries, and scored a touchdown.
He is a strong blocker."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 112
Monday, September 15, 2014
1967 Profile: Aaron Thomas
Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
"The Giants claim that Aaron Thomas is the most underrated tight end in pro football. He doesn't get many All-Pro calls, but his name is always mentioned by the other side when trades are discussed.
A 6-3, 210-pounder, he does a solid job of blocking up at the line, and he runs with the speed of a split end, taking those enormous strides of his as he digs downfield. He's particularly slippery on down-and-in patterns and on making the sideline catch.
Now in his seventh pro year (six of them with the Giants), he has caught 154 passes for 2,778 yards and 20 touchdowns. Last season, he made 43 catches for 683 yards, a 15.9 average, and four touchdowns.
He's from Oregon State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Unsung Aaron continues to do his unusually great job for New York. In 1966 he had his best year receiving, with 43 grabs for 683 yards and four touchdowns.
Aaron has the size for playing tight and blocking, and the speed and moves of a deep receiver."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 119
No. 88
Oregon State
"The Giants claim that Aaron Thomas is the most underrated tight end in pro football. He doesn't get many All-Pro calls, but his name is always mentioned by the other side when trades are discussed.
A 6-3, 210-pounder, he does a solid job of blocking up at the line, and he runs with the speed of a split end, taking those enormous strides of his as he digs downfield. He's particularly slippery on down-and-in patterns and on making the sideline catch.
Now in his seventh pro year (six of them with the Giants), he has caught 154 passes for 2,778 yards and 20 touchdowns. Last season, he made 43 catches for 683 yards, a 15.9 average, and four touchdowns.
He's from Oregon State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Unsung Aaron continues to do his unusually great job for New York. In 1966 he had his best year receiving, with 43 grabs for 683 yards and four touchdowns.
Aaron has the size for playing tight and blocking, and the speed and moves of a deep receiver."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 119
Sunday, September 14, 2014
1967 Profiles: Pete Gogolak and Ernie Koy
PETE GOLOLAK
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Who holds the Bills' lifetime for field goals? Pete Gogolak, 47."
-1967 Topps No. 29
After spending the first two seasons of his pro career as the placekicking stalwart of Buffalo's back-to-back AFL champions, Pete was a welcome addition to the New York Giants and to the NFL last year.
In his first season in the dark blue livery of the Maramen, Pete made 16 of 28 field goal attempts for 57.1 percentage, good for seventh in the league. In New York's first matchup with Washington at Yankee Stadium, his two field goals were the winning margin in a 13-10 Giant victory over the Redskins and the one field goal made by their rookie kicker, Pete's younger brother Charlie Gogolak.
The Hungarian-born booter was the kicking star of the Ivy League in his days at Cornell. He then became the man who introduced 'soccer-style' placekicking to pro football and whose bold signing by Giant owner Mara did much to bring peace between the two leagues.
With two Gogolaks, the National Football League is twice blessed.
ERNIE KOY
Punter-Halfback
No. 23
Texas
Last year Ernie was again used mostly as a punter, yet also received extensive playing time at flanker when Joe Morrison was filling at halfback. Punting 49 times he wasn't blocked once and averaged 39.4 with a long of 55.
Folks are still talking about Ernie's 79-yard touchdown run in the Orange Bowl after he starred for the 1964 Texas squad that went 9-1.
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Who holds the Bills' lifetime for field goals? Pete Gogolak, 47."
-1967 Topps No. 29
After spending the first two seasons of his pro career as the placekicking stalwart of Buffalo's back-to-back AFL champions, Pete was a welcome addition to the New York Giants and to the NFL last year.
In his first season in the dark blue livery of the Maramen, Pete made 16 of 28 field goal attempts for 57.1 percentage, good for seventh in the league. In New York's first matchup with Washington at Yankee Stadium, his two field goals were the winning margin in a 13-10 Giant victory over the Redskins and the one field goal made by their rookie kicker, Pete's younger brother Charlie Gogolak.
The Hungarian-born booter was the kicking star of the Ivy League in his days at Cornell. He then became the man who introduced 'soccer-style' placekicking to pro football and whose bold signing by Giant owner Mara did much to bring peace between the two leagues.
With two Gogolaks, the National Football League is twice blessed.
ERNIE KOY
Punter-Halfback
No. 23
Texas
Last year Ernie was again used mostly as a punter, yet also received extensive playing time at flanker when Joe Morrison was filling at halfback. Punting 49 times he wasn't blocked once and averaged 39.4 with a long of 55.
Folks are still talking about Ernie's 79-yard touchdown run in the Orange Bowl after he starred for the 1964 Texas squad that went 9-1.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
1967 Giants Linebacker Profiles
VINCE COSTELLO
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Ohio
"One of the steadiest of all linebackers. A Brown since 1957, making the club after quitting his professional baseball career, Costello has been stationed at middle guard throughout his career. He's quick at plugging gaps and is seldom faked out of position.
Costello has been a high school coach while sidelined with a leg injury. He was born in Dellroy, Ohio and lives in Magnolia, Ohio."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Vince was an absolute unknown when he arrived as the Browns' middle linebacker in 1957. The Browns took a look at him as a free agent in '56 but let him go after a leg injury. He came back a year later and not only made the squad but at a first string position.
Vince is a torrid competitor who was once a minor league baseball player. He has gained a Master's degree from Ohio University in the off-season."
-1961 Fleer No. 16
"From Magnolia, Ohio, Vince starred at Ohio University. He joined the Browns in 1956 by asking for a trial. Injuries eliminated him, but he came back in '57."
-1961 National City Bank (Cleveland), Set No. 4, Player No. 3
"Smaller than most middle linebackers, Vince Costello seldom misses an offensive trick by using his mind more than his muscle. He believes in the value of oral signals and constantly alerts the outside linebackers as to his intentions so that they can make their switches accordingly.
He was born in Dellroy, Ohio."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"What does Vince do in the off-season? He is a high school teacher."
-1964 Philadelphia No. 32
"Vince Costello is the Browns' clutch player on defense. When there is a key interception to be made, or a game-saving fumble recovery, it is usually this rumbling six-foot, 228-pound linebacker who comes up with the ball. He's the man in the middle, the one who calls the defensive signals. Ten years in the league have given him the savvy to figure out where the ball is going to be, and his experience and fire have made him a leader.
Vince was signed by the Browns as a free agent in 1966, after starring in football, baseball and basketball at Ohio University."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
1967
Vince has been the starting middle linebacker of the Browns for the past ten seasons, having missed only two games in that time. The Giants look to him to provide leadership to the New York linebacking corps not seen since the days of Sam Huff.
In 1961 Vince recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and in 1962, he recovered a fumble and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown.
BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Having played every game for the Giants from 1963 through 1965, Bill returns to action after missing all of last season. He has the speed to pursue any ball-carrier and the hands to intercept any ball thrown in his direction.
JEFF SMITH
Linebacker
No. 57
USC
"Jeff was drafted on the advice of New York's west coast scout after an outstanding career at USC. Midway through 1966, he started at linebacker. He made an interception, and his tough play was a New York bright spot."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 118
Middle Linebacker
No. 56
Ohio
"One of the steadiest of all linebackers. A Brown since 1957, making the club after quitting his professional baseball career, Costello has been stationed at middle guard throughout his career. He's quick at plugging gaps and is seldom faked out of position.
Costello has been a high school coach while sidelined with a leg injury. He was born in Dellroy, Ohio and lives in Magnolia, Ohio."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Vince was an absolute unknown when he arrived as the Browns' middle linebacker in 1957. The Browns took a look at him as a free agent in '56 but let him go after a leg injury. He came back a year later and not only made the squad but at a first string position.
Vince is a torrid competitor who was once a minor league baseball player. He has gained a Master's degree from Ohio University in the off-season."
-1961 Fleer No. 16
"From Magnolia, Ohio, Vince starred at Ohio University. He joined the Browns in 1956 by asking for a trial. Injuries eliminated him, but he came back in '57."
-1961 National City Bank (Cleveland), Set No. 4, Player No. 3
"Smaller than most middle linebackers, Vince Costello seldom misses an offensive trick by using his mind more than his muscle. He believes in the value of oral signals and constantly alerts the outside linebackers as to his intentions so that they can make their switches accordingly.
He was born in Dellroy, Ohio."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"What does Vince do in the off-season? He is a high school teacher."
-1964 Philadelphia No. 32
"Vince Costello is the Browns' clutch player on defense. When there is a key interception to be made, or a game-saving fumble recovery, it is usually this rumbling six-foot, 228-pound linebacker who comes up with the ball. He's the man in the middle, the one who calls the defensive signals. Ten years in the league have given him the savvy to figure out where the ball is going to be, and his experience and fire have made him a leader.
Vince was signed by the Browns as a free agent in 1966, after starring in football, baseball and basketball at Ohio University."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
1967
Vince has been the starting middle linebacker of the Browns for the past ten seasons, having missed only two games in that time. The Giants look to him to provide leadership to the New York linebacking corps not seen since the days of Sam Huff.
In 1961 Vince recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and in 1962, he recovered a fumble and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown.
BILL SWAIN
Linebacker
No. 52
Oregon
Having played every game for the Giants from 1963 through 1965, Bill returns to action after missing all of last season. He has the speed to pursue any ball-carrier and the hands to intercept any ball thrown in his direction.
JEFF SMITH
Linebacker
No. 57
USC
"Jeff was drafted on the advice of New York's west coast scout after an outstanding career at USC. Midway through 1966, he started at linebacker. He made an interception, and his tough play was a New York bright spot."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 118
Friday, September 12, 2014
1967 Profile: Bill Triplett
Halfback
No. 38
Miami-Ohio
"Outstanding at fullback and possessed with the ability to play regularly on defense, Bill Triplett is the one Card back who hurts neither the offensive or defensive unit. A safetyman in 1962 who got only two shots at carrying the ball, too many injuries among the club's runners in '63 made him turn to the fullback post, one he filled with proper distinction, peeling off 652 yards on 134 carries.
