1977 Profile: Troy Archer

Defensive Tackle
No. 77
Colorado
"The future. Last year's No. 1 draft pick.
Archer became a starter at tackle, although he had been a defensive end at Colorado. He didn't make one All-American team in college (unless you count the pro scouts' team) and was virtually unheard of when the Giants selected him. The oft-cynical New York press had thought the Giants had gone mad, drafting Robin Hood. They still hadn't gotten over Rocky Thompson. But Archer was no mistake, as he learned quickly and improved greatly during his rookie season.
Born in Whittier, California, he likes handball, which explains how he knocks offensive linemen around with either hand."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"The Giants No. 1 draft choice in 1976, Archer enjoyed a powerful rookie season, stepping in as a starter at right tackle midway through the campaign and providing outstanding play. In just half a season as a starter, he had 70 tackles (37 solos, 33 assists), added three quarterback sacks and added and had a pair of fumble recoveries.
At season's end, Troy was named to the Pro Football Writers' All-NFL Rookie second team and was additionally voted the Giants Outstanding Rookie by the New York chapter of the PFWA. Strong, quick, determined and a competitor, he's future All-Pro caliber.
Archer began his collegiate career at Rio Hondo Junior College in California, then moved on to Colorado where he was named MVP on defense in both 1974 and 1975 as well as All-Big 8 for both seasons. He also starred in the Bluebonnet Bowl against Texas and in the Senior Bowl.
He was named Big 8 Player of the Week after making 31 tackles against Missouri. In two seasons, Archer had 154 unassisted tackles, and in his senior season came up with 12 quarterback sacks.
James Troy Archer was born on January 16, 1955 in Glendale, California and played his high school football at California High School in Whittier, CA. He's married to the former Susan Liles, lists chess, skiing and horticulture as his main interests and spent the off-season in Boulder where he completed credits for a degree in recreation."

-1977 New York Giants Media Guide