1974 Profile: Pete Athas

Cornerback-Punt Returner
No. 45
Tennessee
"Athas came to the Giants as a free agent prior to the 1971 season and won a spot as a defensive back and return man. He's been the starting left cornerback ever since and led the club in interceptions in 1973 with five for 52 yards returned, and in punt returns with 20 for 153 yards.
Pete also shared the club lead in interceptions in 1972 with four, and of his 11 interceptions in three seasons, one went for a touchdown- a 37-yard return against Dallas in 1971. The Cowboys had drafted Athas No. 10 in 1969, but released him during the preseason. He spent the next two seasons in the Continental League, winning All-League honors twice.
Athas had an extremely brief collegiate career, first at Dade Junior College in Miami and then at Tennessee where he played just one season of freshman football after going out for the team without the benefit of a scholarship. He had three interceptions against the Georgia frosh in his very first game.
Pete was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and later moved to Miami where he starred in all sports at Edison High School."

-1974 New York Giants Media Guide