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