Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
"When Aaron Thomas came to the Giants in a trade with the 49ers in 1962, he gave them insurance in the pass-catching department. Then injuries over the next couple of seasons to tight end Joe Walton, split end Del Shofner and flanker Frank Gifford resulted in the Giants redeeming the premium. Aaron's had to replace them all at one time or another, and that may be why he hasn't found a regular spot until now.
Chances are the Giants will try him at tight end this year to take advantage of his blocking ability. He was their leading pass receiver last year, with 43 catches for 624 yards and six touchdowns."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
1965 Profiles: Jim Patton and Andy Nelson
JIM PATTON
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
Jimmy's combination of speed, fearlessness and sure tackling can be intimidating to larger opponents.
As a rookie he returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown, then returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the same game. In the 1956 championship game, he returned an interception 28 yards to set up a score for the victorious Giants. In 1958, Jimmy led the NFL with 11 interceptions and from 1958-62 was both All-Pro and a member of the Pro Bowl squad.
Jimmy has played every game in the last nine seasons except one missed in 1959 due to an injury. With the trade of Sam Huff and the retirement of Andy Robustelli, he is one of only three, Roosevelt Brown and Jim Katcavage being the others, remaining from the Maramen's last world championship.
ANDY NELSON
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
Although Andy's 199 yards on eight interceptions led the NFL in 1958, and he was All-Pro in 1959, it was in pressure situations during Baltimore's two championship seasons that Andy rose to the occasion. In a contest with the Packers in Milwaukee in '58 with the score tied 17-17 in the fourth quarter, his interception returned for a touchdown (and the PAT) was the margin of victory for Baltimore. In a '59 battle with the Lions at Briggs Stadium, Detroit leading 24-14 in the fourth quarter, Andy's 33-yard interception and six points scored (and the PAT) trimmed the deficit to 24-21 in an eventual 31-24 Colt triumph.
More recently, in the sixth game of the 1963 season in Detroit, the Lions leading 21-19 in the fourth quarter, Andy's clutch grab, 26-yard romp to the end zone and 25-21 Colt win put Baltimore's record at 3-3, just two games behind West leading Bears and Packers, with Baltimore facing those teams in the following two weeks.
Safety
No. 20
Mississippi
Jimmy's combination of speed, fearlessness and sure tackling can be intimidating to larger opponents.
As a rookie he returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown, then returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the same game. In the 1956 championship game, he returned an interception 28 yards to set up a score for the victorious Giants. In 1958, Jimmy led the NFL with 11 interceptions and from 1958-62 was both All-Pro and a member of the Pro Bowl squad.
Jimmy has played every game in the last nine seasons except one missed in 1959 due to an injury. With the trade of Sam Huff and the retirement of Andy Robustelli, he is one of only three, Roosevelt Brown and Jim Katcavage being the others, remaining from the Maramen's last world championship.
ANDY NELSON
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
Although Andy's 199 yards on eight interceptions led the NFL in 1958, and he was All-Pro in 1959, it was in pressure situations during Baltimore's two championship seasons that Andy rose to the occasion. In a contest with the Packers in Milwaukee in '58 with the score tied 17-17 in the fourth quarter, his interception returned for a touchdown (and the PAT) was the margin of victory for Baltimore. In a '59 battle with the Lions at Briggs Stadium, Detroit leading 24-14 in the fourth quarter, Andy's 33-yard interception and six points scored (and the PAT) trimmed the deficit to 24-21 in an eventual 31-24 Colt triumph.
More recently, in the sixth game of the 1963 season in Detroit, the Lions leading 21-19 in the fourth quarter, Andy's clutch grab, 26-yard romp to the end zone and 25-21 Colt win put Baltimore's record at 3-3, just two games behind West leading Bears and Packers, with Baltimore facing those teams in the following two weeks.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
1965 Profile: Del Shofner
Split End
No. 85
Baylor
"The return to brilliance of split end Del Shofner hinges not only on his healing ulcers but on the condition of the injured finger which kept him out for most of last season. His loss was a sorry setback for the Giants.
