Defensive Tackle
No. 64
Grambling
"The Curley Culp of New York. Not tall enough to look over offensive linemen, just strong enough to create his own freeway through them. Mendenhall doesn't fit the pro scout's image of a defensive tackle, but as John Brodie once said, 'There are a lot of funny bodies making it in the NFL.'
Drafted No. 3 in 1972, Mendenhall quickly became a standout. He has been voted all-conference and missed All-Pro in 1973 when mid-season knee surgery ended what had been a spectacular beginning. He may make it yet, regardless of his height.
Born in Cullen, Louisiana, Mendenhall was unstoppable at Grambling. A sensitive man, sometimes outspoken, but couldn't play any better if he was 6-5."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice in 1972, Mendenhall has had an awesome career with the Giants, finally winning due recognition in 1974 when he was named to UPI's All-NFC team and to the Pro Football Writers' All-NFL second unit.
Mendy missed one game in '74 with a knee injury, but in the other 13 was as good a defensive tackle as anyone, coming up with 11 quarterback sacks, fumble recoveries, blocked passes and general mayhem against opposing teams. He combines great strength with quickness and agility and usually requires double-teaming. One play against Dallas typified his overall abilities- he knocked down two blockers, got to Calvin Hill and dumped him for an eight-yard loss so hard that Calvin fumbled, with Roy Hilton picking up the fumble to go 71 yards for a touchdown ... and Mendy getting up after the tackle to throw a block to help spring Hilton loose.
Last year, Mendy was again off to a super start through a 4-2 preseason slate, sacking quarterbacks and even getting an interception against the Steelers. Then, in the season opener, he injured an ankle and was hobbled for the rest of the year despite his efforts to play on one good ankle. He finally went on the injured list for the final three games and missed five games overall and parts of five others. Fully recovered, he should be primed for another All-Pro season.
A starter since his rookie year, John was named to the All-NFL Rookie team that season. In 1973, he was on his way to All-Pro honors when he went down with a knee injury halfway through the year and underwent surgery.
Last year, Mendy was healthy and when he's healthy, he's outstanding. Playing all 14 games, he led all linemen with 151 tackles (56 solos, 95 assists) and had an interception.
Mendenhall was an Associated Press Little All-American and NAIA choice at Grambling, won four letters and team defensive MVP honors and was a star in the Senior Bowl. He also had a big day in the College All-Star Game in 1972
John Rufus Mendenhall was born in Cullen, Louisiana and starred at Charles Brown High School in Springhill, Louisiana. He lives in Houston during the off-season."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
1977 Profile: George Martin
Defensive End
No. 75
Oregon
"For an 11th round pick, Martin proved to be an outstanding addition in his rookie year. He was named the Giants' MVP rookie in 1975 by the Pro Football Writers of New York.
He hasn't missed a game in two seasons, and after being a part-time starter at left end in his rookie year, won the first-string job last season and has become a fixture on the rapidly improving front four. Quick, agile and with great pursuit, he finished the campaign with 117 tackles (46 solo, 71 assists) and had eight quarterback sacks. George came up with a defensive lineman's dream in a preseason win over the Packers when he blocked a pass attempt, grabbed the deflection and raced 15 yards for a touchdown.
George began his college career as a tight end at Oregon, then made the switch defensive line in his junior season and performed with distinction for two seasons. He had 83 solo tackles in his senior year and enjoyed his big days against Michigan and Northwestern. George also lettered for two years in basketball- he was a solid rebounder and scorer.
George Dwight Martin was born in Greenville, South Carolina but grew up in California and was a genuine all-around star at Armijo High School in Fairfield, California where he made all-American in basketball and All-State in football. He resides in Fairfield in the off-seasons."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 75
Oregon
"For an 11th round pick, Martin proved to be an outstanding addition in his rookie year. He was named the Giants' MVP rookie in 1975 by the Pro Football Writers of New York.
He hasn't missed a game in two seasons, and after being a part-time starter at left end in his rookie year, won the first-string job last season and has become a fixture on the rapidly improving front four. Quick, agile and with great pursuit, he finished the campaign with 117 tackles (46 solo, 71 assists) and had eight quarterback sacks. George came up with a defensive lineman's dream in a preseason win over the Packers when he blocked a pass attempt, grabbed the deflection and raced 15 yards for a touchdown.