Born in Shaw, Michigan, his brother, Mel, formerly played fullback for the Giants and Vikings. Drafted by New York, Bill was dealt to St. Louis in '62 and was used to bring back kickoffs when not working as a defender."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"One of the best young running backs in the NFL, Bill Triplett, got his chance because of injuries to John David Crow and Prentice Gautt. He made the most of it, too, gaining 652 yards, ninth in the league, to give the Cardinals more depth than any other club at running back.
The younger brother of former NFL fullback Mel Triplett, the Cards obtained him from the Giants in a 1962 trade for Ralph Guglielmi. As a rookie, he also showed he could play on defense, at safety, but the Cards believe this Miami (Ohio) grad will be a star on offense."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Bill missed the entire 1964 season with a tubercular infection but came back strong in '65. He was the Cardinals' leading rusher with 617 yards on 174 carries and six touchdowns. He also contributed 26 catches for 256 yards and a touchdown."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 167
"Count this one as a coup for the Giants. They gave up a linebacker, Jerry Hillebrand, who they felt was not quite aggressive enough for this professional game, for a halfback who could move right in and do some good.
Bill Triplett was a strong and consistent runner for the St. Louis Cardinals, leading the team in rushing in 1964. But last season his job was usurped by the bright rookie, Johnny Roland. The Cardinals did not want to lose Triplett, though; they traded him only because they lost two linebackers (to expansion and the service) and were desperate at that position.
The Giants, who once owned the 27-year-old, 6-2 210-pounder, are glad to have him back."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
No. 38
Miami-Ohio
"Outstanding at fullback and possessed with the ability to play regularly on defense, Bill Triplett is the one Card back who hurts neither the offensive or defensive unit. A safetyman in 1962 who got only two shots at carrying the ball, too many injuries among the club's runners in '63 made him turn to the fullback post, one he filled with proper distinction, peeling off 652 yards on 134 carries.
Born in Shaw, Michigan, his brother, Mel, formerly played fullback for the Giants and Vikings. Drafted by New York, Bill was dealt to St. Louis in '62 and was used to bring back kickoffs when not working as a defender."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"One of the best young running backs in the NFL, Bill Triplett, got his chance because of injuries to John David Crow and Prentice Gautt. He made the most of it, too, gaining 652 yards, ninth in the league, to give the Cardinals more depth than any other club at running back.
The younger brother of former NFL fullback Mel Triplett, the Cards obtained him from the Giants in a 1962 trade for Ralph Guglielmi. As a rookie, he also showed he could play on defense, at safety, but the Cards believe this Miami (Ohio) grad will be a star on offense."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Bill missed the entire 1964 season with a tubercular infection but came back strong in '65. He was the Cardinals' leading rusher with 617 yards on 174 carries and six touchdowns. He also contributed 26 catches for 256 yards and a touchdown."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 167
"Count this one as a coup for the Giants. They gave up a linebacker, Jerry Hillebrand, who they felt was not quite aggressive enough for this professional game, for a halfback who could move right in and do some good.
Bill Triplett was a strong and consistent runner for the St. Louis Cardinals, leading the team in rushing in 1964. But last season his job was usurped by the bright rookie, Johnny Roland. The Cardinals did not want to lose Triplett, though; they traded him only because they lost two linebackers (to expansion and the service) and were desperate at that position.
The Giants, who once owned the 27-year-old, 6-2 210-pounder, are glad to have him back."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
Thursday, September 11, 2014
1967 Giants Offensive Line Profiles
GREG LARSON
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"Centers don't ordinarily set records unless it's for longevity and endurance, but Greg Larson has probably achieved a medical first.
Torn knee ligaments he suffered in a game in 1964 were repaired by surgery, but the damage was so severe doctors predicted he wouldn't regain full mobility. But Greg put himself on a spartan rehabilitation program which strengthened the knee enough for him to return to action by mid-season of 1965. And last year he was running at full speed once again.
A seven-year veteran, he's a selfless type who played tackle and guard before room finally was made for him at center. His recovery, says Allie Sherman, 'was a tribute to his determination.' "
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
Darrell was back with the Giants after just over a season with the Redskins. After becoming a New York starter midway through the 1960 season, Darrell played every game, starting all but four, from 1961-1964. Darrell earned Pro Bowl selections in 1962 and 1963, with Sporting News All-Conference and AP second-team All-Pro honors in '63.
Known for his brilliance in leading interference to the strong side, Darrell does just as well on pass protection.
In his college days at North Carolina State, Darrell won two letters in football and one in wrestling.
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
Pete has missed only two games since entering the NFL in 1962. He recovered two fumbles as a rookie, one the following year and one for the Giants last year.
New Giant quarterback Fran Tarkenton will once again enjoy the outstanding pass protection provided by his former Georgia teammate. Pete was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs, and his outstanding speed made him just as impressive on running plays. He was All-Southeastern Conference as a sophomore.
FRANCIS PEAY
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Missouri
"While he was in there last season, Francis Peay was rated by the opposing coaches as the most promising rookie lineman to come into the league. But a foot injury sustained about mid-year sidelined him the rest of the way, and he will have to continue his education this season.
A 6-5 specimen with a powerful physique from the torso up but with legs like a basketball player, he likely will add weight to his 250 pounds. The Giant staff believes he's strong on technique and needs consistency now to develop into a top tackle."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Fran was the Giants' top draft choice for 1966. He moved right in as a starting tackle until an injury sidelined him.
Under the supervision of Rosey Brown, the Giants expect much of this big, fast, strong prospect."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 117
WILLIE YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
No. 69
Grambling
Willie was signed as a free agent in 1966 after being recommended to the Giants by Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. He started his rookie season as an offensive guard and was later tried at defensive tackle before the job found the man and Willie settled at offensive tackle. He's been become known around the league for his exceptional strength, quickness and competitive spirit.
A three-year starter at guard at Grambling, Willie is the latest of the outstanding players provided to pro football by Coach Robinson.
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"Centers don't ordinarily set records unless it's for longevity and endurance, but Greg Larson has probably achieved a medical first.
Torn knee ligaments he suffered in a game in 1964 were repaired by surgery, but the damage was so severe doctors predicted he wouldn't regain full mobility. But Greg put himself on a spartan rehabilitation program which strengthened the knee enough for him to return to action by mid-season of 1965. And last year he was running at full speed once again.
A seven-year veteran, he's a selfless type who played tackle and guard before room finally was made for him at center. His recovery, says Allie Sherman, 'was a tribute to his determination.' "
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
Darrell was back with the Giants after just over a season with the Redskins. After becoming a New York starter midway through the 1960 season, Darrell played every game, starting all but four, from 1961-1964. Darrell earned Pro Bowl selections in 1962 and 1963, with Sporting News All-Conference and AP second-team All-Pro honors in '63.
Known for his brilliance in leading interference to the strong side, Darrell does just as well on pass protection.
In his college days at North Carolina State, Darrell won two letters in football and one in wrestling.
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
Pete has missed only two games since entering the NFL in 1962. He recovered two fumbles as a rookie, one the following year and one for the Giants last year.
New Giant quarterback Fran Tarkenton will once again enjoy the outstanding pass protection provided by his former Georgia teammate. Pete was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs, and his outstanding speed made him just as impressive on running plays. He was All-Southeastern Conference as a sophomore.
FRANCIS PEAY
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Missouri
"While he was in there last season, Francis Peay was rated by the opposing coaches as the most promising rookie lineman to come into the league. But a foot injury sustained about mid-year sidelined him the rest of the way, and he will have to continue his education this season.
A 6-5 specimen with a powerful physique from the torso up but with legs like a basketball player, he likely will add weight to his 250 pounds. The Giant staff believes he's strong on technique and needs consistency now to develop into a top tackle."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Fran was the Giants' top draft choice for 1966. He moved right in as a starting tackle until an injury sidelined him.
Under the supervision of Rosey Brown, the Giants expect much of this big, fast, strong prospect."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 117
WILLIE YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
No. 69
Grambling
Willie was signed as a free agent in 1966 after being recommended to the Giants by Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. He started his rookie season as an offensive guard and was later tried at defensive tackle before the job found the man and Willie settled at offensive tackle. He's been become known around the league for his exceptional strength, quickness and competitive spirit.
A three-year starter at guard at Grambling, Willie is the latest of the outstanding players provided to pro football by Coach Robinson.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
1967 Giants Defensive Line Profiles
DON DAVIS
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Los Angeles State
An intense young bruiser who played every game, starting all but one, Don is part of the Giants' developing defensive line. He's one of the best defensive linemen ever to come out of Los Angeles State.
BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive Tackle
Free Agent (Baltimore Colts, 1966)
Western Michigan
The Giants look to Bob to improve the club's pass rush with his combination of strength and quickness. He spent 1966 on the Colts' taxi squad before being traded to New York for a high draft choice.
Bob was twice All-Conference at Western Michigan and was the school's MVP in 1965. He also played baseball and basketball, finishing with seven varsity letters.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Last of the old guard of Giants from their championship days, Jim Katcavage at times last year constituted all there was of a defensive pass rush.
The 6-3, 240-pound veteran of a dozen NFL campaigns is still a formidable man to got up against; where he once did it all on his brute strength, he now exercises finesse and he has more moves than a tournament chess player.
Kat, who joined the Giants out of the University of Dayton as their No. 4 draft pick, has been an All-Pro three times and twice has been picked to play in the Pro Bowl."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
GLEN CONDREN
Defensive End
No. 70
Oklahoma
Glen is ready to assume regular duty at defensive end in 1967. Drafted out of Oklahoma three years ago, this muscular youth has seen steadily increased playing time and has always impressed Giant coaches with his determination.
