1968 Profiles: Bob Lurstema and Sam Silas

BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Western Michigan
"Off his work in the last six games of 1967, Bob Lurtsema won the coaching staff's praise as the Giants' best defensive lineman.
Bob is the hulking, blond 6-6, 250-pound tackle the Giants grabbed after the Colts were forced to cut him early last season. By his own admission, he was as confused in his first three games as a visitor caught in Times Square traffic. But he learned to read his guard after a while, and stopped going with a fake. He plugged up running plays to the inside and also learned to use his bull strength to break through to the passer.
The former Colt taxi-squader was originally signed as a free agent."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968


SAM SILAS
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Western Illinois
"A late-season surge in 1963 as a defensive replacement, fused in spirit and drive, could carry Sam Silas into a starting spot at tackle this year. Born in Homeland, Florida, the 23-year-old was just about to be dropped from the squad as a rookie when his new-found belligerence on special assignments made the coaches change their thinking.
A physical therapy graduate, Silas was a linebacker at Southern Illinois and wasn't too certain about whether he wanted to play as a pro. This attitude affected him last year before he decided to give the game a substantial attempt."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Opposing quarterbacks saw a lot of Sam Silas last season, when they went back to pass. In his three years in the league, he has developed into a top pass-rusher who really knows how to put pressure on the quarterback. Sam joined the Cardinals as a free agent when he came out of Southern Illinois University, and spent his rookie year as an understudy at defensive end. With the retirement of Don Owens, he took over as the regular left tackle, where he seems better suited.
He's a rugged 6-4, 250-pounder, and during the off-season is working on an advanced degree in physical therapy. He's picking up points massaging those enemy passers."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Sam came to the Cardinals as a free agent in 1963. He moved into a starting role the next season and hasn't been moved out.
He is a great pass rusher with fine tackling ability. He is also young and continued development is expected of him."

-1966 Philadelphia No. 166