1978 Profile: Bobby Hammond

Running Back-Kick Returner

No. 33

Morgan State

"Before last season, Hammond failed two previous tryouts, with the Giants and then New Orleans, and was selling shirts at a My Man Clothing Store in his hometown Queens. That was before last season when he was the Giants' most exciting and most productive runner (577 yards) and was second in the NFC in punt returns (10.4 average). Hammond was dependable enough that Doug Kotar, who had led the team in rushing in 1976, had to either sit or play fullback to make room.

Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, he played at Morgan State. He's found returning kicks to be 'like a gunfight: When you draw, you don't have time to look, only to react.' "

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

"The Giants' leading rusher in 1977, Bobby has also proven to be a valuable kickoff return artist for the club. He originally signed with the Giants in 1975 and was very impressive as a return man in pre-season games.

Bobby was an all-purpose back at Morgan State winning three letters. He was an all-city standout in high school."

-1978 Topps No. 352

1978 Profile: Brad Van Pelt

Linebacker

No. 10

Michigan State

"All-Pro linebacker Brad Van Pelt of the New York Giants played out his option after the 1976 season and nearly signed with the Lions. But Van Pelt, who is from the Detroit area, is happy he stayed with the Giants.

'I decided to stay with the Giants because I enjoy the staff and the players. I know them. It's away from home, and there's an advantage to being closer to home, but I want to be here when the Giants finally turn things around. I think I've paid my dues here.' The Giants, 5-9 in 1977, have one of the better defenses in the NFC and may be just a year or two from being a playoff contender."

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

"All-Pro the past two seasons. Van Pelt is stuck with several cliched characteristics: Blond hair, the accepted 'perfect athletic build,' All-American college player. But life has been bumpy at times, and the death of his father magnified his insecurity. For several years he felt more comfortable around the team's ball boys rather than with teammates.

Born in Owosso, Michigan, he was a football and baseball hero at Michigan State and even had some serious baseball offers as a pitcher. Brad has never been entirely comfortable with the Big City; he still lives in Michigan."

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

"Another fine season was 1977 for Brad as he was named to the All-NFC squad. A two-time participant in the Pro Bowl, he won All-NFC first-team honors from both the AP and New York Daily News in 1976.

Brad won the Maxwell Trophy at Michigan State in 1972. He had major league offers as a pitcher after setting a Spartan strikeout record."

-1978 Topps No. 270

-Named to All-NFC squad, capping an outstanding 1977 campaign for the Giants.

-Was winner of the Maxwell Trophy, highlighting a brilliant collegiate career.

-Received major league baseball offers after setting Michigan State strikeout record.

-1978 Topps Holsum No. 22