Linebacker
No. 10
Michigan State
"He pulled down three interceptions last season, high for a linebacker. An All-American at Michigan, he won the Maxwell Trophy. The St. Louis Cardinals wanted to sign him as pitcher, but he turned to pro football, where his career has been nagged by injuries."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1976
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1973 after an All-American career at Michigan State, Brad was plagued by nagging injuries all through his rookie year and consequently appeared in only five games. Initially, he reported to training camp with a foot injury, and after overcoming that problem suffered a series of deep groin pulls which inhibited his progress.
In 1974, Brad was strictly a linebacker after those earlier trials at defensive back, linebacker and tight end and won a starting job at the weak side. He did a fine job, coming up with two interceptions for 22 yards, and also recovered two fumbles. He missed several games with injuries, but his progress was solid.
Then last year, working at the strong side, Brad hit his peak. Playing all 14 games, he rated solidly not only against the run but in his range on pass coverage. He upped his interceptions total to three, recovered a fumble and blocked two field goal attempts. Brad's potential is unlimited. He can also kick off and is a solid special teams player, too.
A unanimous All-American in college where he was a monster man defensive back, Brad also won the Maxwell Trophy his senior year. He had 14 career interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, kicked off, and had 84 tackles his senior year. He also lettered in basketball and in baseball and had a big bonus offer in baseball from the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher.
Brad Alan Van Pelt was born in Owosso, Michigan and played all sports at Owosso High School before heading to Michigan State. He raises St. Bernard puppies and is a fine cribbage player. He still lives in his hometown during the off-seasons."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
1976 Profile: Doug Van Horn
Offensive Tackle
No. 63
Ohio State
"Van Horn was the No. 4 draft choice of the Detroit Lions in 1966, went into the Army the following year and rejoined the Lions in 1968, only to be released in training camp. Doug came to the Giants as a free agent and played that season in the Atlantic Coast League. He returned the following year to win a starting job at guard and has been a first-stringer ever since.
Nicknamed 'Reggie,' he had a stellar season in 1972 when the Giants led the NFL in total offense and allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the league as well. After five years as the starting right guard, Van Horn moved to right tackle in 1974 and had another solid campaign.
He continued as the starting right tackle in 1975, again going all 14 games, and continued to be a leader on the field. Doug was particularly effective in the big win over Buffalo, not only in his pass blocking and on the run, but by the way he fired up the club in the final winning drive. He also serves as offensive co-captain of the club and is the team's player representative.
Van Horn was one of Woody Hayes' top players in the 1960s, earning three letters with the Buckeyes as an offensive lineman and winning All-Big 10 honors twice as well as being named to the AP, UPI and Coaches' All-American teams in 1965.
Douglas Van Horn was born in Sedalia, Ohio and majored in marketing at Ohio State. He works as a stockbroker in the off-season with Stone-Webster in Columbus."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 63
Ohio State
"Van Horn was the No. 4 draft choice of the Detroit Lions in 1966, went into the Army the following year and rejoined the Lions in 1968, only to be released in training camp. Doug came to the Giants as a free agent and played that season in the Atlantic Coast League. He returned the following year to win a starting job at guard and has been a first-stringer ever since.
Nicknamed 'Reggie,' he had a stellar season in 1972 when the Giants led the NFL in total offense and allowed the fewest quarterback sacks in the league as well. After five years as the starting right guard, Van Horn moved to right tackle in 1974 and had another solid campaign.
He continued as the starting right tackle in 1975, again going all 14 games, and continued to be a leader on the field. Doug was particularly effective in the big win over Buffalo, not only in his pass blocking and on the run, but by the way he fired up the club in the final winning drive. He also serves as offensive co-captain of the club and is the team's player representative.
Van Horn was one of Woody Hayes' top players in the 1960s, earning three letters with the Buckeyes as an offensive lineman and winning All-Big 10 honors twice as well as being named to the AP, UPI and Coaches' All-American teams in 1965.
