Assistant Director of Pro Personnel
"Perhaps the greatest safetyman ever to play professional football, Em is now in his 24th year with the Giants ... initially as a player, then as a scout, assistant coach and now as Assistant Director of Pro Personnel.
Tunnell played 11 seasons with the Giants (1948-58), three more with the Packers (1959-61) and during his brilliant career set four NFL records which still stand- most career interceptions (79), most punt returns (258) and most yardage on both interception and punt returns. Tunnell's exploits were such that he is now a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named to the first team 50th anniversary all-time All-NFL team.
Em became a Giant originally after walking into the club front office and asking for a tryout after a college career at Iowa and service in the Navy. The rest is history. He became a perennial All-Pro and was named to the Pro Bowl seven straight seasons.
A Giant scout in 1962-64, Em became an assistant coach in 1965 and served in that capacity through this past year when he was named to his new position. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, he still makes his home in Philadelphia."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
1974 Profile: Jim Trimble
Director of Pro Personnel
"Few men in professional football are better qualified than Jim Trimble to handle the role of Director of Pro Personnel, an assignment he shouldered at the start of the 1969 season when the Giants reorganized their administrative staff. As Director of Pro Personnel, Jim serves as a liaison between coach Bill Arnsparger and club president Wellington Mara, helps coordinate trades, works closely with Jim Lee Howell and members of the scouting staff and generally handles the myriad details and personnel problems that result from the ever widening range of pro football activity.
Whatever the problems, though, it is likely Jim has encountered them somewhere along the line during his 34 years in football. His background in the game is not only broad, it is also very successful. He was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles (1952-56), the Hamilton Tiger Cats (1956-62) and the Montreal Alouettes (1963-65) and rarely was he ever on the losing side. His NFL record with the Eagles was 27-20-2. In Canada, he compiled an overall record of 77-61-2 and was named Coach of the Year in 1961. Additionally, he served in the dual role of head coach and general manager."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
"Few men in professional football are better qualified than Jim Trimble to handle the role of Director of Pro Personnel, an assignment he shouldered at the start of the 1969 season when the Giants reorganized their administrative staff. As Director of Pro Personnel, Jim serves as a liaison between coach Bill Arnsparger and club president Wellington Mara, helps coordinate trades, works closely with Jim Lee Howell and members of the scouting staff and generally handles the myriad details and personnel problems that result from the ever widening range of pro football activity.
Whatever the problems, though, it is likely Jim has encountered them somewhere along the line during his 34 years in football. His background in the game is not only broad, it is also very successful. He was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles (1952-56), the Hamilton Tiger Cats (1956-62) and the Montreal Alouettes (1963-65) and rarely was he ever on the losing side. His NFL record with the Eagles was 27-20-2. In Canada, he compiled an overall record of 77-61-2 and was named Coach of the Year in 1961. Additionally, he served in the dual role of head coach and general manager."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
1974 Profile: Jim Lee Howell
Director of Player Personnel
"Jim Lee Howell, a towering figure in the past and present of the New York Giants, lends a wealth of experience and football savvy to his position as Director of Player Personnel. It was 37 years ago that Jim Lee arrived on the New York scene, a long-legged rookie end out of the University of Arkansas, and since then he has filled a variety of key roles for the Giants: player, assistant coach, head coach and now, of course, a top-ranking administrator.
Howell's record speaks boldly for itself. During his nine years as a player (1937-42, 1946-48), the Giants posted a mark of 55-37-9 and played in four world championship games (1938-39-41-46). After his playing days, the 6-6 Arkansan served as end coach under Coach Steve Owen from 1949-53 and, when Owen departed after the 1953 campaign, Jim Lee was named head coach.
The winning pattern Howell had established as a player continued during his reign as coach. Over the next seven years, the Giants won 56 games, lost just 36 and tied four, and they made the world championship game three times, beating the Bears in 1956 and losing classic struggles to the Colts in 1958 and 1959."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
"Jim Lee Howell, a towering figure in the past and present of the New York Giants, lends a wealth of experience and football savvy to his position as Director of Player Personnel. It was 37 years ago that Jim Lee arrived on the New York scene, a long-legged rookie end out of the University of Arkansas, and since then he has filled a variety of key roles for the Giants: player, assistant coach, head coach and now, of course, a top-ranking administrator.
Howell's record speaks boldly for itself. During his nine years as a player (1937-42, 1946-48), the Giants posted a mark of 55-37-9 and played in four world championship games (1938-39-41-46). After his playing days, the 6-6 Arkansan served as end coach under Coach Steve Owen from 1949-53 and, when Owen departed after the 1953 campaign, Jim Lee was named head coach.
The winning pattern Howell had established as a player continued during his reign as coach. Over the next seven years, the Giants won 56 games, lost just 36 and tied four, and they made the world championship game three times, beating the Bears in 1956 and losing classic struggles to the Colts in 1958 and 1959."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, January 25, 2015
1974 Profile: Allan Webb
Game Scout
"The former Giants defensive back has a diversified background as both player and coach. A Little All-American at Arnold College in Connecticut in 1952 as both a running back and a defensive back, Allan had a tryout with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955 after two years of service in the Navy, then played for the Montreal Alouettes that season in the CFL as a two-way back.
He subsequently played for the Stamford Golden Bears in the minor leagues before getting a tryout with the Giants in 1961. He made the club as a safety and played through the 1965 season. As a safety in the championship years of 1962 and 1963, he won starting roles and had three interceptions in each of those campaigns.
In 1966, he was an assistant coach with the Scranton Miners of the ACFL, then moved on to the Westchester Bulls in that league. He was head coach of the Long Island Bulls in 1971, then became a Giant scout in 1972 and special assistant in 1973.
Born in Washington, D.C., Allan starred in football, baseball and basketball at Ansonia High School in Ansonia, Connecticut before entering Arnold College. He had a brief tryout with baseball's Milwaukee Braves in 1953 before entering the Navy. He resides in Glen Rock, New Jersey."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
"The former Giants defensive back has a diversified background as both player and coach. A Little All-American at Arnold College in Connecticut in 1952 as both a running back and a defensive back, Allan had a tryout with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955 after two years of service in the Navy, then played for the Montreal Alouettes that season in the CFL as a two-way back.
He subsequently played for the Stamford Golden Bears in the minor leagues before getting a tryout with the Giants in 1961. He made the club as a safety and played through the 1965 season. As a safety in the championship years of 1962 and 1963, he won starting roles and had three interceptions in each of those campaigns.
In 1966, he was an assistant coach with the Scranton Miners of the ACFL, then moved on to the Westchester Bulls in that league. He was head coach of the Long Island Bulls in 1971, then became a Giant scout in 1972 and special assistant in 1973.
Born in Washington, D.C., Allan starred in football, baseball and basketball at Ansonia High School in Ansonia, Connecticut before entering Arnold College. He had a brief tryout with baseball's Milwaukee Braves in 1953 before entering the Navy. He resides in Glen Rock, New Jersey."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
1974 New York Giant Coaches Profiles
FLOYD PETERS (Defensive Line)
"Peters returns to the NFL after serving for three years as the chief scout for the Miami Dolphins in the 13-state Western area.
Floyd played 12 years in the NFL as a defensive tackle with the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, and had outstanding years with the Eagles, winning All-Eastern Conference honors in 1964, 1966 and 1967. He played in the Pro Bowl in each of those years and was selected as the Defensive MVP in the 1966 game.
The 6-4, 250-pounder earned four letters as a tackle for San Francisco State and was named to the Little All-American team in 1957. A No. 8 draft choice of Baltimore in 1958, he concluded his career in 1970 as a player-coach with the Redskins. During his playing days as a defensive tackle, Peters had three pass interceptions for 12 yards returned.
Floyd was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa then moved to California, where he starred at John Swett High School in Crockett, CA. He was a stockbroker in San Francisco prior to joining the Giants."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
JOHN SYMANK (Defensive Secondary)
"The 38-year-old Symank, a former defensive back with the Green Bay Packers, brings a fine blend of collegiate and professional coaching with him to the Giants. For the past three years, John was the head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington and prior to that was the head coach for two years at Northern Arizona University. From 1966 through the 1968 season, Symank was defensive backfield coach for the Atlanta Falcons and prior to his tenure with the Falcons was a defensive coach at both the University of Virginia and at Tulane. He was on the same staff at Tulane with Bill Arnsparger.
