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