Linebacker
No. 80
Weber State
"Henry was the Giants' 10th round draft pick for 1971 and, after getting brief looks as a running back and linebacker, settled into playing defensive end and won a starting job in his rookie season. Henry turned in an impressive job at left end, showing fine speed, pursuit and agility despite his relative lack of size. He had two solo sacks on enemy passers and a pass interception for an 11-yard return, and also proved to be a valuable man on special teams.
In 1972 Reed was even better, getting nine sacks of the passer to rank behind Jack Gregory. In 1973, he moved to a linebacker position, had an interception for a 36-yard return and last year played the '53' position on defense, and also continued his good work with the special teams.
Reed was both a fullback and a linebacker at Weber State where he was clocked at 4.7 for the 40-yard dash. He was all-conference for two years, was selected to play in the East-West Shrine game and won All-American honors in the Coaches' College Division poll. Prior to entering Weber State, Reed was an All-American at Iowa Central Junior College.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan and sparkled in sports at Northwestern High School. He's a jazz buff and still resides in Detroit during the off-season."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
1975 Profile: Clyde Powers
Strong Safety
No. 39
Oklahoma
"The No. 5 draft choice of the Giants in 1974, Powers won himself a spot on the club with fine work during the preseason. He played in all 14 regular season games as a strong safety and special team man and showed versatility and potential. Clyde started at strong safety in seven games and proved to be a fine hitter. He was a cornerback in college and made the transition to safety successfully in the pros.
A three-year letterman at Oklahoma, Powers was an All-Big 8 selection in his senior year and was picked to play in both the Senior Bowl and the Blue-Grey postseason games. He had eight interceptions in his collegiate career, including two touchdown returns against Kansas and Clemson.
Clyde was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, where his father was stationed in the Army, and was a three-sport standout at Lawton High School. He lists fishing and bowling as his favorite hobbies."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 39
Oklahoma
"The No. 5 draft choice of the Giants in 1974, Powers won himself a spot on the club with fine work during the preseason. He played in all 14 regular season games as a strong safety and special team man and showed versatility and potential. Clyde started at strong safety in seven games and proved to be a fine hitter. He was a cornerback in college and made the transition to safety successfully in the pros.
A three-year letterman at Oklahoma, Powers was an All-Big 8 selection in his senior year and was picked to play in both the Senior Bowl and the Blue-Grey postseason games. He had eight interceptions in his collegiate career, including two touchdown returns against Kansas and Clemson.
Clyde was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, where his father was stationed in the Army, and was a three-sport standout at Lawton High School. He lists fishing and bowling as his favorite hobbies."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, September 27, 2015
1975 Profile: Jim Pietrzak
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Eastern Michigan
"Big Jim was the No. 6 draft choice of the Giants last year and turned out to be a versatile young man. He worked at offensive tackle through the preseason, then moved to defensive tackle in the regular season, playing all 14 games as a special team man and starting a half-dozen at tackle, as well as snapping for punts on occasion. A hard worker with fine potential, he tied for the team lead in enemy fumble recoveries with two.
Pietrzak played center, guard and tackle during his three seasons at Eastern Michigan, winning college division All-American honors by Kodak, AP and the Football News. The big guy also won varsity letters in in wrestling and in track as a weight thrower. He was vice-president of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and majored in marketing research.
He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan and was a three-sport star at University of Detroit High School in Detroit. He plays the guitar and aspires to a career in public relations."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 76
Eastern Michigan
"Big Jim was the No. 6 draft choice of the Giants last year and turned out to be a versatile young man. He worked at offensive tackle through the preseason, then moved to defensive tackle in the regular season, playing all 14 games as a special team man and starting a half-dozen at tackle, as well as snapping for punts on occasion. A hard worker with fine potential, he tied for the team lead in enemy fumble recoveries with two.
Pietrzak played center, guard and tackle during his three seasons at Eastern Michigan, winning college division All-American honors by Kodak, AP and the Football News. The big guy also won varsity letters in in wrestling and in track as a weight thrower. He was vice-president of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity and majored in marketing research.