John was both a running back and a defensive back at the University of Florida after a transfer from Arlington State Junior College in Texas. He was drafted by the Packers in 1957 and played on championship teams through 1962 before concluding his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.
As a rookie safety in 1957, Symank intercepted nine passes to rank second in the NFL that year. The 5-10, 190-pounder was also rated as a rugged tackler.
Born in LaGrange, Texas, John was a football and track star at Caldwell High School in Caldwell, Texas and also earned two letters in track at Florida."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
RAY WIETECHA (Offensive Line)
"The highly respected aide returns for his third season as offensive line coach and is the only holdover from the previous staff. A No. 12 'future pick' of the Giants in 1950 out of Northwestern, Ray joined the Giants in 1953 after a season of minor league baseball in the Washington Senators' farm system and two years in the Marines as a Captain.
He was a center, linebacker and even defensive back in his rookie year, and then went on to become a star for 10 seasons, winning All-NFL and Pro Bowl honors five times, appearing with five Eastern Division title winners and the NFL championship team of 1956.
Wietecha joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant coach in 1963, then moved on to the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi from 1965 through 1970 where he was offensive line and running game coach with the championship Packers of that era. He was a Giant scout in 1971, then became offensive line coach in 1972.
Ray was born in East Chicago, Indiana and starred at Roosevelt High School in that city. At Northwestern, he was an All-Big 10 choice at center, winning three letters in both football and baseball."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
HUNTER ENIS (Passing and Receiving Coach)
"The 37-year-old Enis returns to coaching after two years in the real estate and construction business in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to that, Hunter had been the offensive backfield coach for the Denver Broncos under Lou Saban from 1967 through the 1971 season.
A 6-2, 195-pounder, Enis starred at quarterback for TCU for three seasons, winning All-Southwest Conference honors twice and appearing in the Cotton Bowl twice. He was also an All-SWC choice in baseball.
Enis began his professional playing career with the Chicago Cardinals in 1959, then signed with the Dallas Texans of the AFL in 1960. He also played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers in 1961 and for the Denver Broncos in 1962 before concluding his playing career with the Oakland Raiders in 1963. Enis returned to TCU to earn a Masters degree in geology and mathematics, and also served as an assistant coach at TCU during that time.
Hunter was born in Fort Worth, Texas and played three sports at Polytechnic High School there before entering TCU. He's a veteran of six years in the Air Force Reserve."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
TED PLUMB (Offensive Backfield)
"The youngest member of the staff, 34-year-old Plumb has been the offensive backfield coach at Kansas University for the past two seasons where he helped develop All-American David Jaynes.
Ted was an outstanding receiver at Baylor for three seasons, playing in both the Gator Bowl and the Gotham Bowl. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the AFL in 1962, but a training camp injury ended his pro playing career before it began and he entered the coaching profession.
Ted first coached at Raymondville High School in Texas, then at Lubbock High School in Lubbock, Texas. He moved on to Cerritos Junior College in California in 1966 and was then named an assistant coach at TCU in 1968. Plumb coached at TCU for three seasons, helping develop Norm Bulaich and Ross Montgomery, then moved on to Tulsa University in 1971 and then to Kansas in 1972.
Ted was born in Reno, Nevada, moved to California as a youngster and starred at Mount Diablo High School in Concord, California in football, basketball and track. He played a year at Mount Diablo Junior College before entering Baylor."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
ED RUTLEDGE (Linebackers)
"The veteran coach and scout joins the Giant staff after five years with the NFL's CEPO scouting organization and rejoins head coach Arnsparger with whom he had previously worked at both Baltimore and the University of Kentucky. With the Colts from 1966 through 1969, Rutledge served under Don Shula as a linebackers coach as well as being the man who scouted the upcoming opponents. His previous association with Shula and Arnsparger was at the University of Kentucky where Rutledge served for seven years from 1956 through 1962 under Blanton Collier as both freshman coach and varsity offensive backfield coach.
Ed was born in Ironton, Ohio, played his high school football there and went on to Western Kentucky where he lettered in football (as a two-way end), track and swimming. He spent the next six years in the U.S. Navy (1941-47) as a pilot, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander with service in the Caribbean and Panama areas.
He entered FBI School after his discharge and was a special agent in the FBI through 1948 at which time he decided to return to football, taking a job as head coach at Danville High School in Kentucky. He also coached in Paducah, Kentucky. After leaving the University of Kentucky in 1965, he initially worked for CEPO as a scout, prior to going to the Colts."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
"Peters returns to the NFL after serving for three years as the chief scout for the Miami Dolphins in the 13-state Western area.
Floyd played 12 years in the NFL as a defensive tackle with the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, and had outstanding years with the Eagles, winning All-Eastern Conference honors in 1964, 1966 and 1967. He played in the Pro Bowl in each of those years and was selected as the Defensive MVP in the 1966 game.
The 6-4, 250-pounder earned four letters as a tackle for San Francisco State and was named to the Little All-American team in 1957. A No. 8 draft choice of Baltimore in 1958, he concluded his career in 1970 as a player-coach with the Redskins. During his playing days as a defensive tackle, Peters had three pass interceptions for 12 yards returned.
Floyd was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa then moved to California, where he starred at John Swett High School in Crockett, CA. He was a stockbroker in San Francisco prior to joining the Giants."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
JOHN SYMANK (Defensive Secondary)
"The 38-year-old Symank, a former defensive back with the Green Bay Packers, brings a fine blend of collegiate and professional coaching with him to the Giants. For the past three years, John was the head coach at the University of Texas at Arlington and prior to that was the head coach for two years at Northern Arizona University. From 1966 through the 1968 season, Symank was defensive backfield coach for the Atlanta Falcons and prior to his tenure with the Falcons was a defensive coach at both the University of Virginia and at Tulane. He was on the same staff at Tulane with Bill Arnsparger.
John was both a running back and a defensive back at the University of Florida after a transfer from Arlington State Junior College in Texas. He was drafted by the Packers in 1957 and played on championship teams through 1962 before concluding his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963.
As a rookie safety in 1957, Symank intercepted nine passes to rank second in the NFL that year. The 5-10, 190-pounder was also rated as a rugged tackler.
Born in LaGrange, Texas, John was a football and track star at Caldwell High School in Caldwell, Texas and also earned two letters in track at Florida."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
RAY WIETECHA (Offensive Line)
"The highly respected aide returns for his third season as offensive line coach and is the only holdover from the previous staff. A No. 12 'future pick' of the Giants in 1950 out of Northwestern, Ray joined the Giants in 1953 after a season of minor league baseball in the Washington Senators' farm system and two years in the Marines as a Captain.
He was a center, linebacker and even defensive back in his rookie year, and then went on to become a star for 10 seasons, winning All-NFL and Pro Bowl honors five times, appearing with five Eastern Division title winners and the NFL championship team of 1956.
Wietecha joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant coach in 1963, then moved on to the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi from 1965 through 1970 where he was offensive line and running game coach with the championship Packers of that era. He was a Giant scout in 1971, then became offensive line coach in 1972.
Ray was born in East Chicago, Indiana and starred at Roosevelt High School in that city. At Northwestern, he was an All-Big 10 choice at center, winning three letters in both football and baseball."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
HUNTER ENIS (Passing and Receiving Coach)
"The 37-year-old Enis returns to coaching after two years in the real estate and construction business in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to that, Hunter had been the offensive backfield coach for the Denver Broncos under Lou Saban from 1967 through the 1971 season.
A 6-2, 195-pounder, Enis starred at quarterback for TCU for three seasons, winning All-Southwest Conference honors twice and appearing in the Cotton Bowl twice. He was also an All-SWC choice in baseball.
Enis began his professional playing career with the Chicago Cardinals in 1959, then signed with the Dallas Texans of the AFL in 1960. He also played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers in 1961 and for the Denver Broncos in 1962 before concluding his playing career with the Oakland Raiders in 1963. Enis returned to TCU to earn a Masters degree in geology and mathematics, and also served as an assistant coach at TCU during that time.
Hunter was born in Fort Worth, Texas and played three sports at Polytechnic High School there before entering TCU. He's a veteran of six years in the Air Force Reserve."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
TED PLUMB (Offensive Backfield)
"The youngest member of the staff, 34-year-old Plumb has been the offensive backfield coach at Kansas University for the past two seasons where he helped develop All-American David Jaynes.
