Linebacker
No. 10
Michigan State
"A safety at Michigan State where he was an All-America in 1972, he was a No. 2 choice of the Giants in the 1972 draft. The Giants had to lure him away from a big-league baseball career.
At 26, he seems to have finally become the defensive terror that had long been predicted for him, winning Pro Bowl and All-NFC honors."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"The picture athlete, a throwback to the old-time, three-sport college hero. Van Pelt played football, basketball and baseball at Michigan State and turned down a big bonus offer to pitch for baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.
Van Pelt is an outside linebacker good enough to make the Pro Bowl and be voted All-NFC last year. He's versatile enough to play several positions. He could be All-Pro in 1977, and for years afterward.
Born in Owosso, Michigan, he raises St. Bernard puppies and plays cribbage. He seems domestic until you meet him in the open field."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1973, Van Pelt had his finest season ever in 1976, winning All-NFC first team honors from both the Associated Press and the New York Daily News, being selected to the Pro Bowl where he was a starter for the NFC, and winning team MVP honors in the NEA team poll. He had 148 tackles during the season (95 solo, 53 assists), intercepted two passes, had four quarterback sacks, blocked a punt and two field goals, and had a fumble recovery. Playing all 14 games, his best game came in the 24-10 win over Detroit when he had 10 solo tackles, two quarterback sacks and two interceptions and was named NFL Player of the Week.
As a rookie in 1973, Brad was plagued by nagging injuries and several position shifts and played only five games, and in 1974 played weakside linebacker and had a pair of interceptions. He was moved to the strong side in 1975 and had a solid season with three interceptions and a couple of blocked field goals, and in 1976 reached his full potential with that outstanding season.
Brad was a unanimous All-American at Michigan State where he played safety or 'monster back' and also won the Maxwell Trophy his senior year. He was MVP his senior year, played in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl and had 14 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Brad also lettered in basketball and baseball and received major league offers as a pitcher after setting an all-time Michigan State strikeout record.
Brad Alan Van Pelt was born in Owosso, Michigan and played all sports at Owosso High School. He still lives in Owosso."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