He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan and was a three-sport star at University of Detroit High School in Detroit. He plays the guitar and aspires to a career in public relations."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, September 26, 2015
1975 Profile: Gary Pettigrew
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Stanford
"The veteran defensive lineman was obtained on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles at cutdown time last year and claimed a starting job with the Giants until he went down with a knee injury and was sidelined for the final three games. Big and strong, he can play either tackle or end on the front four.
Originally a No. 2 draft choice of the Eagles in 1966, Gary played for eight seasons in Philadelphia as a regular and in 1973, as a defensive tackle, led the Eagles in minutes in played and in tackles. His lifetime stats show six fumble recoveries and four kickoff returns for 65 yards.
Gary majored in mechanical engineering at Stanford where he was co-captain and All-Pac 8 in his senior year. A fine all-around athlete, he also won varsity letters in boxing and rugby at Stanford and was a Kappa Alpha fraternity member.
He was born in Vancouver, B.C. and starred at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, Washington. Gary now makes his home in Santa Barbara, CA and is an avid gun collector."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 71
Stanford
"The veteran defensive lineman was obtained on waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles at cutdown time last year and claimed a starting job with the Giants until he went down with a knee injury and was sidelined for the final three games. Big and strong, he can play either tackle or end on the front four.
Originally a No. 2 draft choice of the Eagles in 1966, Gary played for eight seasons in Philadelphia as a regular and in 1973, as a defensive tackle, led the Eagles in minutes in played and in tackles. His lifetime stats show six fumble recoveries and four kickoff returns for 65 yards.
Gary majored in mechanical engineering at Stanford where he was co-captain and All-Pac 8 in his senior year. A fine all-around athlete, he also won varsity letters in boxing and rugby at Stanford and was a Kappa Alpha fraternity member.
He was born in Vancouver, B.C. and starred at Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, Washington. Gary now makes his home in Santa Barbara, CA and is an avid gun collector."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, September 24, 2015
1975 Profile: Tom Mullen
Guard
No. 73
Southwest Missouri State
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 but not as heralded as John Hicks, Mullen nonetheless proved to be a stellar addition to the club. Like Hicks, Tom stepped right into the starting lineup, at left guard, and performed with distinction. Despite the fact he missed three games with a shoulder separation, by season's end he was also named to the All-NFL Rookie team by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writer's Association, giving the Giants both guard positions on those rookie teams.
Nicknamed 'Moon' for obvious reasons, Mullen proved to be an outstanding pass blocker, perhaps as fine a pass blocker one year removed from college as the Giants have ever had. Like Hicks, he has the potential to become an All-Pro at his position.
Tom earned four letters at Southwest Missouri State as a tackle, and his honors included All-Conference twice, honorable mention All-America twice and team MVP and captain in his senior campaign.
He was born in St. Louis and played his high school sports at Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. Moon lists swimming and water skiing as his favorite hobbies, as well as golf and tennis."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 73
Southwest Missouri State
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 but not as heralded as John Hicks, Mullen nonetheless proved to be a stellar addition to the club. Like Hicks, Tom stepped right into the starting lineup, at left guard, and performed with distinction. Despite the fact he missed three games with a shoulder separation, by season's end he was also named to the All-NFL Rookie team by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writer's Association, giving the Giants both guard positions on those rookie teams.
Nicknamed 'Moon' for obvious reasons, Mullen proved to be an outstanding pass blocker, perhaps as fine a pass blocker one year removed from college as the Giants have ever had. Like Hicks, he has the potential to become an All-Pro at his position.
Tom earned four letters at Southwest Missouri State as a tackle, and his honors included All-Conference twice, honorable mention All-America twice and team MVP and captain in his senior campaign.
He was born in St. Louis and played his high school sports at Vianney High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. Moon lists swimming and water skiing as his favorite hobbies, as well as golf and tennis."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
1975 Profile: Craig Morton
Quarterback
No. 15
California
"Morton came to the Giants from Dallas for a No. 1 draft choice just before the trading deadline in 1974 and moved right in as the No. 1 quarterback. In fact, with just three days work, he played the following Sunday against the Cowboys in relief of Jim Del Gaizo, then started the remaining games. Morton's presence improved the offense considerably.