George began his college career as a tight end at Oregon, then made the switch defensive line in his junior season and performed with distinction for two seasons. He had 83 solo tackles in his senior year and enjoyed his big days against Michigan and Northwestern. George also lettered for two years in basketball- he was a solid rebounder and scorer.
George Dwight Martin was born in Greenville, South Carolina but grew up in California and was a genuine all-around star at Armijo High School in Fairfield, California where he made all-American in basketball and All-State in football. He resides in Fairfield in the off-seasons."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, August 26, 2018
1977 Profile: Ed Marshall
Wide Receiver
No. 89
Cameron State
"Marshall was signed as a free agent by the Giants halfway through the 1976 season when injuries depleted the wide receiver ranks. He started two games [playing in six] and totaled eight receptions for 188 yards, an average of 20.8 per catch. He had a 19-yard touchdown reception against Seattle, then caught a pair of touchdown passes in a 24-10 win over Detroit, a club which had cut Marshall in the preseason.
He was a No. 11 draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971, played in 13 games there and had two pass catches for 18 yards. His next stop was Memphis in the World Football League where he sizzled in the 1974 season with 60 receptions for 1,159 yards and 19 touchdown catches, then came back in the WFL's 10-game 1975 season with 31 more catches for 582 yards and nine touchdowns.
Marshall began his collegiate career at Ranger Junior College, then earned two letters at Cameron State [Lawton, OK] where he was the leading receiver and scorer for both of his seasons there.
Edward L. Marshall was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and was a football and a track standout at Miller High School in his hometown."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 89
Cameron State
"Marshall was signed as a free agent by the Giants halfway through the 1976 season when injuries depleted the wide receiver ranks. He started two games [playing in six] and totaled eight receptions for 188 yards, an average of 20.8 per catch. He had a 19-yard touchdown reception against Seattle, then caught a pair of touchdown passes in a 24-10 win over Detroit, a club which had cut Marshall in the preseason.
He was a No. 11 draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971, played in 13 games there and had two pass catches for 18 yards. His next stop was Memphis in the World Football League where he sizzled in the 1974 season with 60 receptions for 1,159 yards and 19 touchdown catches, then came back in the WFL's 10-game 1975 season with 31 more catches for 582 yards and nine touchdowns.
Marshall began his collegiate career at Ranger Junior College, then earned two letters at Cameron State [Lawton, OK] where he was the leading receiver and scorer for both of his seasons there.
Edward L. Marshall was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and was a football and a track standout at Miller High School in his hometown."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, August 4, 2018
1977 Profile: Larry Mallory
Safety
No. 34
Tennessee State
"Signed as a free agent in 1976 after a season as a starting safety for Memphis in the World Football League, Larry proved his versatility with the Giants as a special team player, as a fifth defensive back in certain pass coverages, and as the holder for conversions and field goal attempts.
He contributed a diving interception against Fran Tarkenton and the Vikings in one game and added a touchdown-saving deflection against Mel Gray and the Cardinals in another. Mallory played 14 games during the year, starting two at free safety.
Mallory played four seasons at Tennessee State and was a starting defensive back in three of those campaigns and was the holder for all of the placekicking.
Larry Montel Mallory was born in Jackson, Tennessee and was a three-sport star and student body president at Melrose High School in Memphis. A sociology major in college, he has been an adult education teacher in the off-season and lists music and reading as his favorite hobbies."
-The 1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 34
Tennessee State
"Signed as a free agent in 1976 after a season as a starting safety for Memphis in the World Football League, Larry proved his versatility with the Giants as a special team player, as a fifth defensive back in certain pass coverages, and as the holder for conversions and field goal attempts.
He contributed a diving interception against Fran Tarkenton and the Vikings in one game and added a touchdown-saving deflection against Mel Gray and the Cardinals in another. Mallory played 14 games during the year, starting two at free safety.
Mallory played four seasons at Tennessee State and was a starting defensive back in three of those campaigns and was the holder for all of the placekicking.
Larry Montel Mallory was born in Jackson, Tennessee and was a three-sport star and student body president at Melrose High School in Memphis. A sociology major in college, he has been an adult education teacher in the off-season and lists music and reading as his favorite hobbies."