Ted was an outstanding receiver at Baylor for three seasons, playing in both the Gator Bowl and the Gotham Bowl. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the AFL in 1962, but a training camp injury ended his pro playing career before it began and he entered the coaching profession.
Ted first coached at Raymondville High School in Texas, then at Lubbock High School in Lubbock, Texas. He moved on to Cerritos Junior College in California in 1966 and was then named an assistant coach at TCU in 1968. Plumb coached at TCU for three seasons, helping develop Norm Bulaich and Ross Montgomery, then moved on to Tulsa University in 1971 and then to Kansas in 1972.
Ted was born in Reno, Nevada, moved to California as a youngster and starred at Mount Diablo High School in Concord, California in football, basketball and track. He played a year at Mount Diablo Junior College before entering Baylor."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
ED RUTLEDGE (Linebackers)
"The veteran coach and scout joins the Giant staff after five years with the NFL's CEPO scouting organization and rejoins head coach Arnsparger with whom he had previously worked at both Baltimore and the University of Kentucky. With the Colts from 1966 through 1969, Rutledge served under Don Shula as a linebackers coach as well as being the man who scouted the upcoming opponents. His previous association with Shula and Arnsparger was at the University of Kentucky where Rutledge served for seven years from 1956 through 1962 under Blanton Collier as both freshman coach and varsity offensive backfield coach.
Ed was born in Ironton, Ohio, played his high school football there and went on to Western Kentucky where he lettered in football (as a two-way end), track and swimming. He spent the next six years in the U.S. Navy (1941-47) as a pilot, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander with service in the Caribbean and Panama areas.
He entered FBI School after his discharge and was a special agent in the FBI through 1948 at which time he decided to return to football, taking a job as head coach at Danville High School in Kentucky. He also coached in Paducah, Kentucky. After leaving the University of Kentucky in 1965, he initially worked for CEPO as a scout, prior to going to the Colts."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
1974 Profile: Bill Arnsparger
Head Coach
"Three days after his Miami Dolphins' 'No Name' defense had throttled the Minnesota Vikings in the 1974 Super Bowl, William Stephen 'Bill' Arnsparger became the ninth head coach in Giant history. He had served under Don Shula for four seasons at Miami, initially as Defensive Coordinator and then as Assistant Head Coach.
Bill came to Miami in 1970- one year after Miami had finished with a 3-10-1 record and allowed 332 points scored to the opposition. In Arnsparger's first campaign as chief defensive aide, the Dolphins rose to a 10-4 record and a playoff berth while limiting the opposition to 228 points. In 1971, the record was 10-3-1 with but 174 points allowed, and in 1972 when Miami went undefeated en route to a Super Bowl crown, the defense allowed but 171 points, the fewest in the NFL, including three shutouts. Last year, with a 12-2 record and a second Super Bowl title, the Dolphins allowed but 150 points, again the lowest in the NFL, with two shutouts and four other victories in which no touchdowns were allowed.
Bill was affiliated with Shula for nine years in the NFL, joining Shula's staff at Baltimore in 1964 as chief defensive aide. He served with the Colts through 1968 on four playoff teams, then rejoined Shula in Miami in 1970. Prior to being named at Baltimore, Arnsparger's coaching background included assistant stints at Tulane (1962-63), Kentucky (1954-61), Ohio State (1951-53) and at his alma mater, Miami of Ohio (1959).
Of Dutch descent, Bill was born on December 16, 1926 in Paris, Kentucky and starred as a lineman at Paris High School where his coach was Blanton Collier. After high school, Arnsparger joined the Marines and served as a sergeant from 1944 to 1946 with a year's duty in China. He entered Miami of Ohio after his discharge and played offensive tackle there on teams that also had such players as Ara Parseghian, Paul Dietzel and Bo Schembechler and a head coach named Woody Hayes.
In 1950, Arnsparger was named an assistant coach at Miami by Hayes and the following year when Hayes was named head coach at Ohio State, he brought Arnsparger with him as an assistant there. Bill first worked with Shula at Kentucky where the head coach was Blanton Collier, his old high school mentor. That association carried into the pros for Bill in 1964 and ended in the Miami locker room after the Super Bowl triumph in January of this year when Arnsparger was presented a game ball by the Dolphin players.
Well respected and admired throughout the National Football League, Arnsparger's credentials are prestigious as he becomes a head coach for the first time."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
"Three days after his Miami Dolphins' 'No Name' defense had throttled the Minnesota Vikings in the 1974 Super Bowl, William Stephen 'Bill' Arnsparger became the ninth head coach in Giant history. He had served under Don Shula for four seasons at Miami, initially as Defensive Coordinator and then as Assistant Head Coach.
Bill came to Miami in 1970- one year after Miami had finished with a 3-10-1 record and allowed 332 points scored to the opposition. In Arnsparger's first campaign as chief defensive aide, the Dolphins rose to a 10-4 record and a playoff berth while limiting the opposition to 228 points. In 1971, the record was 10-3-1 with but 174 points allowed, and in 1972 when Miami went undefeated en route to a Super Bowl crown, the defense allowed but 171 points, the fewest in the NFL, including three shutouts. Last year, with a 12-2 record and a second Super Bowl title, the Dolphins allowed but 150 points, again the lowest in the NFL, with two shutouts and four other victories in which no touchdowns were allowed.
Bill was affiliated with Shula for nine years in the NFL, joining Shula's staff at Baltimore in 1964 as chief defensive aide. He served with the Colts through 1968 on four playoff teams, then rejoined Shula in Miami in 1970. Prior to being named at Baltimore, Arnsparger's coaching background included assistant stints at Tulane (1962-63), Kentucky (1954-61), Ohio State (1951-53) and at his alma mater, Miami of Ohio (1959).
Of Dutch descent, Bill was born on December 16, 1926 in Paris, Kentucky and starred as a lineman at Paris High School where his coach was Blanton Collier. After high school, Arnsparger joined the Marines and served as a sergeant from 1944 to 1946 with a year's duty in China. He entered Miami of Ohio after his discharge and played offensive tackle there on teams that also had such players as Ara Parseghian, Paul Dietzel and Bo Schembechler and a head coach named Woody Hayes.
In 1950, Arnsparger was named an assistant coach at Miami by Hayes and the following year when Hayes was named head coach at Ohio State, he brought Arnsparger with him as an assistant there. Bill first worked with Shula at Kentucky where the head coach was Blanton Collier, his old high school mentor. That association carried into the pros for Bill in 1964 and ended in the Miami locker room after the Super Bowl triumph in January of this year when Arnsparger was presented a game ball by the Dolphin players.
Well respected and admired throughout the National Football League, Arnsparger's credentials are prestigious as he becomes a head coach for the first time."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, January 19, 2015
1974 Profile: Andy Robustelli
ROBUSTELLI ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT TO PRO BALL
But, A Scout Finally Spotted Him At Arnold College
"Andy Robustelli almost didn't make it to the Pro Football Hame for the really excellent reason that he almost didn't play pro football.
Andy was drafted in the 19th round by the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 and the only 'bonus' he received was his air transportation to the California training camp of the Rams. Even if he stuck with the club, his starting salary was set at $4,250!
For long hours, Robustelli and his wife Jean weighed the possibility of a pro football career against a high school coaching job which 'would offer more security.' Even some of his closest friends advised him to take the job in his home state of Connecticut, where he really preferred to live.
Once he made the decision to join the Rams- camp opened on his second wedding anniversary- Robustelli immediately had reason to doubt the wisdom of his choice. He had been considered an outstanding offensive end in college but with the Rams, he would have to compete with a host of talented veterans, including future Hall of Famers Tom Fears and Elroy (Crazylegs) Hirsch.
How could a raw rookie from a small college beat out those guys?
The answer, of course, was that he couldn't and Rams Coach Joe Stydahar immediately informed him of this.
'If you make it AT ALL,' he instructed Robustelli, 'it will be as a defensive end and that is where we are going to give you your shot.'
Disappointed, disturbed but realistic- so realistic, in fact, that he didn't even unpack his bags for more than two weeks- Robustelli responded in the only way he knew how- to go all out to make good at what was available to him- the defensive unit.