The Giants scored but 68 points in the first seven games of the year, then increased production to 127 for the final seven with Morton doing the orchestration. By season's end, he had completed 122 of 237 passes for 1,510 yards and nine touchdowns for the Giants and enjoyed several outstanding afternoons. Craig had 21 completions for 259 yards against the Cardinals and was 21-for-32 against the Jets. Mostly, he brought direction and leadership to a young club, and freed now from WFL obligations, should benefit from being with the club from the start of training camp.
Craig originally was a No. 1 draft choice of Dallas in 1965 and spent 10 years with the Cowboys, several of those seasons as the No. 1 quarterback, including taking the club to a Super Bowl. He had a banner year in 1972 with a club record 185 completions for 2,396 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Morton was an All-American quarterback at California, starring for three seasons and setting records in the process. A teammate in the backfield was Mike Epstein, later a major league baseball player. Craig was also a top baseball player at Cal, turning down a baseball bonus to join the Cowboys.
Craig was born in Flint, Michigan and was raised in Campbell, California, where he was an All-State high school star in football, baseball and basketball. He has a restaurant in Dallas and spends time skiing in Aspen."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 15
California
"Morton came to the Giants from Dallas for a No. 1 draft choice just before the trading deadline in 1974 and moved right in as the No. 1 quarterback. In fact, with just three days work, he played the following Sunday against the Cowboys in relief of Jim Del Gaizo, then started the remaining games. Morton's presence improved the offense considerably.
The Giants scored but 68 points in the first seven games of the year, then increased production to 127 for the final seven with Morton doing the orchestration. By season's end, he had completed 122 of 237 passes for 1,510 yards and nine touchdowns for the Giants and enjoyed several outstanding afternoons. Craig had 21 completions for 259 yards against the Cardinals and was 21-for-32 against the Jets. Mostly, he brought direction and leadership to a young club, and freed now from WFL obligations, should benefit from being with the club from the start of training camp.
Craig originally was a No. 1 draft choice of Dallas in 1965 and spent 10 years with the Cowboys, several of those seasons as the No. 1 quarterback, including taking the club to a Super Bowl. He had a banner year in 1972 with a club record 185 completions for 2,396 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Morton was an All-American quarterback at California, starring for three seasons and setting records in the process. A teammate in the backfield was Mike Epstein, later a major league baseball player. Craig was also a top baseball player at Cal, turning down a baseball bonus to join the Cowboys.
Craig was born in Flint, Michigan and was raised in Campbell, California, where he was an All-State high school star in football, baseball and basketball. He has a restaurant in Dallas and spends time skiing in Aspen."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, September 21, 2015
1975 Profile: John Mendenhall
Defensive Tackle
No. 64
Grambling
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice in 1972, Mendenhall has had an awesome career with the Giants, finally winning due recognition in 1974 when he was named to UPI's All-NFC team and to the Pro Football Writers' All-NFL second unit.
Mendy missed one game with a knee injury, but in the other 13 was as good a defensive tackle as anyone, coming up with 11 quarterback sacks, fumble recoveries, blocked passes and general mayhem against opposing teams. He combines great strength with quickness and agility and usually requires double-teaming. One play against Dallas typified his overall abilities- he knocked down two blockers, got to Calvin Hill and dumped him for an eight-yard loss so hard that Calvin fumbled, with Roy Hilton picking up the fumble to go 71 yards for a touchdown ... and Mendy getting up after the tackle to throw a block to help spring Hilton loose.
A starter since his rookie year, John was named to the All-NFL Rookie team that season. In 1973, he was on his way to All-Pro honors when he went down with a knee injury halfway through the season and underwent surgery. Last year, he had it all together and now ranks as one of the premier tackles in the NFL.
Mendenhall was an Associated Press Little All-American and NAIA choice at Grambling, won four letters and team defensive MVP honors and was a star in the Senior Bowl. He also had a big day in the College All-Star Game in 1972
John was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana and lives in Houston during the off-season."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 64
Grambling
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice in 1972, Mendenhall has had an awesome career with the Giants, finally winning due recognition in 1974 when he was named to UPI's All-NFC team and to the Pro Football Writers' All-NFL second unit.