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Los Angeles State
An intense young bruiser who played every game, starting all but one, Don is part of the Giants' developing defensive line. He's one of the best defensive linemen ever to come out of Los Angeles State.
BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive Tackle
Free Agent (Baltimore Colts, 1966)
Western Michigan
The Giants look to Bob to improve the club's pass rush with his combination of strength and quickness. He spent 1966 on the Colts' taxi squad before being traded to New York for a high draft choice.
Bob was twice All-Conference at Western Michigan and was the school's MVP in 1965. He also played baseball and basketball, finishing with seven varsity letters.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Last of the old guard of Giants from their championship days, Jim Katcavage at times last year constituted all there was of a defensive pass rush.
The 6-3, 240-pound veteran of a dozen NFL campaigns is still a formidable man to got up against; where he once did it all on his brute strength, he now exercises finesse and he has more moves than a tournament chess player.
Kat, who joined the Giants out of the University of Dayton as their No. 4 draft pick, has been an All-Pro three times and twice has been picked to play in the Pro Bowl."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
GLEN CONDREN
Defensive End
No. 70
Oklahoma
Glen is ready to assume regular duty at defensive end in 1967. Drafted out of Oklahoma three years ago, this muscular youth has seen steadily increased playing time and has always impressed Giant coaches with his determination.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
1967 Profile: Homer Jones
Split End
No. 45
Texas Southern
"The cry of help goes out whenever Homer Jones steaks into a defender's zone. Homer's hard enough to cover when he's coming at you, but once he get's behind you he's impossible to catch. The exciting Giant split end can run the hundred in 9.3, and with the largest pair of hands in the league, he can virtually catch a ball by its point.
In his second full season as a regular in '66, he pulled in 48 passes for 1,044 yards for a league-leading 21.8 average and eight touchdowns. He made one grab for a 98-yard score.
The 6-2, 215-pounder's best move is the fly pattern, but he's also shaken loose on his delayed down-and-in. Here, he takes a few quick, disinterested steps downfield, decoying his defender - and then he's gone."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Homer started off in 1966 just as he runs, like lightning. He drew double coverage but still grabbed 38 aerials, tops for New York, for 1,044 yards and a league high of 21.8 yards per catch. He made eight touchdowns, one for 98 yards."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 113
No. 45
Texas Southern
"The cry of help goes out whenever Homer Jones steaks into a defender's zone. Homer's hard enough to cover when he's coming at you, but once he get's behind you he's impossible to catch. The exciting Giant split end can run the hundred in 9.3, and with the largest pair of hands in the league, he can virtually catch a ball by its point.
In his second full season as a regular in '66, he pulled in 48 passes for 1,044 yards for a league-leading 21.8 average and eight touchdowns. He made one grab for a 98-yard score.
The 6-2, 215-pounder's best move is the fly pattern, but he's also shaken loose on his delayed down-and-in. Here, he takes a few quick, disinterested steps downfield, decoying his defender - and then he's gone."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Homer started off in 1966 just as he runs, like lightning. He drew double coverage but still grabbed 38 aerials, tops for New York, for 1,044 yards and a league high of 21.8 yards per catch. He made eight touchdowns, one for 98 yards."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 113
Monday, September 8, 2014
1967 Giants Defensive Back Profiles
HENRY CARR
Cornerback
No. 28
Arizona State
"Anyone who saw Olympic speedster Henry Carr overtake the Redskins' Bobby Mitchell in the open field last year knows just how fast he can really go. But speed is only one of Henry's assets as a defensive back. He's quick, strong and instinctive, as well as being a fast learner.
Last year, he was installed at free safety and he took to it with the natural inclination all top athletes possess. Of his four interceptions, his masterpiece was the 101-yarder he perpetrated against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the longest return of the year and was only a yard shorter than the all-time NFL record.
A 6-3, 195-pounder, Henry ran track and played football at Arizona State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Henry, better known for his gold medal Olympic performances than for his football talent, has come on to be one of the good free safeties in the League. In 1966 he intercepted four passes and ran one back 101 yards for a touchdown."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 110
CLARENCE CHILDS
Cornerback-Kick Returner
No. 48
Florida A & M
"Clarence is another of the Giants 'Jet Set' with a 9.4 100 to his credit.
In 1966 he intercepted two passes, returning them 32 yards. He returned 34 kickoffs for 855 yards including a 90-yard scoring scamper.
He signed [with the Giants] as a free agent."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 111
SPIDER LOCKHART
Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"The man they call 'Spider' plays defense with the daring of a Mississippi riverboat gambler. His eyes are constantly reading the eyes of the enemy quarterback or the receiver lined up opposite him. He keeps a short halter on the men he covers, always looking for an interception. With the retirement of Dick Lynch and Jim Patton, Spider now leads the team in swipes with a two-year total of ten, picking off six passes last season.
Despite his 6-2, 175-pound frame, he is a slashing, punishing tackler. He also runs back punts and last year ranked fifth in the league with 17 returns for 113 yards.
He was the only Giant to play in last winter's Pro Bowl game."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Only a third-year man in the NFL, the Giants' Carl Lockhart is coming on fast. He's no Herb Adderley yet- but- he's a tough kid, very tenacious, and despite his size (6-2, 175 pounds) is one of the hardest tacklers among defensive backs.
Last year, Carl had six interceptions."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Spider was the only Giant to make the Pro Bowl last season. A 'Blue Chip' player, he stole six passes in 1966. He was fifth in punt returns with 113 yards on 17 returns.
As a corner back, he makes up in knowledge what he lacks in speed."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 115
WENDELL HARRIS
Safety
No. 26
LSU
A 1st round draft choice of the Colts in 1962, Wendell played every game for that club from his rookie season through 1965, a year he started all 14 games. He wasted no time establishing himself as a Giant in last year's opener at Pitt Stadium as he recovered a fourth-quarter fumble and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving the Giants a 34-31 lead over the Steelers.
Cornerback
No. 28
Arizona State
"Anyone who saw Olympic speedster Henry Carr overtake the Redskins' Bobby Mitchell in the open field last year knows just how fast he can really go. But speed is only one of Henry's assets as a defensive back. He's quick, strong and instinctive, as well as being a fast learner.
Last year, he was installed at free safety and he took to it with the natural inclination all top athletes possess. Of his four interceptions, his masterpiece was the 101-yarder he perpetrated against the Los Angeles Rams. It was the longest return of the year and was only a yard shorter than the all-time NFL record.
A 6-3, 195-pounder, Henry ran track and played football at Arizona State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Henry, better known for his gold medal Olympic performances than for his football talent, has come on to be one of the good free safeties in the League. In 1966 he intercepted four passes and ran one back 101 yards for a touchdown."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 110
CLARENCE CHILDS
Cornerback-Kick Returner
No. 48
Florida A & M
"Clarence is another of the Giants 'Jet Set' with a 9.4 100 to his credit.
In 1966 he intercepted two passes, returning them 32 yards. He returned 34 kickoffs for 855 yards including a 90-yard scoring scamper.
He signed [with the Giants] as a free agent."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 111
SPIDER LOCKHART
Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"The man they call 'Spider' plays defense with the daring of a Mississippi riverboat gambler. His eyes are constantly reading the eyes of the enemy quarterback or the receiver lined up opposite him. He keeps a short halter on the men he covers, always looking for an interception. With the retirement of Dick Lynch and Jim Patton, Spider now leads the team in swipes with a two-year total of ten, picking off six passes last season.
Despite his 6-2, 175-pound frame, he is a slashing, punishing tackler. He also runs back punts and last year ranked fifth in the league with 17 returns for 113 yards.
He was the only Giant to play in last winter's Pro Bowl game."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Only a third-year man in the NFL, the Giants' Carl Lockhart is coming on fast. He's no Herb Adderley yet- but- he's a tough kid, very tenacious, and despite his size (6-2, 175 pounds) is one of the hardest tacklers among defensive backs.
Last year, Carl had six interceptions."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Spider was the only Giant to make the Pro Bowl last season. A 'Blue Chip' player, he stole six passes in 1966. He was fifth in punt returns with 113 yards on 17 returns.
As a corner back, he makes up in knowledge what he lacks in speed."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 115
WENDELL HARRIS
Safety
No. 26
LSU
A 1st round draft choice of the Colts in 1962, Wendell played every game for that club from his rookie season through 1965, a year he started all 14 games. He wasted no time establishing himself as a Giant in last year's opener at Pitt Stadium as he recovered a fourth-quarter fumble and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown, giving the Giants a 34-31 lead over the Steelers.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
1967 Profiles: Fran Tarkenton and Tom Kennedy
FRAN TARKENTON
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"Fran was probably the most exciting NFL rookie in 1961, passing with top accuracy."
-1962 Topps No. 90
"The most scrambling of all quarterbacks is Fran Tarkenton, the Richmond (Va.) rifler who must still learn to make better use of his protection pocket. He hit on 56 per cent of his aerials as a 1961 rookie but dropped to 49.5 in '62 when he gained 2,595 yards on 163 completions. He also fired the longest touchdown forward of the campaign, an 89-yarder. Tarkenton must work on correcting the 'hang' in his long pass. He also carried the ball 41 times in '62 and clicked for an 8.8 average per rush.
The son of a Methodist minister, he was a leading student in business administration and was an All-American academic selection."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Slowly, Fran Tarkenton, the scramblin' Viking quarterback, has earned the respect of those forced to contain him. Last year he moved into the No. 6 spot among passers, hitting 170 times in 297 efforts for 2,331 yards, and also ran 28 times for 162 yards. So cleverly did he perform that opponents say his next move must be anticipated if he's to be caught in time. A coach said of Tarkenton: 'Containing him is like trying to swat a fly with an ironing board.'
Born in Richmond, Virginia, he's the son of a Methodist minister. Voted most valuable Viking of 1963, Tarkenton is certain to take his place among the finest quarterbacks once the elder passing statesmen leave the league."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Regarded among the NFL's best young quarterbacks, Fran Tarkenton has been the Vikings' quarterback since their inception. Last season he completed 170 passes, a one-season career high for him, but his yardage dropped to 2,311 (from 2,595) and his touchdown passes dropped to 15 (from 22). He has a great instinct for leadership and spotting defensive weaknesses.
