Strong Safety
No. 29
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.
Last year, he moved into the starting job at strong safety and had himself a big season. Clyde was among the league leaders in tackles, covered extremely well and had three interceptions, including a big one in the win over Buffalo on Monday Night. He also continued to exhibit top work on special teams and looms as a potential All-Pro, whether it be at strong or weak safety.
A three-year letterman at Oklahoma, Powers was an All-Big Eight 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 Powers 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."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Friday, July 22, 2016
1976 Profile: Jim Pietrzak
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Eastern Michigan
"Big Jim was the No. 6 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 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. Jim tied for the team lead in enemy fumble recoveries with two.
In 1975, Big Jim was in all 14 games again and saw frequent action as a starting defensive tackle. He had several solid performances, and in his best showing, sacked the quarterback twice and blocked a point-after-touchdown attempt in the 26-23 win over the 49ers to win a game ball for his efforts. A really hard worker, he is loaded with potential.
Pietrzak (pronounced 'Peter-Zak') 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.
James Michael Pietrazk 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."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 76
Eastern Michigan
"Big Jim was the No. 6 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 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. Jim tied for the team lead in enemy fumble recoveries with two.
In 1975, Big Jim was in all 14 games again and saw frequent action as a starting defensive tackle. He had several solid performances, and in his best showing, sacked the quarterback twice and blocked a point-after-touchdown attempt in the 26-23 win over the 49ers to win a game ball for his efforts. A really hard worker, he is loaded with potential.
Pietrzak (pronounced 'Peter-Zak') 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.
James Michael Pietrazk 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."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, July 14, 2016
1976 Profile: Jim Obradovich
Tight End
No. 89
USC
"The 7th round choice last year, Obradovich earned his spurs in fine fashion during his rookie season, appearing in all 14 games, both as a member of the special teams and as the backup tight end in all short yardage situations. Nicknamed both 'O.B.' and 'Buffy,' Obradovich had one start- against the 49ers- and responded with four receptions for 52 yards. All told, Jim had seven receptions on the season for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins.
A solid blocker, he has good hands and is a tough competitor. Those qualities stood out in all of his activity with the special teams.
O.B. began his collegiate career at El Camino Junior College, winning All-American Junior College honors before entering USC where he started for two seasons. He was named All-Pac 8 and caught the winning touchdown pass in the Rose Bowl win over Ohio State. Jim also won offensive MVP honors in the Senior Bowl and was named to the East-West Bowl.
James Robert Obradovich was born in Los Angeles and was a standout athlete at El Segundo (CA) High School. He still resides in the Golden State during the off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 89
USC
"The 7th round choice last year, Obradovich earned his spurs in fine fashion during his rookie season, appearing in all 14 games, both as a member of the special teams and as the backup tight end in all short yardage situations. Nicknamed both 'O.B.' and 'Buffy,' Obradovich had one start- against the 49ers- and responded with four receptions for 52 yards. All told, Jim had seven receptions on the season for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins.
A solid blocker, he has good hands and is a tough competitor. Those qualities stood out in all of his activity with the special teams.
O.B. began his collegiate career at El Camino Junior College, winning All-American Junior College honors before entering USC where he started for two seasons. He was named All-Pac 8 and caught the winning touchdown pass in the Rose Bowl win over Ohio State. Jim also won offensive MVP honors in the Senior Bowl and was named to the East-West Bowl.
James Robert Obradovich was born in Los Angeles and was a standout athlete at El Segundo (CA) High School. He still resides in the Golden State during the off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
1976 Profile: Tom Mullen
Guard
No. 73
Southwest Missouri State
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 but not as heralded an arrival as John Hicks, Mullen nonetheless proved to be a stellar addition to the club. Like Hicks, he 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.
He continued his topflight work in 1975 at both left guard and left tackle but again was hampered by that shoulder injury and missed several games. When he was healthy, he was a bulwark. During the off-season Tom underwent successful surgery on his bothersome shoulder problem, then suffered a bicep rupture ... but should be ready in plenty of time for the opening gong.