Mendy missed one game with a knee injury, but in the other 13 was as good a defensive tackle as anyone, coming up with 11 quarterback sacks, fumble recoveries, blocked passes and general mayhem against opposing teams. He combines great strength with quickness and agility and usually requires double-teaming. One play against Dallas typified his overall abilities- he knocked down two blockers, got to Calvin Hill and dumped him for an eight-yard loss so hard that Calvin fumbled, with Roy Hilton picking up the fumble to go 71 yards for a touchdown ... and Mendy getting up after the tackle to throw a block to help spring Hilton loose.
A starter since his rookie year, John was named to the All-NFL Rookie team that season. In 1973, he was on his way to All-Pro honors when he went down with a knee injury halfway through the season and underwent surgery. Last year, he had it all together and now ranks as one of the premier tackles in the NFL.
Mendenhall was an Associated Press Little All-American and NAIA choice at Grambling, won four letters and team defensive MVP honors and was a star in the Senior Bowl. He also had a big day in the College All-Star Game in 1972
John was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana and lives in Houston during the off-season."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, September 20, 2015
1975 Profile: Leon McQuay
Kick Returner-Running Back
No. 25
Tampa
"A fifth round draft choice of the Giants in 1973 while he was still playing in the Canadian Football League, McQuay enjoyed a productive rookie season with the Giants last year as a reserve running back and kick return specialist. He finished the year as the club's third leading rusher with 240 yards, but had the best average-per-carry with a 4.4 mark.
He had his best day in a starting role against Detroit when he rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries. Nicknamed 'Slick McQuick,' he returned 25 kickoffs for 689 yards and a 27.6 average, including a 72-yarder against the Patriots, and had an 11.6 punt return average.
Leon played two seasons in the CFL, rushing for 977 yards and a 7.1 average in his rookie year with Toronto to make the All-CFL team. He had 745 yards in his second year, and his two-year totals showed 58 receptions and 14 touchdowns.
McQuay rewrote the record book while at Tampa University, despite the fact he left the school in his junior year to sign with Toronto. The speedball halfback rushed
for 3,039 yards in 514 attempts for a 6.0 average while with Tampa and scored 37 touchdowns overall.
Born in Tampa, Leon was both a football and track star at Tampa High School. He still makes his home in the Tampa Bay area during the off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 25
Tampa
"A fifth round draft choice of the Giants in 1973 while he was still playing in the Canadian Football League, McQuay enjoyed a productive rookie season with the Giants last year as a reserve running back and kick return specialist. He finished the year as the club's third leading rusher with 240 yards, but had the best average-per-carry with a 4.4 mark.
He had his best day in a starting role against Detroit when he rushed for 98 yards on 16 carries. Nicknamed 'Slick McQuick,' he returned 25 kickoffs for 689 yards and a 27.6 average, including a 72-yarder against the Patriots, and had an 11.6 punt return average.
Leon played two seasons in the CFL, rushing for 977 yards and a 7.1 average in his rookie year with Toronto to make the All-CFL team. He had 745 yards in his second year, and his two-year totals showed 58 receptions and 14 touchdowns.
McQuay rewrote the record book while at Tampa University, despite the fact he left the school in his junior year to sign with Toronto. The speedball halfback rushed
for 3,039 yards in 514 attempts for a 6.0 average while with Tampa and scored 37 touchdowns overall.
Born in Tampa, Leon was both a football and track star at Tampa High School. He still makes his home in the Tampa Bay area during the off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, September 17, 2015
1975 Profile: Spider Lockhart
Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last eight years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl team twice. His 40 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last eight years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl team twice. His 40 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
1975 Profile: Doug Kotar
Running Back
No. 44
Kentucky
"Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica during training camp and became an almost instant celebrity, leading the NFC in rushing during the preseason with 391 yards and a 5.8 average, including 124 yards rushing against the Eagles and 153 against Buffalo.
He continued his fine performance in the regular season, finishing as the second leading rusher on the club with 396 yards, a 3.7 average and four touchdowns despite missing several games with rib injuries. Doug came up with the best rushing day of the season- 119 yards against Atlanta- and also had the longest run from scrimmage, a 53-yarder for a touchdown against the Falcons. Blessed with great quickness and deceptive speed, he also had 10 pass receptions and was used as a reserve kickoff and punt return man, too.