The son of a Methodist minister, Tarkenton was an All-Southeastern Conference quarterback at Georgia before the Vikings selected him as their third draft-choice for their inaugural season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"What's was Fran's passing as a passer in 1963? He was sixth?"
-1964 Philadelphia No. 109
"The glamor boy of the exciting young Vikings is Fran Tarkenton, whose scrambling tactics are setting a new vogue for quarterbacks. A man who becomes more dangerous once he steps out of the pocket, Fran finished second to Green Bay's Bart Starr in passing last year, with 171 completions in 306 attempts for 2,506 yards and 22 touchdowns. He threw 18 as a rookie in 1961, and his 56.1 completion average was second only to Charlie Conerly.
He's improved every year and is destined to become one of the NFL's great ones. Says [head coach] Van Brocklin of his quarterback's scramblin' ways: 'When it works, it's great. When it comes up third-and-40, I let Francis call the next play.' "
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Fran Tarkenton is a magnificent scrambler and a deadly passer, but Norm Van Brocklin says not all at the same time. 'Francis has to give us a little faster delivery,' he says. 'When he plants his foot and unloads in a hurry, we're fine. When he floats, we sometimes have problems.'
Last year, Francis passed and floated for 171 completions on 329 tosses for 2,609 yards and 19 touchdowns; it was good enough for a sixth ranking in the league. On the ground, he picked up an additional 356 yards on 56 carries. He was second in the league in passing in 1964, with roughly the same figures.
Only in his sixth NFL season, he is emerging as one of the game's super-quarterbacks."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Fran was sixth in the passing department in 1965. He passed 329 times, completing 171 (52%) for 2609 yards and 19 touchdowns. His passes averaged 7.93 yards a toss. His longest was an exciting big play, an 89-yard TDer."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 114
"Now comes Fran Tarkenton jay-walking into all that New York traffic - to say nothing of the kind he can expect to find in the Giant backfield. The Giants seemingly solved their quarterback problem for years to come when they traded high to get Francis from the Vikings, with whom he had become disenchanted.
Forget his scrambling tactics for a moment. As a field general, he takes command in the huddle and can analyze the defenses of opposing teams. As a passer, he has rated among the best in the league for six seasons, completing 1,024 tosses on 1,899 attempts for 14,759 yards, 113 touchdowns and a 53.9 percentage. Last year, he ranked sixth with 192 completions out of 358 attempts for 53.6, 2,561 yards and 17 touchdowns.
And as a scrambler, he has run the ball 293 times for 1,893 yards and 15 touchdowns to rank among the top 20 active rushers.
Welcome to Fun City, Francis."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Dissension for the Vikings and desperation for the Giants were the two factors in the deal that sent prime scrambling quarterback Fran Tarkenton to New York for the Giants' top draft picks of the next two years. Tarkenton had had it with Vikings' coach Norm Van Brocklin, and even after Van Brocklin's resignation, it was too late to change the flow of history.
The Giants, of course, have not had a reliable quarterback since Y.A. Tittle's retirement. Tarkenton is both reliable and spectacular and even if the Giants have another losing season, which can be expected in view of their thin personnel, Fran will bring excitement to Yankee Stadium, and keep the customers reasonably content."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"This is the man who popularized the scrambling quarterback. Fran is probably the most exciting quarterback to watch.
He was the NFL's sixth-leading passer completing 192 of 358 with 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 376 yards and four touchdowns, a 6.1 average."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 106
TOM KENNEDY
Quarterback
No. 18
Los Angeles State
"Tom was called up from the Brooklyn Dodgers of the Continental League midway through the season and completed 55 of 100 tosses for 748 yards and seven touchdowns while alternating at quarterback with Gary Wood.
He is a very accurate passer."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 114
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"Fran was probably the most exciting NFL rookie in 1961, passing with top accuracy."
-1962 Topps No. 90
"The most scrambling of all quarterbacks is Fran Tarkenton, the Richmond (Va.) rifler who must still learn to make better use of his protection pocket. He hit on 56 per cent of his aerials as a 1961 rookie but dropped to 49.5 in '62 when he gained 2,595 yards on 163 completions. He also fired the longest touchdown forward of the campaign, an 89-yarder. Tarkenton must work on correcting the 'hang' in his long pass. He also carried the ball 41 times in '62 and clicked for an 8.8 average per rush.
The son of a Methodist minister, he was a leading student in business administration and was an All-American academic selection."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Slowly, Fran Tarkenton, the scramblin' Viking quarterback, has earned the respect of those forced to contain him. Last year he moved into the No. 6 spot among passers, hitting 170 times in 297 efforts for 2,331 yards, and also ran 28 times for 162 yards. So cleverly did he perform that opponents say his next move must be anticipated if he's to be caught in time. A coach said of Tarkenton: 'Containing him is like trying to swat a fly with an ironing board.'
Born in Richmond, Virginia, he's the son of a Methodist minister. Voted most valuable Viking of 1963, Tarkenton is certain to take his place among the finest quarterbacks once the elder passing statesmen leave the league."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"Regarded among the NFL's best young quarterbacks, Fran Tarkenton has been the Vikings' quarterback since their inception. Last season he completed 170 passes, a one-season career high for him, but his yardage dropped to 2,311 (from 2,595) and his touchdown passes dropped to 15 (from 22). He has a great instinct for leadership and spotting defensive weaknesses.
The son of a Methodist minister, Tarkenton was an All-Southeastern Conference quarterback at Georgia before the Vikings selected him as their third draft-choice for their inaugural season."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"What's was Fran's passing as a passer in 1963? He was sixth?"
-1964 Philadelphia No. 109
"The glamor boy of the exciting young Vikings is Fran Tarkenton, whose scrambling tactics are setting a new vogue for quarterbacks. A man who becomes more dangerous once he steps out of the pocket, Fran finished second to Green Bay's Bart Starr in passing last year, with 171 completions in 306 attempts for 2,506 yards and 22 touchdowns. He threw 18 as a rookie in 1961, and his 56.1 completion average was second only to Charlie Conerly.
He's improved every year and is destined to become one of the NFL's great ones. Says [head coach] Van Brocklin of his quarterback's scramblin' ways: 'When it works, it's great. When it comes up third-and-40, I let Francis call the next play.' "
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Fran Tarkenton is a magnificent scrambler and a deadly passer, but Norm Van Brocklin says not all at the same time. 'Francis has to give us a little faster delivery,' he says. 'When he plants his foot and unloads in a hurry, we're fine. When he floats, we sometimes have problems.'
Last year, Francis passed and floated for 171 completions on 329 tosses for 2,609 yards and 19 touchdowns; it was good enough for a sixth ranking in the league. On the ground, he picked up an additional 356 yards on 56 carries. He was second in the league in passing in 1964, with roughly the same figures.
Only in his sixth NFL season, he is emerging as one of the game's super-quarterbacks."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Fran was sixth in the passing department in 1965. He passed 329 times, completing 171 (52%) for 2609 yards and 19 touchdowns. His passes averaged 7.93 yards a toss. His longest was an exciting big play, an 89-yard TDer."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 114
"Now comes Fran Tarkenton jay-walking into all that New York traffic - to say nothing of the kind he can expect to find in the Giant backfield. The Giants seemingly solved their quarterback problem for years to come when they traded high to get Francis from the Vikings, with whom he had become disenchanted.
Forget his scrambling tactics for a moment. As a field general, he takes command in the huddle and can analyze the defenses of opposing teams. As a passer, he has rated among the best in the league for six seasons, completing 1,024 tosses on 1,899 attempts for 14,759 yards, 113 touchdowns and a 53.9 percentage. Last year, he ranked sixth with 192 completions out of 358 attempts for 53.6, 2,561 yards and 17 touchdowns.
And as a scrambler, he has run the ball 293 times for 1,893 yards and 15 touchdowns to rank among the top 20 active rushers.
Welcome to Fun City, Francis."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Dissension for the Vikings and desperation for the Giants were the two factors in the deal that sent prime scrambling quarterback Fran Tarkenton to New York for the Giants' top draft picks of the next two years. Tarkenton had had it with Vikings' coach Norm Van Brocklin, and even after Van Brocklin's resignation, it was too late to change the flow of history.
The Giants, of course, have not had a reliable quarterback since Y.A. Tittle's retirement. Tarkenton is both reliable and spectacular and even if the Giants have another losing season, which can be expected in view of their thin personnel, Fran will bring excitement to Yankee Stadium, and keep the customers reasonably content."
-Pro Football Almanac 1967
"This is the man who popularized the scrambling quarterback. Fran is probably the most exciting quarterback to watch.
He was the NFL's sixth-leading passer completing 192 of 358 with 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 376 yards and four touchdowns, a 6.1 average."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 106
TOM KENNEDY
Quarterback
No. 18
Los Angeles State
"Tom was called up from the Brooklyn Dodgers of the Continental League midway through the season and completed 55 of 100 tosses for 748 yards and seven touchdowns while alternating at quarterback with Gary Wood.
He is a very accurate passer."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 114
Saturday, September 6, 2014
1967 Profile: Joe Morrison
Flanker
No. 40
Cincinnati
"It is to the chagrin of Giant fans that Joe Morrison has never made All-Pro, All-East or even played in the Pro Bowl game. Yet he's the Giants' most valuable player, a selfless performer who has always placed the needs of the team above his own.
Although Joe seemed to have made a home for himself at flankerback, he readily returned to duty as a running back last season when injuries depleted the Giant backfield - and he also took a crash course in quarterbacking when an emergency arose there. He played quarterback in college, but since coming to the NFL in 1959, he has played halfback, fullback, and defensive back, as well as flanker.