In his three previous seasons with them, Del amassed more than 1,000 yards a year on passes and scored a total of 32 touchdowns. He has been All-Pro five times in his nine seasons in the NFL. He broke in as a defensive back with the L.A. Rams in 1957, switched to end the following season and became a sensation. The Giants landed him in '61."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
No. 85
Baylor
"The return to brilliance of split end Del Shofner hinges not only on his healing ulcers but on the condition of the injured finger which kept him out for most of last season. His loss was a sorry setback for the Giants.
In his three previous seasons with them, Del amassed more than 1,000 yards a year on passes and scored a total of 32 touchdowns. He has been All-Pro five times in his nine seasons in the NFL. He broke in as a defensive back with the L.A. Rams in 1957, switched to end the following season and became a sensation. The Giants landed him in '61."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
1965 Profile: Dick James
DICK JAMES
Kick Returner-Halfback
No. 47
Oregon
Although primarily Coach Sherman's ace kick returner and punt returner, Dick can more than ably fill in for the Giants' young halfbacks.
Perhaps Dick's most memorable afternoon came in Washington's final game of the 1961 season, with the club mired in a 0-11-1 season, at home in DC Stadium. Dick rushed for three touchdowns, including a 39-run to the end zone, and scored a fourth on a touchdown reception for a 34-24 Redskin victory and a happy ending to a dismal season.
Kick Returner-Halfback
No. 47
Oregon
Although primarily Coach Sherman's ace kick returner and punt returner, Dick can more than ably fill in for the Giants' young halfbacks.
Perhaps Dick's most memorable afternoon came in Washington's final game of the 1961 season, with the club mired in a 0-11-1 season, at home in DC Stadium. Dick rushed for three touchdowns, including a 39-run to the end zone, and scored a fourth on a touchdown reception for a 34-24 Redskin victory and a happy ending to a dismal season.
Monday, August 11, 2014
1965 Profiles: Ernie Wheelwright and Tucker Frederickson
ERNIE WHEELWRIGHT
Fullback
No. 30
Southern Illinois
"Unlikely as it might have seemed at the start of the season, Ernie Wheelwright became the Giants' leading ground-gainer last year. A rookie with only one year of college ball behind him, and several seasons of play while in the U.S. Army Paratroops, 'The Wheel' gained 402 yards on 100 carries.
He's big and durable at 6-3 and 235 pounds, and deceptively fast. Allie Sherman thinks his initial season provided him with excellent pro experience and believes he can develop into a top-flight fullback."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
1st Round
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson, the 6-3, 220-pound All-American from Auburn, may have been the best back in the country last year. He's a swift, strong runner, a good pass receiver and a solid blocker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Fullback
No. 30
Southern Illinois
"Unlikely as it might have seemed at the start of the season, Ernie Wheelwright became the Giants' leading ground-gainer last year. A rookie with only one year of college ball behind him, and several seasons of play while in the U.S. Army Paratroops, 'The Wheel' gained 402 yards on 100 carries.
He's big and durable at 6-3 and 235 pounds, and deceptively fast. Allie Sherman thinks his initial season provided him with excellent pro experience and believes he can develop into a top-flight fullback."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
1st Round
Auburn
"Tucker Frederickson, the 6-3, 220-pound All-American from Auburn, may have been the best back in the country last year. He's a swift, strong runner, a good pass receiver and a solid blocker."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
Saturday, August 9, 2014
1965 Profiles: Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes
DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Probably at his peak as an NFL cornerback, Dick Lynch seriously jammed an ankle early last season, which hobbled him the rest of the way. Without him back there, it was as if the Giant defensive unit was playing with only ten men.
Dick led the league in interceptions in 1961 and '63, with nine each time, and he ran three of his 1963 thefts back for touchdowns, which set a league record.
Now in his eighth season, he has earned his All-NFL rating by his intensive study of opposing receivers and his rapier-like tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Dick was injured in 1964. He still intercepted four passes, returning one 37 yards.