Tom earned four letters at Southwest Missouri State as a tackle, and his honors included All-Conference twice, honorable mention All-American twice and team MVP and captain in his senior campaign.
Thomas Patrick Mullen 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."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 73
Southwest Missouri State
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1974 but not as heralded an arrival as John Hicks, Mullen nonetheless proved to be a stellar addition to the club. Like Hicks, he 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.
He continued his topflight work in 1975 at both left guard and left tackle but again was hampered by that shoulder injury and missed several games. When he was healthy, he was a bulwark. During the off-season Tom underwent successful surgery on his bothersome shoulder problem, then suffered a bicep rupture ... but should be ready in plenty of time for the opening gong.
Tom earned four letters at Southwest Missouri State as a tackle, and his honors included All-Conference twice, honorable mention All-American twice and team MVP and captain in his senior campaign.
Thomas Patrick Mullen 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."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, July 7, 2016
1976 Profile: Craig Morton
Quarterback
No. 15
California
"Now 33, he steered Dallas to the Super Bowl in 1971, but he has always been suspect as a quarterback. Can he win the big ones? Last year he ranked eighth in the NFC in passing. A bachelor, he owns a Dallas restaurant and enjoys the skiing life at Aspen."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"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.
In 1975, despite an offensive line which was hit by a series of injuries, and the lack of a really outstanding running attack, Craig led the club to five wins, and along the way had 186 completions for 2,359 yards and 11 touchdowns, the last of which was his 100th career touchdown. He had a great night in a 17-14 win over the undefeated Bills with 15-for-21 for 220 yards. A good, solid leader, he should be primed for a top year with a full season [with the Giants] behind him and the addition of some muscle in the rush attack via the signing of Larry Csonka.
He 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. Morton was also a top baseball player at Cal, turning down a baseball bonus offer to join the Cowboys.
Craig L. Morton 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. A bachelor, he spends time skiing in Aspen during the off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 15
California
"Now 33, he steered Dallas to the Super Bowl in 1971, but he has always been suspect as a quarterback. Can he win the big ones? Last year he ranked eighth in the NFC in passing. A bachelor, he owns a Dallas restaurant and enjoys the skiing life at Aspen."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"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.
In 1975, despite an offensive line which was hit by a series of injuries, and the lack of a really outstanding running attack, Craig led the club to five wins, and along the way had 186 completions for 2,359 yards and 11 touchdowns, the last of which was his 100th career touchdown. He had a great night in a 17-14 win over the undefeated Bills with 15-for-21 for 220 yards. A good, solid leader, he should be primed for a top year with a full season [with the Giants] behind him and the addition of some muscle in the rush attack via the signing of Larry Csonka.
He 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. Morton was also a top baseball player at Cal, turning down a baseball bonus offer to join the Cowboys.
Craig L. Morton 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. A bachelor, he spends time skiing in Aspen during the off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, July 3, 2016
1976 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.
Last year, Mendy was again off to a super start through a 4-2 preseason slate, sacking quarterbacks and even getting an interception against the Steelers. Then, in the season opener, he injured an ankle and was hobbled for the rest of the year despite his efforts to play on one good ankle. He finally went on the injured list for the final three games, and missed five games overall and parts of five others. Fully recovered, he should be primed for another All-Pro season.
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 year and underwent surgery.
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 Rufus Mendenhall was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana. He lives in Houston during the off-season."
-1976 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.
Last year, Mendy was again off to a super start through a 4-2 preseason slate, sacking quarterbacks and even getting an interception against the Steelers. Then, in the season opener, he injured an ankle and was hobbled for the rest of the year despite his efforts to play on one good ankle. He finally went on the injured list for the final three games, and missed five games overall and parts of five others. Fully recovered, he should be primed for another All-Pro season.
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 year and underwent surgery.
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 Rufus Mendenhall was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana. He lives in Houston during the off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
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