The first time the Rams held a scrimmage game, Robustelli, a bruising 6-0, 230-pounder, was all over the field. He knocked down ball carriers, smothered passers and left blockers sprawled on the turf. After the scrimmage he unpacked his bags.
The rest is history.
Andy was a regular for the championship Los Angeles team in 1951 and the one game he missed that season was the only game he missed in the next 14 National Football League campaigns. After five excellent seasons in Los Angeles, Robustelli yearned to play nearer his home in Stamford, Conn., and this yearning finally prompted a trade between the Rams and the Giants. The Rams got a No. 1 draft choice, which turned out to be, incidentally, Del Shofner.
Robustelli, happy over his new surroundings, got even better in a Giants uniform. He is credited with molding together the 1956 New York club that won the NFL championship and he stayed in New York for nine more years, the last three as a player-coach.
The Giants' head coach Jim Lee Howell used to mention Robustelli this way:
'The only end I ever knew or played against who compares with Robustelli,' the Giants head man said, 'was Bill Hewitt. Hewitt was tremendous but I don't think he ever went over 195 pounds. Robustelli weighs 35 pounds more and yet is as quick as Hewitt was. Hewitt played back in the two-platoon days. Andy can put all of his energy into playing defense.'
Seven times in 14 years, Andy was named to the all-NFL team as a defensive end. Seven times he performed in the prestigious Pro Bowl.
A great team leader, Robustelli was one of the best pass rushing ends the game has seen. He did the job with a combination of strength and savvy.
'You've got to know when to rush,' Andy explained after he had become a player-coach. 'Over-anxiety can hurt you. Knowing when comes with experience, and nothing else.
'There is only one way to play this game,' Robustelli said many times, 'and that is as hard and as tough as you can.'
Long-time Giants coach Allie Sherman agreed and credited this trait as being a major factor in Andy's success.
'Watch Andy on the field,' Sherman pointed out, 'and you'll be studying a real master. Terrific speed of mind, hands and feet make him the best. But without this burning desire, without this extra determination, he'd be just an average football player.'
The fact that Andy was drafted by any pro team at all is somewhat of a miracle. Robustelli played high school football in his native Stamford and, after a Navy hitch, nearly matriculated at Villanova. But word from the Villanova coach was that he might need a year of brushing up in prep school sent Andy to Arnold College in Milford, Conn. (Arnold College is now part of the University of Bridgeport.)
Andy, who played end and captained the Arnold team for three years, specialized in tackling and blocking kicks but was also a very fine pass receiver. Still, Arnold was a small college and the NFL seemed eons away.
The NFL would probably have seemed just that- eons away- had it not been for a game at St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vt., which, ironically, turned out to be the game in which Andy broke a leg, the only serious injury he ever received in football. Rams scout Lou DeFillipo, the ex-Fordham great, was in the stands and saw enough of Robustelli before he got hurt to send a rave notice to Los Angeles.
Besides Robustelli and Hewitt, other pro football greats enshrined in the 1971 class included the late Vince Lombardi, Bruiser Kinard, Norm Van Brocklin, Y.A. Tittle and Jim Brown."
-Don Smith, Pro Football's Hall of Fame (Football Digest, October 1971)
Director of Operations
"Hall of Fame member ... perennial All-Pro ... team captain ... former assistant coach ... successful businessman ... those are the impressive credentials that Andy Robustelli brings with him in his new capacity as Director of Operations for the Giants.As Director of Operations, Robustelli will oversee all field operations for the Giants including coaching, scouting, signing of players, trades, and the preseason training camp.
The 47-year-old Robustelli is one of the great success stories of professional football. A 19th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 out of little Arnold College in Connecticut, he went on to star with the Rams through 1955, winning All-Pro honors and appearing in two championship games with Los Angeles. He came to the Giants in a 1956 trade and won All-Pro honors consistently. All told, he was an All-NFL selection nine times during his 14 seasons and appeared in the Pro Bowl nine times as well. He played in six championship games with the Giants, was team defensive captain for six years and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1962.
Robustelli was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and was additionally voted into the Helms Football Foundation Hall of Fame. His career with the Giants ended in 1964 after spending his final seasons as a player-defensive coach.
In recent years, Andy has served as President of Robustelli Travel Service, Inc., a group of five travel agencies in Connecticut and has also been associated with the Allied Chemical Company. For the past two years, he has also conducted his own TV show during the football seasons, but remains first and foremost a football man and has grown with professional football over the years.
Robustelli was born on December 6, 1926 in Stamford, Conn., graduated from the Stamford public school system and then attended LaSalle Military Academy in Oakdale, L.I., from September 1943 to January 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944 and served for two years in the South Pacific, including the invasion of Okinawa. After his discharge, he matriculated to Arnold College and graduated with a B.S. degree, majoring in health and physical education. He was named to the Little All-American team for three years and also lettered in baseball.
Drafted by the Rams in 1951, he played five seasons with L.A., winning All-Pro honors three times and playing on two championship teams. Named MVP on defense for the Rams for three consecutive years, he came to the Giants in that 1956 trade, adding to his laurels with six more All-Pro honors and six more championship game appearances. He was an assistant coach-player for his final four seasons.
In addition to his business and television interests, Andy has been the Connecticut chairman of the United Fund and is also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness where he organized a business task force for that Council group."
-1974 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, January 18, 2015
1974 New York Giants Outlook
"The last time Bill Arnsparger walked off a football field, it was as the winning 'assistant head coach' in the Super Bowl. As chief aide to Miami's Don Shula, Arsparger, the defensive coordinator, shard equally with his boss in the glory and satisfaction of victory.
The next time he walks onto a field, it will be as head coach of the New York Giants, a team that was 2-11-1 last year ... a team that more problems than Spiro the novelist ... a team that underwent an agony of change and housecleaning.
What does the season hold for Arsparger?
First of all, a flock of disenchanted Giants has already flown the coop. Richmond Flowers, Carter Campbell, Randy Johnson, Vin Clements and John Douglas have all signed with the WFL. But all will be around this season, or at least as many of them as Arnsparger chooses.
Others are unhappy, including Ron Hornsby and Jim Files, but want a chance to see the new regime in operation.
So Arsparger has that added burden as he attempts to make his first head coaching job a successful one.
The offense is directly affected by the WFL, since Johnson might well emerge as the starting quarterback and Clements could be the top fullback. But there is Ron Johnson, a superstar runner, at halfback, along with a trio of receivers as good as any- tight end Bob Tucker, wide men Bob Grim and Don Herrmann.
If Randy doesn't get the job, old Norm Snead will. And if Clements is benched, Charlie Evans will play. But there are other runners with a chance- such as heralded rookie Leon McQuay, fleet Rocky Thompson, steady if unspectacular Joe Orduna and promising Clifton Davis.
McQuay may be the answer to the fullback problem, not that he can play as a fullback but because his presence, with Ron Johnson, might allow Arnsparger to 'do away' with the fullback-type position entirely. He is a two-year Canadian League sensation who left college (Tampa) after his sophomore year and now owns a three-year Giant contract.
The offensive line should have a new look- a much younger look. No. 1 draft pick John Hicks, the All-America from Ohio State, will be handed a job at guard. It will be his. He's a starter. Dick Enderle will most likely be the other guard, with Doug Van Horn (another guard) and John Hill or Willie Young at the tackles. Greg Larson's tenure as center ended with his retirement after 13 years and Bob Hyland inherits the job. No. 2 draft pick Tom Mullen, another guard, could fight for work, along with Mark Ellison.
Arnsparger may be overloaded with people who move the ball, but he certainly isn't in the same boat with people who are supposed to stop it from being moved by other teams. The defense is spotty, strong in spots, tissue-thin in others, unsettled in still others.
Up front, for instance, the starters figure to be Jack Gregory (an All-Pro two years ago) and Campbell at the ends, while John Mendenhall (a certain All-Pro one day soon) and Larry Jacobson at the tackles. That leaves such as Henry Reed, Dan Goich, Rich Glover and some rookies to get in line as the top reserves. Reed, a starter once upon a time, might be thought of as a linebacker now, or as the '53 man' in Arnsparger's defense that was so dramatically successful at Miami.