Douglas Van Horn was born in Sedalia, Ohio and majored in marketing at Ohio State. He works as a stockbroker in the off-season with Stone-Webster in Columbus."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, October 2, 2016
1976 Profile: Bob Tucker
Tight End
No. 38
Bloomsburg State
"The Giants signed Tucker as a free agent in 1970 and he immediately beat out Aaron Thomas as the starting tight end. Bob caught 40 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns that year and came very close to winning the NFL's Rookie of the Year award. In 1971, he became the first tight end in NFL history to take a receiving title when he caught 59 for 791 [yards] and four touchdowns. Additionally, he was the first Giant end to earn an individual [receiving] title since 1935, when Tod Goodwin led the league.
Tucker came back with another great season in 1972, winning All-NFL honors for the first time, grabbing 55 passes for 764 yards. In 1973, he again led the club with 50 catches to move past the 200 mark and added five more touchdowns, and in 1974 finished second on the club with 41 grabs.
He was again second in that department in 1975, grabbing 34 for 484 yards despite missing one game with an injury. Bob's big day was against the Saints when he had seven for 80 yards before being kayoed in the fourth period. His long gainer of the year was a dazzling 47-yard touchdown run with a screen pass against San Diego.
He also holds the club record of catching passes in 45 straight games. Big, strong and a great runner, Bob had trials with the Eagles and Patriots and spent two seasons in the minor leagues with Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA.
Bob set three NAIA records with Bloomsburg State in 1967- most receptions, highest single game yardage and most yardage in a season. As a two-way end he was named to the Little All-America team in 1967 but, strangely, no pro club took him in the draft.
Robert Tucker was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania and is of Tyrolean-Polish descent. His father is a construction foreman in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bob was a top student in college and earned a degree in biology. He represents Walsh & Walsh Insurance Co. in between football seasons."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 38
Bloomsburg State
"The Giants signed Tucker as a free agent in 1970 and he immediately beat out Aaron Thomas as the starting tight end. Bob caught 40 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns that year and came very close to winning the NFL's Rookie of the Year award. In 1971, he became the first tight end in NFL history to take a receiving title when he caught 59 for 791 [yards] and four touchdowns. Additionally, he was the first Giant end to earn an individual [receiving] title since 1935, when Tod Goodwin led the league.
Tucker came back with another great season in 1972, winning All-NFL honors for the first time, grabbing 55 passes for 764 yards. In 1973, he again led the club with 50 catches to move past the 200 mark and added five more touchdowns, and in 1974 finished second on the club with 41 grabs.
He was again second in that department in 1975, grabbing 34 for 484 yards despite missing one game with an injury. Bob's big day was against the Saints when he had seven for 80 yards before being kayoed in the fourth period. His long gainer of the year was a dazzling 47-yard touchdown run with a screen pass against San Diego.
He also holds the club record of catching passes in 45 straight games. Big, strong and a great runner, Bob had trials with the Eagles and Patriots and spent two seasons in the minor leagues with Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA.
Bob set three NAIA records with Bloomsburg State in 1967- most receptions, highest single game yardage and most yardage in a season. As a two-way end he was named to the Little All-America team in 1967 but, strangely, no pro club took him in the draft.
Robert Tucker was born in Hazelton, Pennsylvania and is of Tyrolean-Polish descent. His father is a construction foreman in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Bob was a top student in college and earned a degree in biology. He represents Walsh & Walsh Insurance Co. in between football seasons."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, September 26, 2016
1976 Profile: Carl Summerell
Quarterback
No.19
East Carolina
"A No. 4 draft choice of the Giants in 1974, Carl got in valuable time during the preseason games where he displayed good poise and a strong arm. He appeared in seven regular season games, mostly on special teams, but had one long workout at quarterback against the Redskins and was 6-for-12 for 59 yards in a second half appearance; he also rushed for eight yards in that game. Last year, Carl saw action at quarterback three times in relief of Craig Morton against the Redskins, Packers and Saints and was 7-for-16 passing for 98 yards, including a 41-yarder against the Packers.