Kotar earned three varsity letters at Kentucky as a running back, although injuries slowed him down somewhat in his senior year. He finished with 1,167 yards rushing in his career, and in his first varsity game ran the opening kickoff back 90 yards for a touchdown.
Doug was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 44
Kentucky
"Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica during training camp and became an almost instant celebrity, leading the NFC in rushing during the preseason with 391 yards and a 5.8 average, including 124 yards rushing against the Eagles and 153 against Buffalo.
He continued his fine performance in the regular season, finishing as the second leading rusher on the club with 396 yards, a 3.7 average and four touchdowns despite missing several games with rib injuries. Doug came up with the best rushing day of the season- 119 yards against Atlanta- and also had the longest run from scrimmage, a 53-yarder for a touchdown against the Falcons. Blessed with great quickness and deceptive speed, he also had 10 pass receptions and was used as a reserve kickoff and punt return man, too.
Kotar earned three varsity letters at Kentucky as a running back, although injuries slowed him down somewhat in his senior year. He finished with 1,167 yards rushing in his career, and in his first varsity game ran the opening kickoff back 90 yards for a touchdown.
Doug was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
1975 Profile: Brian Kelley
Linebacker
No. 55
California Lutheran
"A 14th round draft pick by the Giants in 1973, Brian won himself a spot on the roster and appeared in all 14 games, chiefly as a key special teams player although he did log considerable playing time as an outside linebacker. He had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and was a big hitter on the kick coverage teams. Brian had a 36-yard touchdown run with an interception in a preseason win over the Steelers.
Last year, when Ron Hornsby was injured, Brian moved into the middle linebacker's spot and turned in a quality season, ending up as the leading tackler on the team. Nicknamed 'Ralph,' he continued to be a solid hitter all the way, on defense and on the special teams. He also came up with a key interception that led to a touchdown against Kansas City.
Kelley was named to the NAIA and AP Little All-American teams after his senior year at California Lutheran where he played middle linebacker and tight end. He won MVP honors in the 1971 NAIA championship game. He also won three letters in rugby, playing on the U.S. College All-Star team, and one in wrestling as district heavyweight champion.
Brian was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Fullerton, California where he sparkled at Sunny Hills High School. He once worked for the Dallas Cowboys in their training camp and more recently as an instructor at Jack LaLanne's health spas."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 55
California Lutheran
"A 14th round draft pick by the Giants in 1973, Brian won himself a spot on the roster and appeared in all 14 games, chiefly as a key special teams player although he did log considerable playing time as an outside linebacker. He had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and was a big hitter on the kick coverage teams. Brian had a 36-yard touchdown run with an interception in a preseason win over the Steelers.
Last year, when Ron Hornsby was injured, Brian moved into the middle linebacker's spot and turned in a quality season, ending up as the leading tackler on the team. Nicknamed 'Ralph,' he continued to be a solid hitter all the way, on defense and on the special teams. He also came up with a key interception that led to a touchdown against Kansas City.
Kelley was named to the NAIA and AP Little All-American teams after his senior year at California Lutheran where he played middle linebacker and tight end. He won MVP honors in the 1971 NAIA championship game. He also won three letters in rugby, playing on the U.S. College All-Star team, and one in wrestling as district heavyweight champion.
Brian was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Fullerton, California where he sparkled at Sunny Hills High School. He once worked for the Dallas Cowboys in their training camp and more recently as an instructor at Jack LaLanne's health spas."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, September 13, 2015
1975 Profile: Ron Johnson
Running Back
No. 30
Michigan
"In his five-year career with the Giants, Ron has been one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and is well on his way to rewriting the Giants record book in rushing. A No. 1 draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1969, he had 472 yards rushing there in his rookie season, then came to the Giants in the key 1970 trade for Homer Jones. Ron hit 1,027 yards his first year with the Giants to set a club one-season record and led the Giants to a 9-5 season, making All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
In 1971, thigh and knee injuries sidelined him for all but two games, but in 1972 Ron came back for another banner year, rushing for 1,182 yards and again winning All-Pro and Pro Bowl designations. In 1973, despite missing three games with injuries, he added another 902 yards rushing. Then last year he ran into more injury problems- a hamstring pull, a knee injury and a broken hand- and as a result had only 218 yards rushing during the year.