As a pass catcher last season, he caught 46 throws for 724 yards and six touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger Pro Football 1967
"'Mr. Everything' for the Giants, Joe has played six positions on both offense and defense.
In '66 Joe had his best year with 46 grabs for 724 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for 275 yards on only 67 rushes and scored twice."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 116
"You name it, Joe has done it. During 1966 he carried, caught, took to the air ... and more."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 194
No. 40
Cincinnati
"It is to the chagrin of Giant fans that Joe Morrison has never made All-Pro, All-East or even played in the Pro Bowl game. Yet he's the Giants' most valuable player, a selfless performer who has always placed the needs of the team above his own.
Although Joe seemed to have made a home for himself at flankerback, he readily returned to duty as a running back last season when injuries depleted the Giant backfield - and he also took a crash course in quarterbacking when an emergency arose there. He played quarterback in college, but since coming to the NFL in 1959, he has played halfback, fullback, and defensive back, as well as flanker.
As a pass catcher last season, he caught 46 throws for 724 yards and six touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger Pro Football 1967
"'Mr. Everything' for the Giants, Joe has played six positions on both offense and defense.
In '66 Joe had his best year with 46 grabs for 724 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for 275 yards on only 67 rushes and scored twice."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 116
"You name it, Joe has done it. During 1966 he carried, caught, took to the air ... and more."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 194
Thursday, September 4, 2014
1967 Profile: Allie Sherman
Head Coach
"Anybody who came out of the wilds of Brooklyn and admits he played on his high school handball team and was a left-handed quarterback at Brooklyn College can survive anything. Allie Sherman is such a man, and his background, as well as his good sense, have inured him against the pitfalls, catcalls and pratfalls that have accompanied his last few seasons as Giant coach.
He's in a town that is proud of its winning football tradition - one that he himself sustained between 1961 and 1963 when the Giants won three consecutive Eastern Conference titles, and for which Allie was twice named Coach of the Year.
But when the Giants began their slide in 1964, the fans asked, 'But what have you done for us lately?' and followed with choruses of 'Good-bye, Allie' which have been ringing in his ears ever since. After the Giants sank to their worst season in history in 1966 with a 1-12-1 record, he said, 'What happened last year is over and done with. Our total effort now is aimed at this year, and what can be done to strengthen our ball club.' To prove his point, he went out and traded for Fran Tarkenton and hired a whole new flock of assistant coaches, including defensive mentor Harland Svare, former L.A. Rams coach and an old Giant hero.
Don't sell the kid from Brooklyn short."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Anybody who came out of the wilds of Brooklyn and admits he played on his high school handball team and was a left-handed quarterback at Brooklyn College can survive anything. Allie Sherman is such a man, and his background, as well as his good sense, have inured him against the pitfalls, catcalls and pratfalls that have accompanied his last few seasons as Giant coach.
He's in a town that is proud of its winning football tradition - one that he himself sustained between 1961 and 1963 when the Giants won three consecutive Eastern Conference titles, and for which Allie was twice named Coach of the Year.
But when the Giants began their slide in 1964, the fans asked, 'But what have you done for us lately?' and followed with choruses of 'Good-bye, Allie' which have been ringing in his ears ever since. After the Giants sank to their worst season in history in 1966 with a 1-12-1 record, he said, 'What happened last year is over and done with. Our total effort now is aimed at this year, and what can be done to strengthen our ball club.' To prove his point, he went out and traded for Fran Tarkenton and hired a whole new flock of assistant coaches, including defensive mentor Harland Svare, former L.A. Rams coach and an old Giant hero.
Don't sell the kid from Brooklyn short."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
1967 New York Giants Outlook
"As any follower of the football Giants knows, they are a devil's brew of heady success and abysmal failure. In recent seasons, any attempt to get a fix on them has turned out to be an exercise in frustration. They again are unpredictable for 1967, except to say that they are far from being what they once were, but not quite as bad as they were last year.
There are two reasons for this. The first is that the Giants went to camp with a more realistic assessment of themselves than they did at the same time a year ago. Then, they were slightly tipsy from their second-place (tie) .500 finish of 1965. The second reason - and perhaps more far-reaching - is that they once again seem to have bailed themselves out by engineering a trade for a star.
This time, the rescuer's name is Francis Tarkenton, and while he may not make the Giant restoration complete all by himself, he will keep the customers distracted from the team's many shortcomings. And he's the kind of young and experienced quarterback with whom they can plan a happier future. Earl Morrall, who provided the Giants with efficient temporary relief in 1965, will be in the bullpen if his injured wrist is completely healed. The third quarterback is Tom Kennedy, who performed well at times last year after being recruited from the Continental League. He completed 55 passes out of 100 attempts for 748 yards and seven touchdowns.
The first time Tucker Frederickson carries the ball in earnest you can bet coach Allie Sherman will be holding his breath. The fullback, who enjoyed a brilliant rookie campaign in '65, was out all of last season with a wrecked knee; it means everything to him - physically and psychologically - to survive the first mean bump he takes. If Frederickson makes it, the backfield will have some of its old Baby Bull wallop. Chuck Mercein, a merciless but inartistic runner, is back and so is ex-Packer Allen Jacobs and third-year man Ernie Koy. The Giants also acquired halfback Bill Triplett from the St. Louis Cardinals during the off-season, and he could add outside running speed to the attack.
The Giants appear to be well-manned at the ends. The exciting Homer Jones is still gaining velocity at split end, all-purpose Joe Morrison is resourceful at flanker, and Aaron Thomas is a top clutch receiver at tight end. Freeman White, a high draft choice in 1965 who got to play linebacker last season, probably will be returned to end.
But the most critical area for the Giants is in the line, where Sherman would like to establish some consistency. The pass blocking broke down alarmingly in 1966, but Sherman believes this was due more to a loss in technique than to inadequate personnel. We'll see. It's bound to be somewhat improved with the return of Francis Peay to one of the tackle positions; he was knocked out of action midway through a promising rookie year. Soph Willie Young, who was coming along toward the end of the season, plays the other tackle. Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Darrell Dess all played well below their abilities in '66, but they are old-pro guards who should rebound. At center, Greg Larson made a remarkable recovery from a severely damaged knee and appears to be playing at full speed again. The reserves are second-year man Charlie Harper, taxi-squader Owen Thomas and rookie Randy Staten (Minnesota) at guard, veteran Roger Davis at tackle and Joe Wellborn at center.
Paralleling the breakdown in the Giant offensive line last year was the dismemberment of their defensive line - partly through injury, partly through bad play. Jim Katcavage returns to one end; he's still plenty tough, but he may be slowing down at this stage of his career. Roosevelt Davis, who figures to start at the other end, was just reaching pro-level efficiency last season when he was kayoed by a knee injury. The tackle jobs are up for grabs among Glen Condren, Jim Moran, Don Davis and Roger Anderson, none of whom has played with much distinction in the past. Sherman is sure to test Lou Thompson, his top draft choice, at one of the tackles. Thompson is a 6-2, 240-pounder from Alabama who was rated as one of the fastest linemen in his conference last season. Bill Matan is a spare end.
Confusion and injuries decimated the linebacking corps last year. Bill Swain and Larry Vargo, the most experienced operatives, were lost for most of the season, and promising rookie Jeff Smith was hurt at the very end - all were knee cases. They're back this year, along with Mike Ciccolella, who did some good work in the middle as a rookie in '66, Stan Sczurek and newcomer Ken Avery, who was drafted as a future out of Southern Mississippi. Sherman is depending on his new defensive coach, Harland Svare, to bring some order to the chaotic linebacking situation.
As the Giants learned so painfully in 1966, a good defense is predicated on a tough pass rush and a resourceful crew of linebackers. If there's any improvement up front, it will make the quartet in the secondary more effective than it has been. Spider Lockhart and Clarence Childs are a pair of speedy, gambling cornerbacks, and Henry Carr and Wendell Harris are alert at the safeties. Carr is expected to change places with Lockhart this season, and Harris, the greybeard of the group, is a steadying influence. He could be pushed by second-year man Phil Harris (no relation). The rookies are Peterson Matthews (Grambling), Scott Eaton (Oregon State) and Ted Holman (Syracuse).
But don't expect too much from Giant rookies as a whole. The Giants traded away their first three draft choices, and didn't get to pick until the fourth round."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
IN BRIEF
Probable 1967 Finish: 3rd
Strengths: good pass receiving, paced by Homer Jones, and a springy set of defensive backs.
Biggest Needs: help on both interior lines and a workable team of linebackers.
1966 finish: 8th
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
WHILE ALLIE SHERMAN DOESN'T MIND THE SINGING OF THE LOYAL FANS, HE DOES HOPE TO CHANGE THEIR TUNE IN '67.
"New York, New York is a wonderful town. Where else do the football fans, unhappy with the performance of their heroes, sing to their coach? They sound nothing at all like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or even The Grateful Dead, but warmed by alcohol and absolute certainty that they know considerably more about football than Allie Sherman, they sing with feeling: 'Goodbye, Allie ...' After years of watching their heroes dominate the Eastern Conference, the loyal fans have not taken kindly to hard times. Last season the Giants, while giving up more than 500 points (an average of some 35 per game), won only one ballgame. They did tie one, but that didn't exactly save the season for the loyal fans. It didn't exactly save the jobs of four Giant assistant coaches, either. Pop Ivy, Ed Kolman, Tom Scott and Harry Wright have been replaced by Harland Svare, Jim Trimble, Jack Patera and Alex Webster. Sherman returns for another series of concerts, but they should not be as persistent this season.
The Giants will be a much better ballclub in '67. Francis Tarkenton at quarterback improves the team a great deal by himself. Only 27 years old and with six pro seasons behind him, Tarkenton is the ideal man for the Giants. He has proven that he can complete passes even when his blocking breaks down. He will give the singers something else to sing about. He completed 54 percent of 1,899 passes for 14,579 yards and 113 touchdowns with the Vikings. And it is doubtful that he ever had a set of receivers in Minnesota to match the current set he will be working with in New York.
