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 comments:
Post a Comment