He already holds club marks for most touchdowns in one game (four); rushing yardage in one season (1,182); and rushing attempts in one season (298) and is closing in on all of the other career rushing marks as well. Ron's 14 touchdowns in '72 led the NFC, and that same year his 41 combined attempts in one game set an all-time NFL mark.
Ron was an All-American at Michigan and set several rushing records there, including 2,240 career yards to erase Tommy Harmon's previous mark. He set an NCAA one-game record with 347 yards rushing against Wisconsin and was the Big-10 MVP in 1968 and Michigan MVP in both 1967 and '68.
Ron was born in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School in the Motor City. He earned a B.S. degree in business administration with a major in finance and has worked in that field during off-seasons. His older brother Alex is an outfielder with the Yankees and a former American League batting champion."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 30
Michigan
"In his five-year career with the Giants, Ron has been one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and is well on his way to rewriting the Giants record book in rushing. A No. 1 draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1969, he had 472 yards rushing there in his rookie season, then came to the Giants in the key 1970 trade for Homer Jones. Ron hit 1,027 yards his first year with the Giants to set a club one-season record and led the Giants to a 9-5 season, making All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
In 1971, thigh and knee injuries sidelined him for all but two games, but in 1972 Ron came back for another banner year, rushing for 1,182 yards and again winning All-Pro and Pro Bowl designations. In 1973, despite missing three games with injuries, he added another 902 yards rushing. Then last year he ran into more injury problems- a hamstring pull, a knee injury and a broken hand- and as a result had only 218 yards rushing during the year.
He already holds club marks for most touchdowns in one game (four); rushing yardage in one season (1,182); and rushing attempts in one season (298) and is closing in on all of the other career rushing marks as well. Ron's 14 touchdowns in '72 led the NFC, and that same year his 41 combined attempts in one game set an all-time NFL mark.
Ron was an All-American at Michigan and set several rushing records there, including 2,240 career yards to erase Tommy Harmon's previous mark. He set an NCAA one-game record with 347 yards rushing against Wisconsin and was the Big-10 MVP in 1968 and Michigan MVP in both 1967 and '68.
Ron was born in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School in the Motor City. He earned a B.S. degree in business administration with a major in finance and has worked in that field during off-seasons. His older brother Alex is an outfielder with the Yankees and a former American League batting champion."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Friday, September 11, 2015
1975 Profile: Dave Jennings
Punter
No. 13
St. Lawrence
"Signed by the Giants as a free agent in August 1974 after he had been cut by the Houston Oilers, Jennings battled incumbent Tom Blanchard for the punting job through the preseason campaign and won himself a job as Blanchard was waived and subsequently picked up by New Orleans.
In his first appearance for the Giants, Jennings averaged 44.6 on seven punts against the Redskins, and in a 14-6 win over Dallas two weeks later punted six times for a 46.0 average on high boomers to keep the Cowboys pinned in their own territory. He finished the year with a 39.8 average on 68 attempts with two blocked, and did well on angling his kicks. Dave was named to the All-NFL Rookie team as the punter by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers.
Dave did not play high school football at Garden City High School in Garden City, New York, but got into it at St. Lawrence where he was a basketball letterman. He earned three varsity letters as a punter and had a 41.7 average in college, winning All-Conference honors.
Dave was born in New York City and now lives in Connecticut. He worked one summer at the Sheraton Park Plaza Hotel, is a diehard Boston Celtic fan and is a third cousin of Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 13
St. Lawrence
"Signed by the Giants as a free agent in August 1974 after he had been cut by the Houston Oilers, Jennings battled incumbent Tom Blanchard for the punting job through the preseason campaign and won himself a job as Blanchard was waived and subsequently picked up by New Orleans.
In his first appearance for the Giants, Jennings averaged 44.6 on seven punts against the Redskins, and in a 14-6 win over Dallas two weeks later punted six times for a 46.0 average on high boomers to keep the Cowboys pinned in their own territory. He finished the year with a 39.8 average on 68 attempts with two blocked, and did well on angling his kicks. Dave was named to the All-NFL Rookie team as the punter by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers.