Split end Homer Jones occasionally forgets what he's about, but he has tremendous speed and hands. Last season he caught 44 passes for 1,044 yards (a league-leading average 21.9 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns. Although he had to fill in at running back for several games, flanker Joe Morrison caught 46 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Aaron Thomas caught 43 passes for 683 yards and four touchdowns.
At running back the Giants should be stronger with Bill Triplett at halfback (acquired from St. Louis) and Tucker Frederickson at fullback (reclaimed from the hospital). Chuck Mercein (327 yards), Allen Jacobs (273 yards) and Ernie Koy are capable reserves. There is also depth at quarterback, assuming Earl Morrall's wrist operation was successful.
However, there is little depth in the offensive line, a most troublesome area for the Giants all last season. Greg Larson is a quality center, and Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Darrell Dess are competent guards. At the tackles, though, two players who took a terrible pounding as rookies in '66, Francis Peay and Willie Young, appear to be the regulars. Sherman says hopefully, 'We expect Peay and Young to display more consistency as second-year players. Both have the potential to be fine pro tackles.' Roger Davis, who has been primarily a reserve in six NFL seasons, is the backup man on paper.
If the quality of the offensive line is questionable, the quality of the defensive line rests on the rather broad but aging shoulder-guards of one man- defensive end Jim Katcavage. The last of the fine Giant rush linemen, Katcavage will again find himself consistently double-teamed unless tackles Glen Condren, Jim Moran and Don Davis or ends Rosey Davis or Bill Matan come on. Roger Anderson, a former Giant who expanded to Atlanta in '66 and was cut and emigrated to Canada, returns for another trial at tackle.
The linebacking was almost as bad as the rush-line play a year ago, though a large contributing factor was the surgery that had to be performed on Larry Vargo, Jeff Smith and Bill Swain. Two youngsters who suffered the rough indoctrinations accorded rookie linebackers, Mike Ciccolella and Freeman White, will be back for the second semester.
The brightest unit on defense is the secondary. Cornerback Spider Lockhart is one of the coming stars of the league, and Henry Carr is a young weak-side safety with limitless potential. Clarence Childs, an outstanding kick returner, is the right cornerback, with veteran Wendell Harris and second-year man Phil Harris contending at the strong safety position.
Overall on his defense, Sherman says, 'We will try to develop what we have. There was more talent on defense last season than our record indicates. Our job is to mold this potential and improve with time.' Perhaps this molding job is one reason why so many coaching changes were made. Certainly, the Giants did not have a good draft, at least as far as selecting name players goes, and therefore they will have to go with what they have.
With Pete Gogolak in the Army for two years, the Giants placekicking department reverts to its haphazard status of '65. Koy and Lockhart are the Nos. 1 and 2 punters.
A final reason why the Giants will improve this year is that there seems to be no way they can suffer 29 major injuries during a second successive season. And if they stay healthy and if Frederickson plays up to his press notices and if the young linemen suddenly put it all together and if Tarkenton is consistently sensational as he has been at times and if the Giants actually win a cluster of ballgames, it will bring us to the ultimate question: Will the loyal fans sing, 'Hello, Allie ...?' "
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Would believe that the New York Giants were bought for $500? Well, they were. The year was 1925. The name was chosen because the new team would be co-tenants with the famous New York Giants baseball team. They both would play in the old Polo Grounds.
Now, the Baseball Giants have long gone from the baseball scene. The Polo Grounds is gone, too. And the New York Football Giants, the team bought for $500 and now worth many, many millions, has written a football saga. New York's Yankee Stadium, the home of today's Giants, is the scene of mixed emotions on Giant Days. Mostly, the fans sing 'goodbye' songs to Coach Sherman. There isn't too much cheering or encouragement for the coach or his team. The players try hard. The coach tries hard. Perhaps the fans should try harder. Maybe next year will be different."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 120
1967 NEW YORK GIANTS PRESEASON ROSTER
Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
* Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
27 Steve Bowman (HB) Alabama
28 Henry Carr (DB) Arizona State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
48 Clarence Childs (DB) Florida A&M
58 Mike Cicolella (LB) Dayton
83 Glen Condren (DE) Oklahoma
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
76 Don Davis (DT) Los Angeles State
66 Roger Davis (G) Syracuse
77 Roosevelt Davis (DE) Tennessee A & I
* Clarence Dearing (G) Rice
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Scott Eaton (E-DB) Oregon State
24 Tucker Frederickson (FB) Auburn
Fred Freeman (DT) Mississippi Valley
* Tom Fugette (HB) Carthage
* Jim Fulgham (DT) Mississippi
61 Charlie Harper (DT) Oklahoma State
46 Phil Harris (DB) Texas
26 Wendell Harris (DB) LSU
* Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
* Ted Holman (DB) Syracuse
* Lynn Hughes (DB) Georgia
Allen Jacobs (FB) Utah
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
18 Tom Kennedy (QB) Los Angeles State
23 Ernie Koy (HB) Texas
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
84 Bill Matan (DE) Kansas State
* Peterson Matthews (DB) Grambling
33 Hartwell Menefee New Mexico State
29 Chuck Mercein (FB) Yale
* Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
74 Jim Moran (T) Idaho
11 Earl Morrall (QB) Michigan State
40 Joe Morrison (E) Cincinnati
* Ken Motes (T) Southern
78 Francis Peay (T) Missouri
* Pete Pifer (FB) Oregon State
* Bob Post (QB) Kings Point
* Tom Reale (T) Southern Connecticut
* Gary Rowe (HB) North Carolina State
38 Stan Sczurek (LB) Purdue
* Bill Seman (G) Missouri State
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
* Bob Shortal (LB) Dayton
* Joe Siesel (C-LB) Bowling Green
57 Jeff Smith (LB) USC
* Randy Staten (G) Minnesota
* Dick Stebbins (E) Grambling
* Gerry Stevenson (HB) Missouri
52 Bill Swain (LB) Oregon
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Owen Thomas (G) New Mexico State
Lou Thompson (DT) Alabama
Bill Triplett (HB) Miami-Ohio
25 Larry Vargo (DB) Detroit
* Hank Washington (QB) West Texas State
55 Joe Wellborn (C) Texas A & M
81 Freeman White (E-LB) Nebraska
69 Willie Young (G) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1967
1967 NEW YORK GIANTS PRESEASON DEPTH CHARTS
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio), Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Chuck Mercein (Yale) 29, Allen Jacobs (Utah), Pete Pifer (Oregon State)*
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Roger Davis (Syracuse) 66
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Joe Wellborn (Texas A & M) 55, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Owen Thomas (New Mexico State)*
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78, Ken Motes (Southern)*
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Hartwell Menefee (New Mexico State) 33, Dick Stebbins (Grambling)*
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 83, Lou Thompson (Alabama)*
DT - Jim Moran (Idaho) 74, Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Fred Freeman (Mississippi Valley State)*
DE - Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77, Bill Matan (Kansas State) 84
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Jeff Smith (USC) 57
MLB - Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi)*
LB - Larry Vargo (Detroit) 25, Stan Sczurek (Purdue) 38
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28, Peterson Matthews (Grambling) *
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26, Phil Harris (Texas) 46
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Scott Eaton (Oregon State)*
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48, Ted Holman (Syracuse)*
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Chuck Mercein (Yale) 29, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Roger Davis (Syracuse) 66
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Joe Wellborn (Texas A & M) 55
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Hartwell Menefee (New Mexico State) 33
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
DT - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 83, Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan)*
DT - Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74, Lou Thompson (Alabama)*
DE - Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77, Bill Matan (Kansas State) 84
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Jeff Smith (USC) 57
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 56, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Larry Vargo (Detroit) 25, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi)*, Ed Weisacosky (Miami)*
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28, Scott Eaton (Oregon State)*
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Phil Harris (Texas) 46
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
*rookie
1967 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
DT - Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 70
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52
LB - Jeff Smith (USC) 57
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
There are two reasons for this. The first is that the Giants went to camp with a more realistic assessment of themselves than they did at the same time a year ago. Then, they were slightly tipsy from their second-place (tie) .500 finish of 1965. The second reason - and perhaps more far-reaching - is that they once again seem to have bailed themselves out by engineering a trade for a star.
This time, the rescuer's name is Francis Tarkenton, and while he may not make the Giant restoration complete all by himself, he will keep the customers distracted from the team's many shortcomings. And he's the kind of young and experienced quarterback with whom they can plan a happier future. Earl Morrall, who provided the Giants with efficient temporary relief in 1965, will be in the bullpen if his injured wrist is completely healed. The third quarterback is Tom Kennedy, who performed well at times last year after being recruited from the Continental League. He completed 55 passes out of 100 attempts for 748 yards and seven touchdowns.
The first time Tucker Frederickson carries the ball in earnest you can bet coach Allie Sherman will be holding his breath. The fullback, who enjoyed a brilliant rookie campaign in '65, was out all of last season with a wrecked knee; it means everything to him - physically and psychologically - to survive the first mean bump he takes. If Frederickson makes it, the backfield will have some of its old Baby Bull wallop. Chuck Mercein, a merciless but inartistic runner, is back and so is ex-Packer Allen Jacobs and third-year man Ernie Koy. The Giants also acquired halfback Bill Triplett from the St. Louis Cardinals during the off-season, and he could add outside running speed to the attack.
The Giants appear to be well-manned at the ends. The exciting Homer Jones is still gaining velocity at split end, all-purpose Joe Morrison is resourceful at flanker, and Aaron Thomas is a top clutch receiver at tight end. Freeman White, a high draft choice in 1965 who got to play linebacker last season, probably will be returned to end.