The linebackers are going to have to earn jobs, but at the moment the alignment is as it was in 1972, not as it was last year. Jim Files has been moved back to the strong side, Ron Hornsby reinstated in the middle and Pat Hughes stays at the weak side. Files can be a superb linebacker if he allows himself to stop thinking about playing the middle. Hornsby needs only the chance to hold the job, since he hits with fury and isn't bad on pass coverage. Hughes, constantly the team's highest graded linebacker, remains anonymous.
In reserve will be Brian Kelly, Douglas, Brad Van Pelt and maybe rookie Rick Dvorak, another end-linebacker swing man like Reed.
The secondary has some woes, but not as many as people think. Pete Athas, whose best position is free safety, is the left cornerback. That's because Spider Lockhart is entrenched- or was- at free safety. Willie Williams is on the right corner and Flowers will have to dabble in magic to beat back Chuck Crist at strong safety. Eldridge Small, also a wide receiver possibility, is a cornerback reserve, and if Athas goes to Lockhart's spot, Eldridge gets a job.
Tom Blanchard capably handles the punting, and Pete Gogolak, the original side-wheeling Hungarian, will do the place kicking again."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Norm Snead might be the starter through attrition- Randy Johnson's announced jump to the WFL in '75. On ability alone they're close, but Randy might have won the job and still might, though now it's tougher. Leo Hart and Carl Summerell are strictly long shots.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Ron Johnson, one of the NFL's best, is sure to gain 1,000 yards if he stays healthy. Charlie Evans might be the fullback for the same reason Snead may win the quarterback job- Vin Clements has defected.
Leon McQuay is an intriguing rookie (with two years in Canada) who will get plenty of playing time. Rocky Thompson has speed and size but is erratic. Joe Orduna is a journeyman. Clifton Davis, hurt as a rookie in the last preseason, could make it big.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: This is a strong position for the team, with Bob Grim, Don Herrmann and Rich Houston fighting for the two wide receiver jobs and Bob Tucker a bona fide All-Pro at tight end. Tucker has led the team in receptions three years straight.
Tom Gatewood can fill in at all three positions, while Don Clune is a solid-looking rookie with size and speed. If the regulars stay healthy, the subs won't play much.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: This unit has strength in numbers, but it is largely unsettled. John Hicks, the No. 1 choice, is an instant starter. Dick Enderle is consistent if unspectacular. Doug Van Horn moved from guard to tackle last season, but he's not a plus. Willie Young might not be a starter again, falling to a strong charge by John Hill. Bob Hyland finally outlasted Greg Larson and takes over the center position.
Tom Mullen (No. 2 pick) might surprise Enderle. There is potential in Mark Ellison, and he could join the guard battle.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pete Gogolak is sometimes erratic, generally acceptable. Tom Blanchard had some blocked last year, but kicks well.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: There's strength here. Jack Gregory and Carter Campbell have been outstanding, though not in the same seasons. Both are young enough to bloom, but Campbell has signed on with the WFL for '75. John Mendenhall can be an All-Pro tackle and Larry Jacobson has size, and showed advancement last year.
Henry Reed can play end or linebacker. Dan Goich is consistent though not particularly outstanding. Rich Glover seems miscast because of his size. Dave Tipton has been a disappointment; he's now getting what should be a final chance to earn his keep. Rick Dvorak will be tried at end and linebacker.
Performance Quotient: 2
Linebackers: Questions arise here because of shifting. Ron Hornsby benched it last year, but is listed as a starter in the middle again. Jim Files is back on the strong side and may not be happy. Pat Hughes graded out as the unit's top performer; he might become something with experience now working for him.
Brian Kelley looked good as a rookie, Brad Van Pelt didn't. In both cases, the results were surprising.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Pete Athas is loose and reckless, but effective. Willie Williams is both the veteran and the question mark; he may be slowing down. Eldridge is a backup now, but could be a wide receiver, too.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Spider Lockhart, in his 10th year, must do better than in '73 or Athas will get a long-awaited shot. Chuck Crist seems capable of unseating Richmond Flowers (another WFL-er).
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
"There may still be some trading, but barring one or two deals new head coach Bill Arnsparger gets just what he sees now. In truth, there may be enough for him to do something.
The Giants were 2-11-1, but that reflects more on the chaos and disorganization, the disappointment and frustration, than on the potential talent. Arnsparger comes fresh from being defensive chief of the Super Bowl Dolphins and he has a miracle-worker reputation. He'll need it.
But there's talent for him to work with. There's running back Ron Johnson, tight end Bob Tucker, wide receivers Bob Grim and Don Herrmann and a fair-to-good interior line for the offense. Defensively there's tackle John Mendenhall, ends Carter Campbell and Jack Gregory, linebackers Pat Hughes and Jim Files, and deep backs Spider Lockhart, Willie Williams and Pete Athas.
They aren't superstars, and aside from Johnson and Tucker, they aren't Pro Bowlers, but they do possess the necessary abilities to win. Much depends on Arnsparger's motivation process, his juggling of a few positions and his luck. He'll need lots of that.
Johnson is a true superstar. He gained 902 yards last season despite missing three games. He caught 32 passes for 377 yards. He scored nine touchdowns. And at 6-1 and 205, he's even better when healthy. Tucker, the 6-3, 235-pound tight end, led the team again with 50 catches for 681 yards. Herrmann had a big year, 43 catches for 520 yards, and both Grim and Rich Houston have good outside speed at the other slot.
Two high draft picks- the first two in fact- are guards. They are All-America John Hicks of Ohio State and unheralded Tom Mullen of Southwest Missouri State. Both could start, but probably only Hicks will. Bob Hyland should replace Greg Larson at center and one-time guard Doug Van Horn, who went to tackle last season in an experiment, will stay there.
The chief offensive question is quarterback. On the one hand there is Norm Snead, experienced, veteran and oft-disappointing. He led the NFL in passing in '72 and plummeted to near the bottom in '73. On the other hand is moody, oft-brilliant but sometimes helpless, WFL-bound Randy Johnson. He's a younger man, could be a star, but must deal with his emotions first.
Defense is the promise. In Mendenhall, the Giants have a legitimate superstar already spoken of with awe by other teams. Gregory was All-Pro in '72 and All-Nothing in '73. Campbell improved and led the team in quarterback sacks. The Great Experiment of Files at middle linebacker seems over- he's listed at strongside with Ron Hornsby coming back from the bench to handle the middle. Pat Hughes graded out consistently higher at weakside.
The secondary may be leaky. Lockhart is aging and Williams already has, though Athas, Chuck Crist and Eldridge Small seem ready to all make it at once.
It's quarterback and secondary, plus the need to find a fullback (Charlie Evans or Vin Clements) that concern Arnsparger most."
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
"Offense: What was wrong with the Giants' attack was underlined by the team's first selection in the last college draft. They didn't hesitate in picking John Hicks, whom Woody Hayes calls the best offensive lineman he ever had at Ohio State. Hicks is expected to do something for the Giants' backs that wasn't done often enough last year: open holes. The Giants' second pick was a guard, Tom Mullen from Southwest Missouri State.
There is a new day dawning in the Giants organization. Shortly after Miami won its second consecutive Super Bowl, New York's new director of football operations, former star Andy Robustelli, announced that the Dolphins' assistant head coach, Bill Arnsparger, would be the Giants' new head coach.
Arnsparger inherits a team with first-rate scoring potential. With all their troubles, the Giants still managed to finish second in NFL passing yardage, 2,762. Bob Tucker continued to establish himself as one of the finest tight ends by catching 50 passes. Clever Don Herrmann got open enough to catch 43. Ron Johnson, one of the best all-around backs in the league, caught 32.
Arnsparger's first move was to convince the unhappy Randy Johnson that he would take a fresh look at the quarterback competition between Randy and veteran Norm Snead. Snead threw 22 interceptions.
Despite malfunctions in the running attack, Ron Johnson carried for 902 yards last year. He should love Hicks. To run alongside Ron, Arnsparger has Vin Clements, Joe Orduna and Rocky Thompson.
Defense: This is Arnsparger's baby. Don Shula thought so much of his work at Miami that he gave him the unprecedented title of assistant head coach. It was his refinement of the 53 defense that helped stymie opponents trying to play catch-up against the Dolphins. He is an advocate of a disciplined, rather than a big-play, defense.