Summerell led East Carolina to two straight Southern Conference titles and set a college total offense mark with 1,700 yards in his junior year, 425 rushing and 1,275 passing. He had 82 completions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season and rushed 80 times for 351 yards and seven more touchdowns.
Carl Leigh Summerell was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and as a youngster was a top Little League player. He starred in football and baseball at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach. He's an avid golfer."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No.19
East Carolina
"A No. 4 draft choice of the Giants in 1974, Carl got in valuable time during the preseason games where he displayed good poise and a strong arm. He appeared in seven regular season games, mostly on special teams, but had one long workout at quarterback against the Redskins and was 6-for-12 for 59 yards in a second half appearance; he also rushed for eight yards in that game. Last year, Carl saw action at quarterback three times in relief of Craig Morton against the Redskins, Packers and Saints and was 7-for-16 passing for 98 yards, including a 41-yarder against the Packers.
Summerell led East Carolina to two straight Southern Conference titles and set a college total offense mark with 1,700 yards in his junior year, 425 rushing and 1,275 passing. He had 82 completions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior season and rushed 80 times for 351 yards and seven more touchdowns.
Carl Leigh Summerell was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and as a youngster was a top Little League player. He starred in football and baseball at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach. He's an avid golfer."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, September 19, 2016
1976 Profile: Henry Stuckey
Cornerback
No. 48
Missouri
"Stuckey came to the Giants from the Miami Dolphins for a fifth round draft choice in 1974. He moved right into a starting spot at the corner in the preseason and did a topnotch job, getting a 28-yard interception against the Jets and playing the corner with finesse. He kept that pace up through the early part of the regular season until he went down with a knee injury in the fourth game of the year, was operated on and sat out the remainder of the schedule. He's worked out through the off-season and should be ready to reclaim his job.
Originally a No. 8 draft choice of the Detroit Lions, Stuckey went to Miami as a free agent in 1972 and made his first pro appearance in that year's Super Bowl when he was activated after an injury to Tim Foley. He played in two Super Bowls with the Dolphins as a special team man, and during his two seasons as a reserve defensive back, had two interceptions for 31 yards returned.
Henry began his collegiate career at Merritt Junior College in California, then moved on to Missouri where he had eight interceptions in two varsity campaigns there. He was an All-American J.C. pick in 1969.
Henry Stuckey was born in Oakland, California and grew up in the Bay area where he was All-State at Oakland Prep. He now lives in Miami during the off-season. He worked on the Giants' Speakers Bureau this past off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 48
Missouri
"Stuckey came to the Giants from the Miami Dolphins for a fifth round draft choice in 1974. He moved right into a starting spot at the corner in the preseason and did a topnotch job, getting a 28-yard interception against the Jets and playing the corner with finesse. He kept that pace up through the early part of the regular season until he went down with a knee injury in the fourth game of the year, was operated on and sat out the remainder of the schedule. He's worked out through the off-season and should be ready to reclaim his job.
Originally a No. 8 draft choice of the Detroit Lions, Stuckey went to Miami as a free agent in 1972 and made his first pro appearance in that year's Super Bowl when he was activated after an injury to Tim Foley. He played in two Super Bowls with the Dolphins as a special team man, and during his two seasons as a reserve defensive back, had two interceptions for 31 yards returned.
Henry began his collegiate career at Merritt Junior College in California, then moved on to Missouri where he had eight interceptions in two varsity campaigns there. He was an All-American J.C. pick in 1969.
Henry Stuckey was born in Oakland, California and grew up in the Bay area where he was All-State at Oakland Prep. He now lives in Miami during the off-season. He worked on the Giants' Speakers Bureau this past off-season."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
1976 Profile: Jim Steinke
Cornerback
No. 20
Southwest Texas State
"Steinke came to the Giants on waivers from the Cleveland Browns in 1974 just prior to the opening of the regular season and appeared in 13 games for the Giants as a cornerback and special team player. He started at right corner throughout the second half of the season and proved he was capable of getting the job done. On special teams, he was in on two blocked field goals during the season, including one against the Jets in the final seconds which sent that game into overtime.
