CLIFTON MCNEIL
Wide Receiver
No. 18
Grambling
"Helping John Brodie enjoy a fine season while helping his own career get off ground zero, Clifton McNeil was the NFL's top pass-catcher last season. And just like that, he made All-Pro.
Clifton spent four years on the Cleveland Browns' bench and got little chance to play with Paul Warfield and Gary Collins rated ahead of him, catching 12 passes for 265 yards in those four seasons. Slender as a two-iron at 6-2 and 185 pounds, he caught 71 passes for 994 yards and seven touchdowns in 1968. He probably would have added to these totals if NFL defenses didn't adjust and double-team him as the season progressed.
He has excellent speed and the ability to react to a changing defense without abandoning his original pattern. Says Brodie, 'If we can get Clif one on one, we're in business.'
McNeil played his college football at Grambling."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"The San Francisco 49ers struck paydirt when obtained this speedy flanker from the Cleveland Browns in 1967. Using his eye-blurring speed, Clifton was the top receiver in the National Football League last season.
In 1964, Clifton scored on a 99-yard pass play against the Rams."
-1969 Topps No. 135
"It was Y.A. Tittle who rescued Clifton McNeil from the 49ers, who had benched him last year and made the former 9.5 sprinter trade-bait. Clif found himself in the doghouse in '69 because he held out for 49 days, trying to get a big salary increase. He also suffered a shoulder injury. Overall last season he caught 17 passes for 255 yards.
Tittle came to the Giants from San Francisco last May to become New York's new quarterbacks coach and he let it be known that McNeil was worth getting despite the high price tag (two draft choices).
Clif started with the Browns but couldn't break into their pass-catching corps. With the 49ers in 1968 he caught a league leading 71 passes for 994 yards and seven touchdowns. The six-year veteran looks to be the experienced receiver the Giants need to replace Homer Jones."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Clifton came from virtually nowhere in 1968 to lead the NFL in pass receiving. In five previous years as a reserve with Cleveland, he caught a total of twelve passes in league competition.
He is a totally dedicated, hard-working player who utilizes his great speed and concentration. His nickname is 'sticks.'
Clifton was traded to the Giants on May 31, 1970."
-1970 Topps No. 157
AARON THOMAS
Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
Aaron was named to the Pro Bowl in 1964, and in 1965 led the NFL with 23.4 yards per reception. In 1967 he was seventh in the circuit in receiving yards (877), seventh in yards per game (62.6) and fifth in receiving touchdowns (9).
This man gives consistent and solid effort. He's a tight end who can grab a pass out of the air even while in a crowd of defenders.
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