One of his first moves will be to cut down the number of touchdowns scored on the ground against the Giants from the fat 21 of 1973. Jack Gregory could return to his All-Pro form of two years ago under the new deal. Worry over the premature birth of his baby affected his play last year. John Mendenhall would seem to be the type who would flourish under the new coach and big things could happen for Larry Jacobson and Dave Tipton.
Jim Files, once considered a spectacular middle linebacker prospect, had a down season and rode the bench toward the end. Ron Hornsby is another linebacker seeking rehabilitation. One of the major questions concerns the role to be played by Brad Van Pelt, last year's top draft choice, who had trouble getting out of the gate. Some think he will be the '53' utility man Bob Matheson was for Arnsparger in Miami.
Zone defense is an Arnsparger staple and that coverage will get his touch in New York. The Giants have many experienced deep backs, including Pete Athas, Spider Lockhart, Willie Williams and Chuck Crist.
Kicking: Pete Gogolak had another representative field goal season, 17 for 27. Punter Tom Blanchard averaged 41.9
1974 Outlook: The Giants won eight games just two seasons ago before slipping to 2-11-1 last year. There is talent on the roster. It will be interesting for New Yorkers to watch what Arnsparger will do with the Giants."
-Scouting Jets Opponents, The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Norm Snead (Wake Forest)
Randy Johnson (Texas A & I)
Leo Hart (Duke)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)*
Running Backs
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Charlie Evans (USC)
Leon McQuay (Tampa)*
Vin Clements (Connecticut)
Joe Orduna (Nebraska)
Rocky Thompson (West Texas State)
Clifton Davis (Alcorn A&M)
Receivers
Bob Grim (W) (Oregon State)
Don Herrmann (W) (Waynesburg)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Rich Houston (W) (East Texas State)
Tom Gatewood (W-T) (Notre Dame)
Don Clune (W) (Pennsylvania)*
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Willie Young (T) (Grambling)
Dick Enderle (G) (Minnesota)
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)*
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Mark Ellison (G) (Dayton)
John Hill (T-C) (Lehigh)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)*
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
Pete Gogolak (Cornell)
Tom Blanchard (Oregon)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
Carter Campbell (E) (Weber State)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Larry Jacobson (T) (Nebraska)
Henry Reed (E) (Weber State)
Dan Goich (T) (California)
Rich Glover (T) (Nebraska)
Dave Tipton (E) (Stanford)
Rick Dvorak (E) (Wichita State)*
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Jim Files (O-M) (Oklahoma)
Ron Hornsby (M) (Southeast Louisiana)
Brian Kelley (O) (California Lutheran)
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
John Douglas (O) (Missouri)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Pete Athas (Tennessee)
Willie Williams (Grambling)
Eldridge Small (Texas A & I)
Otto Brown (Prairie View)
Safeties
Chuck Crist (S) (Penn State)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Richmond Flowers (S) (Tennessee)
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1974 published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Norm Snead 16, Randy Johnson 11, Tom Blanchard 15, Carl Summerell*, Leo Gasieneca*
RB - Ron Johnson 30, Joe Orduna 49, Rocky Thompson 22, Jack Rizzo 34, Leon McQuay*
RB - Vin Clements 29, Charlie Evans 31, Johnny Roland 23, Clifton Davis*, Steve Crosby*
WR - Don Herrmann 85, Tom Gatewood 83, Tom Clune*, Ray Rhodes*
LT - Willie Young 69, John Hill 52, Mike Hayes*
LG - Dick Enderle 62, Bart Buetow 60, Tom Mullen*
C - Bob Hyland 70, John Hill 52
RG - Mark Ellison 65, John Hicks*
RT - Doug Van Horn 63, John Hill 52, Mike Hayes*
TE - Bob Tucker 38, Tom Gatewood 83, Marty Woolbright*, Ed Robinson*, John Strada*
WR - Bob Grim 27, Rich Houston 84, Walter Love 46
DEFENSE
LDE - Carter Campbell 79, Henry Reed 80, Rick Dvorak*
LDT - Larry Jacobson 75, Dan Goich 68, Jim Pietrzak*, Wade Brantley*
RDT - John Mendenhall 64, Rich Glover 77, George Hasenohrl*
RDE - Jack Gregory 81, Dave Tipton 71, Rick Dvorak*
LLB - Jim Files 58, Brian Kelley 55, John Douglas 51
MLB - Ron Hornsby 67, Jim Files 58, Fred Abbott 54
RLB - Pat Hughes 56, Brad Van Pelt 10
LCB - Pete Athas 45, Eldridge Small 18, Ron Lumpkin 47, Bobby Brooks*
SS - Richmond Flowers 44, Chuck Crist 24, James Sims*
FS - Spider Lockhart 43, Honor Jackson 20, Greg Strunk*
RCB - Willie Williams 41, Otto Brown 21, Clyde Powers*, Ernie Baptist*
* rookie
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
The next time he walks onto a field, it will be as head coach of the New York Giants, a team that was 2-11-1 last year ... a team that more problems than Spiro the novelist ... a team that underwent an agony of change and housecleaning.
What does the season hold for Arsparger?
First of all, a flock of disenchanted Giants has already flown the coop. Richmond Flowers, Carter Campbell, Randy Johnson, Vin Clements and John Douglas have all signed with the WFL. But all will be around this season, or at least as many of them as Arnsparger chooses.
Others are unhappy, including Ron Hornsby and Jim Files, but want a chance to see the new regime in operation.
So Arsparger has that added burden as he attempts to make his first head coaching job a successful one.
The offense is directly affected by the WFL, since Johnson might well emerge as the starting quarterback and Clements could be the top fullback. But there is Ron Johnson, a superstar runner, at halfback, along with a trio of receivers as good as any- tight end Bob Tucker, wide men Bob Grim and Don Herrmann.
If Randy doesn't get the job, old Norm Snead will. And if Clements is benched, Charlie Evans will play. But there are other runners with a chance- such as heralded rookie Leon McQuay, fleet Rocky Thompson, steady if unspectacular Joe Orduna and promising Clifton Davis.
McQuay may be the answer to the fullback problem, not that he can play as a fullback but because his presence, with Ron Johnson, might allow Arnsparger to 'do away' with the fullback-type position entirely. He is a two-year Canadian League sensation who left college (Tampa) after his sophomore year and now owns a three-year Giant contract.
The offensive line should have a new look- a much younger look. No. 1 draft pick John Hicks, the All-America from Ohio State, will be handed a job at guard. It will be his. He's a starter. Dick Enderle will most likely be the other guard, with Doug Van Horn (another guard) and John Hill or Willie Young at the tackles. Greg Larson's tenure as center ended with his retirement after 13 years and Bob Hyland inherits the job. No. 2 draft pick Tom Mullen, another guard, could fight for work, along with Mark Ellison.
Arnsparger may be overloaded with people who move the ball, but he certainly isn't in the same boat with people who are supposed to stop it from being moved by other teams. The defense is spotty, strong in spots, tissue-thin in others, unsettled in still others.
Up front, for instance, the starters figure to be Jack Gregory (an All-Pro two years ago) and Campbell at the ends, while John Mendenhall (a certain All-Pro one day soon) and Larry Jacobson at the tackles. That leaves such as Henry Reed, Dan Goich, Rich Glover and some rookies to get in line as the top reserves. Reed, a starter once upon a time, might be thought of as a linebacker now, or as the '53 man' in Arnsparger's defense that was so dramatically successful at Miami.
The linebackers are going to have to earn jobs, but at the moment the alignment is as it was in 1972, not as it was last year. Jim Files has been moved back to the strong side, Ron Hornsby reinstated in the middle and Pat Hughes stays at the weak side. Files can be a superb linebacker if he allows himself to stop thinking about playing the middle. Hornsby needs only the chance to hold the job, since he hits with fury and isn't bad on pass coverage. Hughes, constantly the team's highest graded linebacker, remains anonymous.
In reserve will be Brian Kelly, Douglas, Brad Van Pelt and maybe rookie Rick Dvorak, another end-linebacker swing man like Reed.
The secondary has some woes, but not as many as people think. Pete Athas, whose best position is free safety, is the left cornerback. That's because Spider Lockhart is entrenched- or was- at free safety. Willie Williams is on the right corner and Flowers will have to dabble in magic to beat back Chuck Crist at strong safety. Eldridge Small, also a wide receiver possibility, is a cornerback reserve, and if Athas goes to Lockhart's spot, Eldridge gets a job.