Last year, Jim got into 14 games as a starter at either the corner or free safety and performed extremely well. In one game he had two interceptions on Roger Staubach and the Cowboys for 41 yards returned, and was again a special team leader, getting two blocked punts on the year- against St. Louis and New Orleans. Originally a No. 2 draft choice of the Browns, Jim played the 1973 season with Cleveland, chiefly as a special team player.
Jim won three letters as a cornerback in college, winning All-Conference honors twice as well as Little All-American honors his senior year. He played in the Senior Bowl and the Coaches' All-American Game, and also won two letters in track as a sprinter.
James L. Steinke was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in Johnson City where his father, Harold, was the communications director at the LBJ Ranch for President Johnson. Jim starred at Lyndon B. Johnson High School there. His uncle, Gil Steinke, coached at Texas A & I."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 20
Southwest Texas State
"Steinke came to the Giants on waivers from the Cleveland Browns in 1974 just prior to the opening of the regular season and appeared in 13 games for the Giants as a cornerback and special team player. He started at right corner throughout the second half of the season and proved he was capable of getting the job done. On special teams, he was in on two blocked field goals during the season, including one against the Jets in the final seconds which sent that game into overtime.
Last year, Jim got into 14 games as a starter at either the corner or free safety and performed extremely well. In one game he had two interceptions on Roger Staubach and the Cowboys for 41 yards returned, and was again a special team leader, getting two blocked punts on the year- against St. Louis and New Orleans. Originally a No. 2 draft choice of the Browns, Jim played the 1973 season with Cleveland, chiefly as a special team player.
Jim won three letters as a cornerback in college, winning All-Conference honors twice as well as Little All-American honors his senior year. He played in the Senior Bowl and the Coaches' All-American Game, and also won two letters in track as a sprinter.
James L. Steinke was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in Johnson City where his father, Harold, was the communications director at the LBJ Ranch for President Johnson. Jim starred at Lyndon B. Johnson High School there. His uncle, Gil Steinke, coached at Texas A & I."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, September 8, 2016
1976 Profile: Bonnie Sloan
Defensive End
No. 92
Austin Peay
"Sloan was a No. 10 draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973 and won himself a spot at defensive tackle where he opened the season as a starter and played seven games before knee injuries and leg ailments put him on the sidelines. Released the following season, he had a trial with New Orleans in 1975 before his release there, and was signed as a free agent by the Giants during this past off-season. Totally deaf, Bonnie is an expert lip-reader and utilizes other means of communications while playing. He'll get a trial at defensive end with the Giants.
Twice an All-Conference selection at Austin Peay, Sloan was additionally named to the Little All-American honorable mention list both seasons and was his team's MVP in his senior year.
Bonnie Ryan Sloan was born in Lebanon, Tennessee and was both a football and track standout at Isaac Litton High School in Nashville. He now makes his home in Madison, Tennessee."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 92
Austin Peay
"Sloan was a No. 10 draft choice of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973 and won himself a spot at defensive tackle where he opened the season as a starter and played seven games before knee injuries and leg ailments put him on the sidelines. Released the following season, he had a trial with New Orleans in 1975 before his release there, and was signed as a free agent by the Giants during this past off-season. Totally deaf, Bonnie is an expert lip-reader and utilizes other means of communications while playing. He'll get a trial at defensive end with the Giants.
Twice an All-Conference selection at Austin Peay, Sloan was additionally named to the Little All-American honorable mention list both seasons and was his team's MVP in his senior year.
Bonnie Ryan Sloan was born in Lebanon, Tennessee and was both a football and track standout at Isaac Litton High School in Nashville. He now makes his home in Madison, Tennessee."
-1976 New York Giants Media Guide
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