Dave did not play high school football at Garden City High School in Garden City, New York, but got into it at St. Lawrence where he was a basketball letterman. He earned three varsity letters as a punter and had a 41.7 average in college, winning All-Conference honors.
Dave was born in New York City and now lives in Connecticut. He worked one summer at the Sheraton Park Plaza Hotel, is a diehard Boston Celtic fan and is a third cousin of Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
1975 Profile: Larry Jacobson
Defensive Tackle
No. 75
Nebraska
"Larry was one of the Giants' two picks in the first round of the 1972 draft after winning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy in his senior year at Nebraska. 'Jake' came to the Giants' camp after the College All-Star Game and won himself a starting spot at tackle as a rookie and turned in a superb season. He had six solo quarterback sacks, recovered a fumble and won a game ball for a particularly fine day against Denver.
In 1973, he missed most of the preseason with a foot injury and appeared in only nine games in the regular season, getting a quarterback sack. Last year, he was used mainly in a reserve role appearing in 11 games.
Jacobson was a unanimous All-American selection at Nebraska in his senior year in addition to winning the Outland Trophy. He starred in the Orange Bowl games of 1970 and 1971 and was also named to the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star units. An accounting major, he also won academic honors at Nebraska.
Larry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was an All-State selection in both football and basketball at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He lists hunting as his favorite hobby."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 75
Nebraska
"Larry was one of the Giants' two picks in the first round of the 1972 draft after winning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy in his senior year at Nebraska. 'Jake' came to the Giants' camp after the College All-Star Game and won himself a starting spot at tackle as a rookie and turned in a superb season. He had six solo quarterback sacks, recovered a fumble and won a game ball for a particularly fine day against Denver.
In 1973, he missed most of the preseason with a foot injury and appeared in only nine games in the regular season, getting a quarterback sack. Last year, he was used mainly in a reserve role appearing in 11 games.
Jacobson was a unanimous All-American selection at Nebraska in his senior year in addition to winning the Outland Trophy. He starred in the Orange Bowl games of 1970 and 1971 and was also named to the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star units. An accounting major, he also won academic honors at Nebraska.
Larry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was an All-State selection in both football and basketball at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He lists hunting as his favorite hobby."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
1975 Profile: Honor Jackson
Cornerback
No. 22
Pacific
"Jackson was a No. 9 draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, then was part of the trade that sent Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots temporarily. Jackson, however, remained with the Patriots but was inactive in 1971. He appeared in 14 games in 1972 and had four interceptions for 133 yards returned. He came to the Giants on waivers in 1973 after playing seven games with the Pats and got into two games with New York. This past year, he played in 11 games, mostly as a special team player.
Honor starred at Marin Junior College, then moved on to Pacific where he was a wide receiver, winning All-League honors. He also lettered in track as a dashman with a 9.5 in the 100 and 21.2 in the 220.
Jackson was born in New Orleans but grew up in Mill Valley, California where he starred at Tamalpais High School. He's worked as a youth counsellor in off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 22
Pacific
"Jackson was a No. 9 draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, then was part of the trade that sent Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots temporarily. Jackson, however, remained with the Patriots but was inactive in 1971. He appeared in 14 games in 1972 and had four interceptions for 133 yards returned. He came to the Giants on waivers in 1973 after playing seven games with the Pats and got into two games with New York. This past year, he played in 11 games, mostly as a special team player.
Honor starred at Marin Junior College, then moved on to Pacific where he was a wide receiver, winning All-League honors. He also lettered in track as a dashman with a 9.5 in the 100 and 21.2 in the 220.
Jackson was born in New Orleans but grew up in Mill Valley, California where he starred at Tamalpais High School. He's worked as a youth counsellor in off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
1975 Profile: Bob Hyland
Center
No. 70
Boston College
"Hyland came to the Giants along with Bennie McRae in a trade from the Chicago Bears for a No. 1 draft choice in 1971. Moved to guard, Hyland appeared in all 14 games that year and logged 411 minutes playing time- tops on the club in that category. In 1972 he moved to his natural position, center, and shared the position with Greg Larson through the 1973 season. In that latter year, he was at tight end for one play and caught a 16-yard pass against St. Louis. Last year, Bob won the starting job at center and was injured in the first game of the year, but came back nicely in the final 11 games.