Tom Blanchard capably handles the punting, and Pete Gogolak, the original side-wheeling Hungarian, will do the place kicking again."
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Norm Snead might be the starter through attrition- Randy Johnson's announced jump to the WFL in '75. On ability alone they're close, but Randy might have won the job and still might, though now it's tougher. Leo Hart and Carl Summerell are strictly long shots.
Performance Quotient: 3 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Ron Johnson, one of the NFL's best, is sure to gain 1,000 yards if he stays healthy. Charlie Evans might be the fullback for the same reason Snead may win the quarterback job- Vin Clements has defected.
Leon McQuay is an intriguing rookie (with two years in Canada) who will get plenty of playing time. Rocky Thompson has speed and size but is erratic. Joe Orduna is a journeyman. Clifton Davis, hurt as a rookie in the last preseason, could make it big.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: This is a strong position for the team, with Bob Grim, Don Herrmann and Rich Houston fighting for the two wide receiver jobs and Bob Tucker a bona fide All-Pro at tight end. Tucker has led the team in receptions three years straight.
Tom Gatewood can fill in at all three positions, while Don Clune is a solid-looking rookie with size and speed. If the regulars stay healthy, the subs won't play much.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: This unit has strength in numbers, but it is largely unsettled. John Hicks, the No. 1 choice, is an instant starter. Dick Enderle is consistent if unspectacular. Doug Van Horn moved from guard to tackle last season, but he's not a plus. Willie Young might not be a starter again, falling to a strong charge by John Hill. Bob Hyland finally outlasted Greg Larson and takes over the center position.
Tom Mullen (No. 2 pick) might surprise Enderle. There is potential in Mark Ellison, and he could join the guard battle.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Pete Gogolak is sometimes erratic, generally acceptable. Tom Blanchard had some blocked last year, but kicks well.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: There's strength here. Jack Gregory and Carter Campbell have been outstanding, though not in the same seasons. Both are young enough to bloom, but Campbell has signed on with the WFL for '75. John Mendenhall can be an All-Pro tackle and Larry Jacobson has size, and showed advancement last year.
Henry Reed can play end or linebacker. Dan Goich is consistent though not particularly outstanding. Rich Glover seems miscast because of his size. Dave Tipton has been a disappointment; he's now getting what should be a final chance to earn his keep. Rick Dvorak will be tried at end and linebacker.
Performance Quotient: 2
Linebackers: Questions arise here because of shifting. Ron Hornsby benched it last year, but is listed as a starter in the middle again. Jim Files is back on the strong side and may not be happy. Pat Hughes graded out as the unit's top performer; he might become something with experience now working for him.
Brian Kelley looked good as a rookie, Brad Van Pelt didn't. In both cases, the results were surprising.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Pete Athas is loose and reckless, but effective. Willie Williams is both the veteran and the question mark; he may be slowing down. Eldridge is a backup now, but could be a wide receiver, too.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Spider Lockhart, in his 10th year, must do better than in '73 or Athas will get a long-awaited shot. Chuck Crist seems capable of unseating Richmond Flowers (another WFL-er).
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Dave Klein, Pro Football 1974
"There may still be some trading, but barring one or two deals new head coach Bill Arnsparger gets just what he sees now. In truth, there may be enough for him to do something.
The Giants were 2-11-1, but that reflects more on the chaos and disorganization, the disappointment and frustration, than on the potential talent. Arnsparger comes fresh from being defensive chief of the Super Bowl Dolphins and he has a miracle-worker reputation. He'll need it.
But there's talent for him to work with. There's running back Ron Johnson, tight end Bob Tucker, wide receivers Bob Grim and Don Herrmann and a fair-to-good interior line for the offense. Defensively there's tackle John Mendenhall, ends Carter Campbell and Jack Gregory, linebackers Pat Hughes and Jim Files, and deep backs Spider Lockhart, Willie Williams and Pete Athas.
They aren't superstars, and aside from Johnson and Tucker, they aren't Pro Bowlers, but they do possess the necessary abilities to win. Much depends on Arnsparger's motivation process, his juggling of a few positions and his luck. He'll need lots of that.
Johnson is a true superstar. He gained 902 yards last season despite missing three games. He caught 32 passes for 377 yards. He scored nine touchdowns. And at 6-1 and 205, he's even better when healthy. Tucker, the 6-3, 235-pound tight end, led the team again with 50 catches for 681 yards. Herrmann had a big year, 43 catches for 520 yards, and both Grim and Rich Houston have good outside speed at the other slot.
Two high draft picks- the first two in fact- are guards. They are All-America John Hicks of Ohio State and unheralded Tom Mullen of Southwest Missouri State. Both could start, but probably only Hicks will. Bob Hyland should replace Greg Larson at center and one-time guard Doug Van Horn, who went to tackle last season in an experiment, will stay there.
The chief offensive question is quarterback. On the one hand there is Norm Snead, experienced, veteran and oft-disappointing. He led the NFL in passing in '72 and plummeted to near the bottom in '73. On the other hand is moody, oft-brilliant but sometimes helpless, WFL-bound Randy Johnson. He's a younger man, could be a star, but must deal with his emotions first.
Defense is the promise. In Mendenhall, the Giants have a legitimate superstar already spoken of with awe by other teams. Gregory was All-Pro in '72 and All-Nothing in '73. Campbell improved and led the team in quarterback sacks. The Great Experiment of Files at middle linebacker seems over- he's listed at strongside with Ron Hornsby coming back from the bench to handle the middle. Pat Hughes graded out consistently higher at weakside.
The secondary may be leaky. Lockhart is aging and Williams already has, though Athas, Chuck Crist and Eldridge Small seem ready to all make it at once.
It's quarterback and secondary, plus the need to find a fullback (Charlie Evans or Vin Clements) that concern Arnsparger most."
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
"Offense: What was wrong with the Giants' attack was underlined by the team's first selection in the last college draft. They didn't hesitate in picking John Hicks, whom Woody Hayes calls the best offensive lineman he ever had at Ohio State. Hicks is expected to do something for the Giants' backs that wasn't done often enough last year: open holes. The Giants' second pick was a guard, Tom Mullen from Southwest Missouri State.
There is a new day dawning in the Giants organization. Shortly after Miami won its second consecutive Super Bowl, New York's new director of football operations, former star Andy Robustelli, announced that the Dolphins' assistant head coach, Bill Arnsparger, would be the Giants' new head coach.
Arnsparger inherits a team with first-rate scoring potential. With all their troubles, the Giants still managed to finish second in NFL passing yardage, 2,762. Bob Tucker continued to establish himself as one of the finest tight ends by catching 50 passes. Clever Don Herrmann got open enough to catch 43. Ron Johnson, one of the best all-around backs in the league, caught 32.
Arnsparger's first move was to convince the unhappy Randy Johnson that he would take a fresh look at the quarterback competition between Randy and veteran Norm Snead. Snead threw 22 interceptions.
Despite malfunctions in the running attack, Ron Johnson carried for 902 yards last year. He should love Hicks. To run alongside Ron, Arnsparger has Vin Clements, Joe Orduna and Rocky Thompson.
Defense: This is Arnsparger's baby. Don Shula thought so much of his work at Miami that he gave him the unprecedented title of assistant head coach. It was his refinement of the 53 defense that helped stymie opponents trying to play catch-up against the Dolphins. He is an advocate of a disciplined, rather than a big-play, defense.
One of his first moves will be to cut down the number of touchdowns scored on the ground against the Giants from the fat 21 of 1973. Jack Gregory could return to his All-Pro form of two years ago under the new deal. Worry over the premature birth of his baby affected his play last year. John Mendenhall would seem to be the type who would flourish under the new coach and big things could happen for Larry Jacobson and Dave Tipton.
Jim Files, once considered a spectacular middle linebacker prospect, had a down season and rode the bench toward the end. Ron Hornsby is another linebacker seeking rehabilitation. One of the major questions concerns the role to be played by Brad Van Pelt, last year's top draft choice, who had trouble getting out of the gate. Some think he will be the '53' utility man Bob Matheson was for Arnsparger in Miami.
Zone defense is an Arnsparger staple and that coverage will get his touch in New York. The Giants have many experienced deep backs, including Pete Athas, Spider Lockhart, Willie Williams and Chuck Crist.