-The 1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
1977 Profile: Dan Lloyd
Linebacker
No. 54
Washington
"The Giants' No. 6 pick in the 1976 draft won a spot on the club with his robust special team play in the preseason, and continued in that capacity all through the regular campaign as a thunderous hitter, playing in all 14 games.
In a 12-9 win over the Redskins, Lloyd kayoed Washington return man Eddie Brown with a devasting tackle, causing a fumble which Lloyd recovered. Used extensively on goal line defense, he additionally contributed strongly. Coaches feel he has unlimited potential and could make an extremely strong bid for a starting at one of the linebacker spots for the coming season.
Dan was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Huskies, winning all-Pac 8 honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He was defensive captain in his senior season, MVP on defense, and twice won Defensive Player of the Week honors in the Pac-8 for outstanding games against California and UCLA. Dan was named to play in the East-West Shrine Game, the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl. A state wrestling champion in high school, he also earned a varsity letter in wrestling at Washington.
Daniel B. Lloyd was born in Hebner City, Utah and was All-State in both football and wrestling at James Lick High School in San Jose, CA. He majored in general art and industrial design in college and lists ceramics and woodworking as his favorite hobbies."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 54
Washington
"The Giants' No. 6 pick in the 1976 draft won a spot on the club with his robust special team play in the preseason, and continued in that capacity all through the regular campaign as a thunderous hitter, playing in all 14 games.
In a 12-9 win over the Redskins, Lloyd kayoed Washington return man Eddie Brown with a devasting tackle, causing a fumble which Lloyd recovered. Used extensively on goal line defense, he additionally contributed strongly. Coaches feel he has unlimited potential and could make an extremely strong bid for a starting at one of the linebacker spots for the coming season.
Dan was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Huskies, winning all-Pac 8 honors in both his junior and senior seasons. He was defensive captain in his senior season, MVP on defense, and twice won Defensive Player of the Week honors in the Pac-8 for outstanding games against California and UCLA. Dan was named to play in the East-West Shrine Game, the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl. A state wrestling champion in high school, he also earned a varsity letter in wrestling at Washington.
Daniel B. Lloyd was born in Hebner City, Utah and was All-State in both football and wrestling at James Lick High School in San Jose, CA. He majored in general art and industrial design in college and lists ceramics and woodworking as his favorite hobbies."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, July 2, 2018
1977 Profile: Doug Kotar
Running Back
No. 44
Kentucky
"A 205-pound whippet from Kentucky, he led the team in rushing with 731 yards, many of them on sweeps to the outside behind the blocking of Larry Csonka.
He was signed by the Steelers as a free agent in 1974. They traded him to the Giants for quarterback Leo Gasienica in the summer of 1974, and since then he has been a steady ground gainer as well as a reliable pass catcher (36 last season)."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Thank you, Leo Gasienica! The Giants traded off his unknown quarterback for an unknown running back, who turned out to be Doug Kotar, who turned out to be the Giants' leading rusher in 1976 with 731 (4.0 average).
Kotar doesn't 'juke' tacklers, or zip by them like a young Bob Hayes- or even an old Bob Hayes- yet somehow is effective. Last year was his best of three seasons with the Giants, and Larry Csonka's blocking helped early.
He was born in Canonsburg, PA and had a solid but not spectacular career at Kentucky. Pittsburgh signed him as a free agent but already had a player like him- Rocky Bleier- and made the trade. Where is Leo Gasienica now?"
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Kotar had his best year in 1976, leading the club with 731 yards rushing and coming up with a pair of 100-yard games against Los Angeles (108) and St. Louis (103). He also tied an all-time club record by catching 11 passes in one game and finished with 36 catches for the year, his best total in that department as well.
Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade in 1974 for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica and became an almost instant celebrity by leading the NFC in rushing during the preseason with 391 yards and a 5.8 average, including 124 yards rushing against the Eagles and 153 against Buffalo.
Kotar continued his fine performance in the regular season, finishing as the second leading rusher on the club with 396 yards, a 3.7 average and four touchdowns, despite missing several games with rib injuries. Doug came up with the best rushing day of the season- 119 yards against Atlanta- and also had the longest run from scrimmage, a 53-yarder for a touchdown against the Falcons. Blessed with great quickness and deceptive speed, he also had 10 pass receptions and was used as a reserve kickoff and punt return man, too.