But the most critical area for the Giants is in the line, where Sherman would like to establish some consistency. The pass blocking broke down alarmingly in 1966, but Sherman believes this was due more to a loss in technique than to inadequate personnel. We'll see. It's bound to be somewhat improved with the return of Francis Peay to one of the tackle positions; he was knocked out of action midway through a promising rookie year. Soph Willie Young, who was coming along toward the end of the season, plays the other tackle. Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Darrell Dess all played well below their abilities in '66, but they are old-pro guards who should rebound. At center, Greg Larson made a remarkable recovery from a severely damaged knee and appears to be playing at full speed again. The reserves are second-year man Charlie Harper, taxi-squader Owen Thomas and rookie Randy Staten (Minnesota) at guard, veteran Roger Davis at tackle and Joe Wellborn at center.
Paralleling the breakdown in the Giant offensive line last year was the dismemberment of their defensive line - partly through injury, partly through bad play. Jim Katcavage returns to one end; he's still plenty tough, but he may be slowing down at this stage of his career. Roosevelt Davis, who figures to start at the other end, was just reaching pro-level efficiency last season when he was kayoed by a knee injury. The tackle jobs are up for grabs among Glen Condren, Jim Moran, Don Davis and Roger Anderson, none of whom has played with much distinction in the past. Sherman is sure to test Lou Thompson, his top draft choice, at one of the tackles. Thompson is a 6-2, 240-pounder from Alabama who was rated as one of the fastest linemen in his conference last season. Bill Matan is a spare end.
Confusion and injuries decimated the linebacking corps last year. Bill Swain and Larry Vargo, the most experienced operatives, were lost for most of the season, and promising rookie Jeff Smith was hurt at the very end - all were knee cases. They're back this year, along with Mike Ciccolella, who did some good work in the middle as a rookie in '66, Stan Sczurek and newcomer Ken Avery, who was drafted as a future out of Southern Mississippi. Sherman is depending on his new defensive coach, Harland Svare, to bring some order to the chaotic linebacking situation.
As the Giants learned so painfully in 1966, a good defense is predicated on a tough pass rush and a resourceful crew of linebackers. If there's any improvement up front, it will make the quartet in the secondary more effective than it has been. Spider Lockhart and Clarence Childs are a pair of speedy, gambling cornerbacks, and Henry Carr and Wendell Harris are alert at the safeties. Carr is expected to change places with Lockhart this season, and Harris, the greybeard of the group, is a steadying influence. He could be pushed by second-year man Phil Harris (no relation). The rookies are Peterson Matthews (Grambling), Scott Eaton (Oregon State) and Ted Holman (Syracuse).
But don't expect too much from Giant rookies as a whole. The Giants traded away their first three draft choices, and didn't get to pick until the fourth round."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
IN BRIEF
Probable 1967 Finish: 3rd
Strengths: good pass receiving, paced by Homer Jones, and a springy set of defensive backs.
Biggest Needs: help on both interior lines and a workable team of linebackers.
1966 finish: 8th
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
WHILE ALLIE SHERMAN DOESN'T MIND THE SINGING OF THE LOYAL FANS, HE DOES HOPE TO CHANGE THEIR TUNE IN '67.
"New York, New York is a wonderful town. Where else do the football fans, unhappy with the performance of their heroes, sing to their coach? They sound nothing at all like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, or even The Grateful Dead, but warmed by alcohol and absolute certainty that they know considerably more about football than Allie Sherman, they sing with feeling: 'Goodbye, Allie ...' After years of watching their heroes dominate the Eastern Conference, the loyal fans have not taken kindly to hard times. Last season the Giants, while giving up more than 500 points (an average of some 35 per game), won only one ballgame. They did tie one, but that didn't exactly save the season for the loyal fans. It didn't exactly save the jobs of four Giant assistant coaches, either. Pop Ivy, Ed Kolman, Tom Scott and Harry Wright have been replaced by Harland Svare, Jim Trimble, Jack Patera and Alex Webster. Sherman returns for another series of concerts, but they should not be as persistent this season.
The Giants will be a much better ballclub in '67. Francis Tarkenton at quarterback improves the team a great deal by himself. Only 27 years old and with six pro seasons behind him, Tarkenton is the ideal man for the Giants. He has proven that he can complete passes even when his blocking breaks down. He will give the singers something else to sing about. He completed 54 percent of 1,899 passes for 14,579 yards and 113 touchdowns with the Vikings. And it is doubtful that he ever had a set of receivers in Minnesota to match the current set he will be working with in New York.
Split end Homer Jones occasionally forgets what he's about, but he has tremendous speed and hands. Last season he caught 44 passes for 1,044 yards (a league-leading average 21.9 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns. Although he had to fill in at running back for several games, flanker Joe Morrison caught 46 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Aaron Thomas caught 43 passes for 683 yards and four touchdowns.
At running back the Giants should be stronger with Bill Triplett at halfback (acquired from St. Louis) and Tucker Frederickson at fullback (reclaimed from the hospital). Chuck Mercein (327 yards), Allen Jacobs (273 yards) and Ernie Koy are capable reserves. There is also depth at quarterback, assuming Earl Morrall's wrist operation was successful.
However, there is little depth in the offensive line, a most troublesome area for the Giants all last season. Greg Larson is a quality center, and Bookie Bolin, Pete Case and Darrell Dess are competent guards. At the tackles, though, two players who took a terrible pounding as rookies in '66, Francis Peay and Willie Young, appear to be the regulars. Sherman says hopefully, 'We expect Peay and Young to display more consistency as second-year players. Both have the potential to be fine pro tackles.' Roger Davis, who has been primarily a reserve in six NFL seasons, is the backup man on paper.
If the quality of the offensive line is questionable, the quality of the defensive line rests on the rather broad but aging shoulder-guards of one man- defensive end Jim Katcavage. The last of the fine Giant rush linemen, Katcavage will again find himself consistently double-teamed unless tackles Glen Condren, Jim Moran and Don Davis or ends Rosey Davis or Bill Matan come on. Roger Anderson, a former Giant who expanded to Atlanta in '66 and was cut and emigrated to Canada, returns for another trial at tackle.
The linebacking was almost as bad as the rush-line play a year ago, though a large contributing factor was the surgery that had to be performed on Larry Vargo, Jeff Smith and Bill Swain. Two youngsters who suffered the rough indoctrinations accorded rookie linebackers, Mike Ciccolella and Freeman White, will be back for the second semester.
The brightest unit on defense is the secondary. Cornerback Spider Lockhart is one of the coming stars of the league, and Henry Carr is a young weak-side safety with limitless potential. Clarence Childs, an outstanding kick returner, is the right cornerback, with veteran Wendell Harris and second-year man Phil Harris contending at the strong safety position.
Overall on his defense, Sherman says, 'We will try to develop what we have. There was more talent on defense last season than our record indicates. Our job is to mold this potential and improve with time.' Perhaps this molding job is one reason why so many coaching changes were made. Certainly, the Giants did not have a good draft, at least as far as selecting name players goes, and therefore they will have to go with what they have.
With Pete Gogolak in the Army for two years, the Giants placekicking department reverts to its haphazard status of '65. Koy and Lockhart are the Nos. 1 and 2 punters.
A final reason why the Giants will improve this year is that there seems to be no way they can suffer 29 major injuries during a second successive season. And if they stay healthy and if Frederickson plays up to his press notices and if the young linemen suddenly put it all together and if Tarkenton is consistently sensational as he has been at times and if the Giants actually win a cluster of ballgames, it will bring us to the ultimate question: Will the loyal fans sing, 'Hello, Allie ...?' "
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Almanac 1967
"Would believe that the New York Giants were bought for $500? Well, they were. The year was 1925. The name was chosen because the new team would be co-tenants with the famous New York Giants baseball team. They both would play in the old Polo Grounds.
Now, the Baseball Giants have long gone from the baseball scene. The Polo Grounds is gone, too. And the New York Football Giants, the team bought for $500 and now worth many, many millions, has written a football saga. New York's Yankee Stadium, the home of today's Giants, is the scene of mixed emotions on Giant Days. Mostly, the fans sing 'goodbye' songs to Coach Sherman. There isn't too much cheering or encouragement for the coach or his team. The players try hard. The coach tries hard. Perhaps the fans should try harder. Maybe next year will be different."