Kicking: Pete Gogolak had another representative field goal season, 17 for 27. Punter Tom Blanchard averaged 41.9
1974 Outlook: The Giants won eight games just two seasons ago before slipping to 2-11-1 last year. There is talent on the roster. It will be interesting for New Yorkers to watch what Arnsparger will do with the Giants."
-Scouting Jets Opponents, The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Norm Snead (Wake Forest)
Randy Johnson (Texas A & I)
Leo Hart (Duke)
Carl Summerell (East Carolina)*
Running Backs
Ron Johnson (Michigan)
Charlie Evans (USC)
Leon McQuay (Tampa)*
Vin Clements (Connecticut)
Joe Orduna (Nebraska)
Rocky Thompson (West Texas State)
Clifton Davis (Alcorn A&M)
Receivers
Bob Grim (W) (Oregon State)
Don Herrmann (W) (Waynesburg)
Bob Tucker (T) (Bloomsburg)
Rich Houston (W) (East Texas State)
Tom Gatewood (W-T) (Notre Dame)
Don Clune (W) (Pennsylvania)*
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Doug Van Horn (T) Ohio State)
Willie Young (T) (Grambling)
Dick Enderle (G) (Minnesota)
John Hicks (G) (Ohio State)*
Bob Hyland (C) (Boston College)
Mark Ellison (G) (Dayton)
John Hill (T-C) (Lehigh)
Tom Mullen (G) (Southwest Missouri State)*
(T)-Tackle (G)- Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
Pete Gogolak (Cornell)
Tom Blanchard (Oregon)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jack Gregory (E) (Delta State)
Carter Campbell (E) (Weber State)
John Mendenhall (T) (Grambling)
Larry Jacobson (T) (Nebraska)
Henry Reed (E) (Weber State)
Dan Goich (T) (California)
Rich Glover (T) (Nebraska)
Dave Tipton (E) (Stanford)
Rick Dvorak (E) (Wichita State)*
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Pat Hughes (O) (Boston University)
Jim Files (O-M) (Oklahoma)
Ron Hornsby (M) (Southeast Louisiana)
Brian Kelley (O) (California Lutheran)
Brad Van Pelt (O) (Michigan State)
John Douglas (O) (Missouri)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Pete Athas (Tennessee)
Willie Williams (Grambling)
Eldridge Small (Texas A & I)
Otto Brown (Prairie View)
Safeties
Chuck Crist (S) (Penn State)
Spider Lockhart (W) (North Texas State)
Richmond Flowers (S) (Tennessee)
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
* Rookie
-Pro Football 1974 published by Cord Communications Corporation
OFFENSE
QB - Norm Snead 16, Randy Johnson 11, Tom Blanchard 15, Carl Summerell*, Leo Gasieneca*
RB - Ron Johnson 30, Joe Orduna 49, Rocky Thompson 22, Jack Rizzo 34, Leon McQuay*
RB - Vin Clements 29, Charlie Evans 31, Johnny Roland 23, Clifton Davis*, Steve Crosby*
WR - Don Herrmann 85, Tom Gatewood 83, Tom Clune*, Ray Rhodes*
LT - Willie Young 69, John Hill 52, Mike Hayes*
LG - Dick Enderle 62, Bart Buetow 60, Tom Mullen*
C - Bob Hyland 70, John Hill 52
RG - Mark Ellison 65, John Hicks*
RT - Doug Van Horn 63, John Hill 52, Mike Hayes*
TE - Bob Tucker 38, Tom Gatewood 83, Marty Woolbright*, Ed Robinson*, John Strada*
WR - Bob Grim 27, Rich Houston 84, Walter Love 46
DEFENSE
LDE - Carter Campbell 79, Henry Reed 80, Rick Dvorak*
LDT - Larry Jacobson 75, Dan Goich 68, Jim Pietrzak*, Wade Brantley*
RDT - John Mendenhall 64, Rich Glover 77, George Hasenohrl*
RDE - Jack Gregory 81, Dave Tipton 71, Rick Dvorak*
LLB - Jim Files 58, Brian Kelley 55, John Douglas 51
MLB - Ron Hornsby 67, Jim Files 58, Fred Abbott 54
RLB - Pat Hughes 56, Brad Van Pelt 10
LCB - Pete Athas 45, Eldridge Small 18, Ron Lumpkin 47, Bobby Brooks*
SS - Richmond Flowers 44, Chuck Crist 24, James Sims*
FS - Spider Lockhart 43, Honor Jackson 20, Greg Strunk*
RCB - Willie Williams 41, Otto Brown 21, Clyde Powers*, Ernie Baptist*
* rookie
-Gridiron News 1974 Pro Yearbook
Sunday, January 11, 2015
1973 Profiles: Pete Gogolak and Tom Blanchard
PETE GOGOLAK
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Gogolak finished the season as the third most accurate field goal kicker in the NFC. He booted home 67% of his shots and kicked eight of eight inside the 20; eight of 10 inside the 30; none of three inside the 40; five of eight inside the 50; and none of two beyond the 50. His longest kick was for 49 yards.
The original soccer-style kicker from Hungary, Gogolak doesn't like his holder to be the No. 1 quarterback.
'If the holder is the No. 1 quarterback, he's still thinking about what he should have done on that last third down situation to keep the drive going and it's got to affect his concentration.' His holder is punter Tom Blanchard.
Gogolak had a weak right leg in 1971, he thinks, because he did too much long-distance running. He now concentrates on sprints and weight lifting."
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"Pete broke the Giants' all-time scoring mark in 1972. His 97 points gave him a total of 519 as a Giants, breaking Frank Gifford's former record of 484."
-1973 Topps No. 368
TOM BLANCHARD
Punter-Holder-Quarterback
No. 15
Oregon
"The fourth best punter in the NFC last season, averaging 42.7 yards a punt. Blanchard hung out some 47 punts for a total of 2,006 yards. A 12th round choice in the 1971 draft, he was a quarterback and punter at Oregon.
'I was shocked I was drafted at all, but I knew they were drafting me as a punter, even though I averaged only 40 yards a kick in college. Still, I haven't given up the idea of being a QB. That's what I want the most- to be a quarterback in the pros. I throw in practice to Pete Gogolak. He has nothing much to do, either.' Tom has worked on increasing the 'hang time' of his punts. The ideal hang time for a 40-yard kick is 4.5 seconds.
'I've been dropping the ball too low. You hold your hands up and drop it higher and you get more height on your kick.'"
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"The NFC's fourth leading punter in 1972, Tom was the Giants' 12th draft pick in 1971. Named as the punter of the NFC's All-Rookie Team, he completed a pass off a fake punt."
-1973 Topps No. 319
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
1973 New York Giants Defensive Back Profiles
WILLIE WILLIAMS
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
"Willie took over the starting cornerback job for the Giants in 1968 and won the league interception title with 10. He played with the Oakland Raiders of the AFL in 1966 and 1967."
-1973 Topps No. 231
PETE ATHAS
Cornerback
No. 45
Tennessee
"Pete joined the Giants in 1971 and had a fine rookie season. He had two interceptions, including a 37-yard touchdown return against the Cowboys. He also had a seven-yard average on punt returns."
-1973 Topps No. 286
RICHMOND FLOWERS
Strong Safety
No. 44
Tennessee
"Used both on defense and special teams, Richmond played with the Cowboys in the 1970 Super Bowl. He had a noteworthy career at Tennessee, excelling at football and track."
-1973 Topps No. 166
SPIDER LOCKHART
Free Safety
No. 43
West Texas State
"With four interceptions, he was the Giants' leading catcher of other people's passes. Lockhart ran one back 29 yards for a touchdown. He has intercepted 36 passes in his career to put him among the top dozen among active defensemen.
'I see the different quarterbacks and try to rank them. I look for three things- passing ability, intelligence and the quality of the team they play for.' He rates Joe Namath and Sonny Jurgensen as the top two.
Spider now lives in a high-rise near Yankee Stadium but is angered by vandals who deface the building. A stockbroker, he plays chess with his wife and is an amateur chef.
Lockhart amazes other players by knocking down 200-pound backs at a playing weight of 165."
-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition
"One of the premier free safeties in pro football, Spider is an aggressive, instinctive ballhawk with lightning reflexes and the ability to out-guess rival quarterbacks."
-1973 Topps No. 468
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