Originally a No. 1 draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 1967, Bob played three years with the Packers including the 1968 Super Bowl game. He was traded to Chicago for a No. 1 choice in 1970 and was a starter there at center. Until he was injured last year, Hyland hadn't missed a game in eight seasons.
Hyland was an All-American at Boston College, playing in both the Senior Bowl and East-West games prior to being the Packers' No. 1 pick. An honor student at BC, he also won letters in baseball and in track as a shot-putter.
Bob was born in White Plains, New York and was an all-around star at Stepinac High School in that city. He operates a restaurant, The Single Wing, in White Plains."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 70
Boston College
"Hyland came to the Giants along with Bennie McRae in a trade from the Chicago Bears for a No. 1 draft choice in 1971. Moved to guard, Hyland appeared in all 14 games that year and logged 411 minutes playing time- tops on the club in that category. In 1972 he moved to his natural position, center, and shared the position with Greg Larson through the 1973 season. In that latter year, he was at tight end for one play and caught a 16-yard pass against St. Louis. Last year, Bob won the starting job at center and was injured in the first game of the year, but came back nicely in the final 11 games.
Originally a No. 1 draft choice of the Green Bay Packers in 1967, Bob played three years with the Packers including the 1968 Super Bowl game. He was traded to Chicago for a No. 1 choice in 1970 and was a starter there at center. Until he was injured last year, Hyland hadn't missed a game in eight seasons.
Hyland was an All-American at Boston College, playing in both the Senior Bowl and East-West games prior to being the Packers' No. 1 pick. An honor student at BC, he also won letters in baseball and in track as a shot-putter.
Bob was born in White Plains, New York and was an all-around star at Stepinac High School in that city. He operates a restaurant, The Single Wing, in White Plains."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
1975 Profile: Pat Hughes
Linebacker
No. 56
Boston University
"Drafted No. 9 as a center in 1970, Hughes was a reserve behind veteran Greg Larson that year, then switched to outside linebacker in 1971 where he produced several solid late-season performances. He won the starting job at weakside linebacker in 1972 and had a very fine year, getting two pass interceptions, as well as many quarterback sacks, and playing tough against the run. In 1973, he had another top season with three interceptions and added a pair of sacks and fumble recoveries.
Last year, Pat was switched to strongside linebacker and became the defensive signal caller in the new defensive system, coming up with two more interceptions to run his career total to seven. He finally found the end zone as a Giant, but his 56-yard interception for a touchdown against the Eagles came in a preseason game.
Hughes was an ironman at Boston University, going both ways for three seasons as an offensive center and a linebacker, but it was his defensive potential which caught the eyes of the scouts. Captain his senior year, he was the team's MVP on defense and won All-East honors.
Pat was born in Everett, Massachusetts and majored in education and biological science at Boston University. He belonged to the Scarlet Key Honor Society and was a Harry Agganis Memorial Scholarship winner. Pat works in Boston for a securities company and now lives in Melrose, Mass. after several years in the New Jersey area."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 56
Boston University
"Drafted No. 9 as a center in 1970, Hughes was a reserve behind veteran Greg Larson that year, then switched to outside linebacker in 1971 where he produced several solid late-season performances. He won the starting job at weakside linebacker in 1972 and had a very fine year, getting two pass interceptions, as well as many quarterback sacks, and playing tough against the run. In 1973, he had another top season with three interceptions and added a pair of sacks and fumble recoveries.
Last year, Pat was switched to strongside linebacker and became the defensive signal caller in the new defensive system, coming up with two more interceptions to run his career total to seven. He finally found the end zone as a Giant, but his 56-yard interception for a touchdown against the Eagles came in a preseason game.
Hughes was an ironman at Boston University, going both ways for three seasons as an offensive center and a linebacker, but it was his defensive potential which caught the eyes of the scouts. Captain his senior year, he was the team's MVP on defense and won All-East honors.
Pat was born in Everett, Massachusetts and majored in education and biological science at Boston University. He belonged to the Scarlet Key Honor Society and was a Harry Agganis Memorial Scholarship winner. Pat works in Boston for a securities company and now lives in Melrose, Mass. after several years in the New Jersey area."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)