-1967 Philadelphia Cards, No. 120
1967 NEW YORK GIANTS PRESEASON ROSTER
Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
* Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
27 Steve Bowman (HB) Alabama
28 Henry Carr (DB) Arizona State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
48 Clarence Childs (DB) Florida A&M
58 Mike Cicolella (LB) Dayton
83 Glen Condren (DE) Oklahoma
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
76 Don Davis (DT) Los Angeles State
66 Roger Davis (G) Syracuse
77 Roosevelt Davis (DE) Tennessee A & I
* Clarence Dearing (G) Rice
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Scott Eaton (E-DB) Oregon State
24 Tucker Frederickson (FB) Auburn
Fred Freeman (DT) Mississippi Valley
* Tom Fugette (HB) Carthage
* Jim Fulgham (DT) Mississippi
61 Charlie Harper (DT) Oklahoma State
46 Phil Harris (DB) Texas
26 Wendell Harris (DB) LSU
* Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
* Ted Holman (DB) Syracuse
* Lynn Hughes (DB) Georgia
Allen Jacobs (FB) Utah
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
18 Tom Kennedy (QB) Los Angeles State
23 Ernie Koy (HB) Texas
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
84 Bill Matan (DE) Kansas State
* Peterson Matthews (DB) Grambling
33 Hartwell Menefee New Mexico State
29 Chuck Mercein (FB) Yale
* Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
74 Jim Moran (T) Idaho
11 Earl Morrall (QB) Michigan State
40 Joe Morrison (E) Cincinnati
* Ken Motes (T) Southern
78 Francis Peay (T) Missouri
* Pete Pifer (FB) Oregon State
* Bob Post (QB) Kings Point
* Tom Reale (T) Southern Connecticut
* Gary Rowe (HB) North Carolina State
38 Stan Sczurek (LB) Purdue
* Bill Seman (G) Missouri State
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
* Bob Shortal (LB) Dayton
* Joe Siesel (C-LB) Bowling Green
57 Jeff Smith (LB) USC
* Randy Staten (G) Minnesota
* Dick Stebbins (E) Grambling
* Gerry Stevenson (HB) Missouri
52 Bill Swain (LB) Oregon
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Owen Thomas (G) New Mexico State
Lou Thompson (DT) Alabama
Bill Triplett (HB) Miami-Ohio
25 Larry Vargo (DB) Detroit
* Hank Washington (QB) West Texas State
55 Joe Wellborn (C) Texas A & M
81 Freeman White (E-LB) Nebraska
69 Willie Young (G) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1967
1967 NEW YORK GIANTS PRESEASON DEPTH CHARTS
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio), Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Chuck Mercein (Yale) 29, Allen Jacobs (Utah), Pete Pifer (Oregon State)*
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Roger Davis (Syracuse) 66
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Joe Wellborn (Texas A & M) 55, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Owen Thomas (New Mexico State)*
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78, Ken Motes (Southern)*
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Hartwell Menefee (New Mexico State) 33, Dick Stebbins (Grambling)*
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 83, Lou Thompson (Alabama)*
DT - Jim Moran (Idaho) 74, Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Fred Freeman (Mississippi Valley State)*
DE - Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77, Bill Matan (Kansas State) 84
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Jeff Smith (USC) 57
MLB - Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi)*
LB - Larry Vargo (Detroit) 25, Stan Sczurek (Purdue) 38
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28, Peterson Matthews (Grambling) *
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26, Phil Harris (Texas) 46
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Scott Eaton (Oregon State)*
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48, Ted Holman (Syracuse)*
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Earl Morrall (Michigan State) 11, Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Chuck Mercein (Yale) 29, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Roger Davis (Syracuse) 66
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Joe Wellborn (Texas A & M) 55
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Hartwell Menefee (New Mexico State) 33
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79
DT - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 83, Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan)*
DT - Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74, Lou Thompson (Alabama)*
DE - Roosevelt Davis (Tennessee A & I) 77, Bill Matan (Kansas State) 84
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52, Jeff Smith (USC) 57
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 56, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Larry Vargo (Detroit) 25, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi)*, Ed Weisacosky (Miami)*
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28, Scott Eaton (Oregon State)*
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Phil Harris (Texas) 46
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
*rookie
1967 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Tom Kennedy (Los Angeles State) 18
HB - Bill Triplett (Miami-Ohio) 38
HB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
T - Francis Peay (Missouri) 78
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
DT - Don Davis (Los Angeles State) 76
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Glen Condren (Oklahoma) 70
MLB - Vince Costello (Ohio) 57
LB - Bill Swain (Oregon) 52
LB - Jeff Smith (USC) 57
CB - Henry Carr (Arizona State) 28
CB - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
S - Wendell Harris (LSU) 26
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Clarence Childs (Florida A & M) 48
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
Monday, September 1, 2014
1966 Profile: Pete Gogolak
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
1964
This well-spoken young man is an American success story. After leaving occupied Hungary with his family at the age of 14, Pete later achieved collegiate stardom as a kicker at Cornell. He set an Ivy League record of 44 consecutive points and a Cornell record with a 50-yard field goal.
Pete brings the new 'soccer-style' placekicking to pro football. The ball is kicked at a 45-degree angle with the instep of the foot. Coach Saban thinks Pete will add a new element of scoring to Buffalo's AFL title hopes.
"Now all the pros are searching for soccer-style place-kickers, but the Bills have the prototype in Pete Gogolak, the Hungarian refugee with the weird (for football) kicking technique. Pete approaches the ball from a 45-degree angle and boots it with his instep, the way soccer players do.
He kicked 45 out of 46 extra points as a 1964 rookie and made 18 of 29 field goal attempts. He had a 57-yarder in an exhibition game against the Jets, so he must be doing something right."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Just to show you how important a good kicker is to a club, Pete was responsible for 25% of Buffalo's scoring in 1964. The sure-toed Bill led Buffalo in total points. Pete kicked 45 extra points in 46 attempts and was 19-for-28 in field goal attempts.
Pete set an AFL record with a 57-yard field goal."
1965 Topps No. 30
"Whether or not it is precisely true, Pete Gogolak will always be remembered as the man who helped bring about the NFL-AFL merger. Pete's sudden and surprising jump to the Giants after he had allowed his Buffalo option to run out very nearly touched off a raiding war between the two leagues.
But Pete also is distinctive as a player. He was the AFL's second-leading scorer in 1964 and '65, and became the nonpareil place kicker of pro football. Like his younger brother Charlie, who is a rookie with Washington, Pete is a Hungarian refugee who learned to kick a football soccer-style - that is, he approaches the ball from a 45-degree angle and kicks it with the instep of his foot.
He can be the key to a Giant success in '66."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
No. 3
Cornell
1964
This well-spoken young man is an American success story. After leaving occupied Hungary with his family at the age of 14, Pete later achieved collegiate stardom as a kicker at Cornell. He set an Ivy League record of 44 consecutive points and a Cornell record with a 50-yard field goal.
Pete brings the new 'soccer-style' placekicking to pro football. The ball is kicked at a 45-degree angle with the instep of the foot. Coach Saban thinks Pete will add a new element of scoring to Buffalo's AFL title hopes.
"Now all the pros are searching for soccer-style place-kickers, but the Bills have the prototype in Pete Gogolak, the Hungarian refugee with the weird (for football) kicking technique. Pete approaches the ball from a 45-degree angle and boots it with his instep, the way soccer players do.
He kicked 45 out of 46 extra points as a 1964 rookie and made 18 of 29 field goal attempts. He had a 57-yarder in an exhibition game against the Jets, so he must be doing something right."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Just to show you how important a good kicker is to a club, Pete was responsible for 25% of Buffalo's scoring in 1964. The sure-toed Bill led Buffalo in total points. Pete kicked 45 extra points in 46 attempts and was 19-for-28 in field goal attempts.
Pete set an AFL record with a 57-yard field goal."
1965 Topps No. 30
"Whether or not it is precisely true, Pete Gogolak will always be remembered as the man who helped bring about the NFL-AFL merger. Pete's sudden and surprising jump to the Giants after he had allowed his Buffalo option to run out very nearly touched off a raiding war between the two leagues.
But Pete also is distinctive as a player. He was the AFL's second-leading scorer in 1964 and '65, and became the nonpareil place kicker of pro football. Like his younger brother Charlie, who is a rookie with Washington, Pete is a Hungarian refugee who learned to kick a football soccer-style - that is, he approaches the ball from a 45-degree angle and kicks it with the instep of his foot.
He can be the key to a Giant success in '66."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
1966 Profile: Ernie Koy
ERNIE KOY
Punter-Halfback
No. 23
Texas
Ernie proved himself most useful to the Giants as a punter, kick returner and reserve halfback in his rookie season. The big young Texas booted 55 punts (7th in the NFL) 2,268 yards (9th in the NFL) for a 41.2 average, and his longest punt of 67 yards was the sixth longest in the league. He returned 21 kickoffs (10th in the NFL) 401 yards for a 19.1 average, with a long of 38 yards.
A star of the 9-1 1964 Texas squad, Ernie scored two rushing touchdowns, including a record 79-yard run, in the Longhorns' Orange Bowl victory.
Punter-Halfback
No. 23
Texas
Ernie proved himself most useful to the Giants as a punter, kick returner and reserve halfback in his rookie season. The big young Texas booted 55 punts (7th in the NFL) 2,268 yards (9th in the NFL) for a 41.2 average, and his longest punt of 67 yards was the sixth longest in the league. He returned 21 kickoffs (10th in the NFL) 401 yards for a 19.1 average, with a long of 38 yards.
A star of the 9-1 1964 Texas squad, Ernie scored two rushing touchdowns, including a record 79-yard run, in the Longhorns' Orange Bowl victory.
1966 Profiles: Steve Thurlow and Dan Lewis
STEVE THURLOW
Halfback
No. 27
Stanford
"Steve Thurlow emerged as one of the league's fine new running backs last season when he teamed with Tucker Frederickson in the Baby Bull backfield. Despite a bad hip which kept growing worse each week, Steve gained 440 yards on 106 carries and scored four touchdowns; he had a 4.2 average.
At 6-3 and 216 pounds, he's built along the lines of the new-era backs; he has fine breakaway speed, can go inside or outside, and he's a strong blocker.
Steve was the Giants' second-round draft pick in 1964 after he came out of Stanford."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Steve was a second-round choice in 1964 and had a promising rookie season. Last year, he came into his own, blasting for 440 yards on only 106 carries, a fine 4.2 average. His running accounted for four touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass, too."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 129
DAN LEWIS
Halfback
No. 41
Wisconsin
"Dan was a greatly improved player in 1961. In '60 he scored a 74-yard touchdown against Los Angeles."
-1962 Topps No. 51
Halfback
No. 27
Stanford
"Steve Thurlow emerged as one of the league's fine new running backs last season when he teamed with Tucker Frederickson in the Baby Bull backfield. Despite a bad hip which kept growing worse each week, Steve gained 440 yards on 106 carries and scored four touchdowns; he had a 4.2 average.
At 6-3 and 216 pounds, he's built along the lines of the new-era backs; he has fine breakaway speed, can go inside or outside, and he's a strong blocker.
Steve was the Giants' second-round draft pick in 1964 after he came out of Stanford."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Steve was a second-round choice in 1964 and had a promising rookie season. Last year, he came into his own, blasting for 440 yards on only 106 carries, a fine 4.2 average. His running accounted for four touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass, too."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 129
DAN LEWIS
Halfback
No. 41
Wisconsin
"Dan was a greatly improved player in 1961. In '60 he scored a 74-yard touchdown against Los Angeles."
-1962 Topps No. 51
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