His life record is 33 interceptions for 554 yards."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 119
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"Great anticipation, trigger-quick reflexes and blinding speed are the traits that have stamped Erich Barnes as one of the league's most gifted cornerbacks. He has intercepted 18 passes in his four seasons with the Giants, and one of these was the 102-yard touchdown caper he pulled against the Dallas Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl in 1961; the run tied an NFL record.
Erich originally was a No. 4 draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1958 and he came to the Giants in '61, as part of a three-way trade that sent Lindon Crow to Los Angeles and Billy Wade to Chicago."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Erich Barnes plays the corner for the Giants like a stalking cougar. Quick as a cougar, he likes to gamble on the big interception; he is also one of the league's most jarring tacklers."
-Pro Football Almanac 1965, edited by Al Silverman
"Erich Barnes scarcely qualifies as the pass receiver's best friend. As a corner back with the Giants, he has smothered some of the finest talent in the league. 'The trouble with him,' one aggressive opponent complained, 'is that every time a quarterback throws a ball, Barnes thinks HE'S the receiver.'
This attitude, plus certain physical attributes, have made Erich a frequent Pro Bowl performer. With the stricken Giants last year, he shouldered an awesome load. Early in the season, the New Yorkers lost their other cornerback, Dick Lynch, due to an injured ankle, and Barnes spent the rest of the season doing his own job and helping out wherever else he could hustle to.
The Giants got Barnes after the 1960 campaign in a three-way deal that typified their shrewdness. Erich, a former Purdue star, went from the Bears to Los Angeles for quarterback Billy Wade. The Rams, in turn, traded Erich to New York for Lindon Crow. The swap also cost the Giants their first draft choice for the following season, but it was well worth it. Barnes has proven to be a slashing defensive operator, who handles the best of opposing receivers with skill and assurance."
Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
"Probably at his peak as an NFL cornerback, Dick Lynch seriously jammed an ankle early last season, which hobbled him the rest of the way. Without him back there, it was as if the Giant defensive unit was playing with only ten men.
Dick led the league in interceptions in 1961 and '63, with nine each time, and he ran three of his 1963 thefts back for touchdowns, which set a league record.
Now in his eighth season, he has earned his All-NFL rating by his intensive study of opposing receivers and his rapier-like tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Dick was injured in 1964. He still intercepted four passes, returning one 37 yards.
His life record is 33 interceptions for 554 yards."
-1965 Philadelphia No. 119
ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"Great anticipation, trigger-quick reflexes and blinding speed are the traits that have stamped Erich Barnes as one of the league's most gifted cornerbacks. He has intercepted 18 passes in his four seasons with the Giants, and one of these was the 102-yard touchdown caper he pulled against the Dallas Cowboys in the Cotton Bowl in 1961; the run tied an NFL record.
Erich originally was a No. 4 draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1958 and he came to the Giants in '61, as part of a three-way trade that sent Lindon Crow to Los Angeles and Billy Wade to Chicago."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"Erich Barnes plays the corner for the Giants like a stalking cougar. Quick as a cougar, he likes to gamble on the big interception; he is also one of the league's most jarring tacklers."
-Pro Football Almanac 1965, edited by Al Silverman
"Erich Barnes scarcely qualifies as the pass receiver's best friend. As a corner back with the Giants, he has smothered some of the finest talent in the league. 'The trouble with him,' one aggressive opponent complained, 'is that every time a quarterback throws a ball, Barnes thinks HE'S the receiver.'
This attitude, plus certain physical attributes, have made Erich a frequent Pro Bowl performer. With the stricken Giants last year, he shouldered an awesome load. Early in the season, the New Yorkers lost their other cornerback, Dick Lynch, due to an injured ankle, and Barnes spent the rest of the season doing his own job and helping out wherever else he could hustle to.
The Giants got Barnes after the 1960 campaign in a three-way deal that typified their shrewdness. Erich, a former Purdue star, went from the Bears to Los Angeles for quarterback Billy Wade. The Rams, in turn, traded Erich to New York for Lindon Crow. The swap also cost the Giants their first draft choice for the following season, but it was well worth it. Barnes has proven to be a slashing defensive operator, who handles the best of opposing receivers with skill and assurance."
