1978 Profile: Harry Carson

Middle Linebacker

No. 53

South Carolina State

"Harry Carson has been called the best young middle linebacker by many football experts. Carson says he enjoys playing against one team more than others. 'It gets me up a little more each time we play Philly because all week I read about (Bill) Bergey this and Bergey that. I like to see how I do on the same field with him. He's more knowledgeable and experienced than I am, but I don't think I'm far behind.'

In a 17-14 loss to the Eagles, Carson was credited with an NFL season high of 17 unassisted tackles. Says Bergey: 'He could well be the best. He's awesome.' "

-from Did You Hear That ..., Football Digest (July/August 1978)

"In the pick-up games as a kid in South Carolina, he says he was one of the last ones picked, but he grew suddenly at age 13 and by the time he was in college, his size and apparent frown 'scared people' he said. Carson was a defensive end at South Carolina State, where he was twice the most valuable player in his conference. Teams started running to the opposite side of the line so much that Carson was finally moved to middle guard.

Born in Florence, South Carolina, where he still visits but, well, 'I like New York. New York is a young man's town.' In college, he studied 'women and physical education.' "

-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)

"A defensive lineman for four seasons at South Carolina State, Harry has proven to be a premier draft selection by the Giants. Moved to middle linebacker by the club, he learned the position swiftly and took over as the starter midway through his rookie campaign of 1976.

Harry was credited with 119 tackles as a rookie with two quarterback sacks, and helped save a 12-9 upset of the Redskins with a key fumble recovery after a devastating hit. He's a future All-Pro.

Harry lists music as his favorite hobby."

-1978 Topps No. 393

1978 Profile: Troy Archer

Defensive Tackle

No. 77

Colorado

"The Giants' coaches predict he'll be All-Pro within two years. 'Nobody can block him now,' says assistant Joe Galat.

Drafted No. 1 in 1976, Archer was one of 11 seniors taken in the first 10 rounds of that draft from the University of Colorado. With a humble college career, he was the least publicized player on his team, but once made 31 tackles in one game against Missouri.

Born in Whittier, California, he played fullback for one year in high school, but says he and his coach 'mutually agreed, to make him a defensive lineman. Troy never says much. He never has to, really."

-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)

"A strong, quick and determined player, Troy is an outstanding competitor, considered to be of future All-Pro calibre. He excels at getting to the ball carrier.

The Giants' first draft selection for 1976, he enjoyed a powerful rookie season for the club. Troy stepped in as a starter midway through the campaign and provided superb play. At season's end, he was named to the Pro Football Writers' Second Team All-Rookie squad and was Giants' rookie of the year.

Troy lists chess as one of his many interests."

-1978 Topps No. 492

1978 Profile: Larry Csonka

Running Back

No. 39

Syracuse

"Sensitive, sometimes overly so, to the thought of retirement. 1977 might have been a total loss had he not gained 100 yards for the only time in the season finale (and even then it took an overtime period to do it). Madison Avenue was even losing interest in him until that game, but now he's back on the tube with a word from various sponsors.

Born in Stow, Ohio, Csonka played at Syracuse in the midst of that school's methodical production of top backs.

Do you that this man once elbowed a bear during a camping trip? But the Giants fear he isn't that imposing anymore."

-John Jeansonne, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1978 Edition)

"The all-time leading rusher among active NFC runners, Larry starred for the Dolphins in three Super Bowl games. He does television commercials for a shaving company."

-1978 Topps No. 25

R.I.P. Dan Reeves