Sports All-Stars/1965 Pro Football
Friday, August 8, 2014
1965 Giants Defensive Line Profiles
JOHN LOVETERE
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Compton CC
John is considered one of the strongest men in the game and is unusually fast and agile for a man of his size. After being named Ram Rookie of the Year in 1959, he blocked five kicks in 1960, an NFL record, one a punt he returned for a touchdown. Acquired by the Giants for Rosey Grier between the 1962 and '63 seasons, John played every game in 1963 and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
He played several years of service of football at Fort Campbell, Kentucky before being signed by Los Angeles as a free agent.
BOB TAYLOR
Defensive Tackle
No. 68
Maryland State
Bob showed great promise backing up Andy Robustelli at defensive end in 1963 and Andy Stynchula at defensive tackle in 1964, while also showing outstanding speed and tackling ability on the kickoff and kickoff return teams. With Andy Stynchula replacing Robustelli at end, Bob is now ready to fortify the new Giant defensive line as a tackle.
Primarily a tackle as a collegian, Bob was not only captain of the football team for two years but also captain of the golf team.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"The front four won't be lacking for fire, not as long as Jim Katcavage is still charging in from his defensive left end position. There are few in the league who blow in with greater determination - or success. He gives you great second effort, and he doesn't miss many tackles.
In spite of playing alongside more glamorous teammates, Jim made All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63. He was the Giants' fourth draft choice in 1956, after playing college ball at Dayton."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
ANDY STYNCHULA
Defensive End
No. 72
Penn State
Andy played all 14 games for Washington in 1963 and, after coming to the Giants in the Sam Huff deal, played 14 games in 1964. His four fumbles recovered were fifth in the League and his 26 yards returned from fumbles were 10th. After replacing the traded Dick Modzelewski at tackle last year, Andy replaces the retired Andy Robustelli at end in 1965.
Penn State coaches considered Stynchula one of the top defensive linemen in the school's history. He played in the Senior Bowl, Liberty Bowl and College All-Star Game.
Defensive Tackle
No. 76
Compton CC
John is considered one of the strongest men in the game and is unusually fast and agile for a man of his size. After being named Ram Rookie of the Year in 1959, he blocked five kicks in 1960, an NFL record, one a punt he returned for a touchdown. Acquired by the Giants for Rosey Grier between the 1962 and '63 seasons, John played every game in 1963 and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
He played several years of service of football at Fort Campbell, Kentucky before being signed by Los Angeles as a free agent.
BOB TAYLOR
Defensive Tackle
No. 68
Maryland State
Bob showed great promise backing up Andy Robustelli at defensive end in 1963 and Andy Stynchula at defensive tackle in 1964, while also showing outstanding speed and tackling ability on the kickoff and kickoff return teams. With Andy Stynchula replacing Robustelli at end, Bob is now ready to fortify the new Giant defensive line as a tackle.
Primarily a tackle as a collegian, Bob was not only captain of the football team for two years but also captain of the golf team.
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"The front four won't be lacking for fire, not as long as Jim Katcavage is still charging in from his defensive left end position. There are few in the league who blow in with greater determination - or success. He gives you great second effort, and he doesn't miss many tackles.
In spite of playing alongside more glamorous teammates, Jim made All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63. He was the Giants' fourth draft choice in 1956, after playing college ball at Dayton."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
ANDY STYNCHULA
Defensive End
No. 72
Penn State
Andy played all 14 games for Washington in 1963 and, after coming to the Giants in the Sam Huff deal, played 14 games in 1964. His four fumbles recovered were fifth in the League and his 26 yards returned from fumbles were 10th. After replacing the traded Dick Modzelewski at tackle last year, Andy replaces the retired Andy Robustelli at end in 1965.
Penn State coaches considered Stynchula one of the top defensive linemen in the school's history. He played in the Senior Bowl, Liberty Bowl and College All-Star Game.
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