In 1975, Doug again finished as the Giants' second-leading rusher with 378 yards on 122 carries and led the club in rushing touchdowns with six. He had the top rushing day of the year with 89 yards against the Saints. He also had nine pass catches for 86 yards and 17 kickoff returns for 405 yards, including one burst of 64 against San Diego.
Kotar earned three varsity letters at Kentucky as a running back, although injuries slowed him down somewhat in his senior year. He finished with 1,167 yards rushing in his career, and in his first varsity game ran the opening kickoff back 90 yards for a touchdown.
Douglas Allan Kotar (pronounced 'Coat-Er') was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 44
Kentucky
"A 205-pound whippet from Kentucky, he led the team in rushing with 731 yards, many of them on sweeps to the outside behind the blocking of Larry Csonka.
He was signed by the Steelers as a free agent in 1974. They traded him to the Giants for quarterback Leo Gasienica in the summer of 1974, and since then he has been a steady ground gainer as well as a reliable pass catcher (36 last season)."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"Thank you, Leo Gasienica! The Giants traded off his unknown quarterback for an unknown running back, who turned out to be Doug Kotar, who turned out to be the Giants' leading rusher in 1976 with 731 (4.0 average).
Kotar doesn't 'juke' tacklers, or zip by them like a young Bob Hayes- or even an old Bob Hayes- yet somehow is effective. Last year was his best of three seasons with the Giants, and Larry Csonka's blocking helped early.
He was born in Canonsburg, PA and had a solid but not spectacular career at Kentucky. Pittsburgh signed him as a free agent but already had a player like him- Rocky Bleier- and made the trade. Where is Leo Gasienica now?"
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Kotar had his best year in 1976, leading the club with 731 yards rushing and coming up with a pair of 100-yard games against Los Angeles (108) and St. Louis (103). He also tied an all-time club record by catching 11 passes in one game and finished with 36 catches for the year, his best total in that department as well.
Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade in 1974 for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica and became an almost instant celebrity by leading the NFC in rushing during the preseason with 391 yards and a 5.8 average, including 124 yards rushing against the Eagles and 153 against Buffalo.
Kotar continued his fine performance in the regular season, finishing as the second leading rusher on the club with 396 yards, a 3.7 average and four touchdowns, despite missing several games with rib injuries. Doug came up with the best rushing day of the season- 119 yards against Atlanta- and also had the longest run from scrimmage, a 53-yarder for a touchdown against the Falcons. Blessed with great quickness and deceptive speed, he also had 10 pass receptions and was used as a reserve kickoff and punt return man, too.
In 1975, Doug again finished as the Giants' second-leading rusher with 378 yards on 122 carries and led the club in rushing touchdowns with six. He had the top rushing day of the year with 89 yards against the Saints. He also had nine pass catches for 86 yards and 17 kickoff returns for 405 yards, including one burst of 64 against San Diego.
Kotar earned three varsity letters at Kentucky as a running back, although injuries slowed him down somewhat in his senior year. He finished with 1,167 yards rushing in his career, and in his first varsity game ran the opening kickoff back 90 yards for a touchdown.
Douglas Allan Kotar (pronounced 'Coat-Er') was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, June 7, 2018
1977 Profile: Brian Kelley
Linebacker
No. 55
California Lutheran
"The only pro football player to emerge from California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks, where the Dallas Cowboys train each summer. Kelley once worked for the Cowboys, who liked the kid, knew he was from Dallas, but never thought of drafting him. The Giants did, in the 14th round, in 1973.
Kelley has been a starter since his second year, first in the middle where he led the team in tackles two years. He moved to weakside linebacker last year, as rookie Harry Carson took over the middle, and had another good season.
Born in Dallas, he grew up in Fullerton, California. A wrestling star in college, Kelley would rather half-nelson a running back than tackle him."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"A 14th round draft pick by the Giants in 1973, Brian won himself a spot on the roster and appeared in all 14 games, chiefly as a key special teams player although he did log considerable playing time as an outside linebacker. He had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and was a big hitter on the kick coverage teams. Brian had a 36-yard touchdown run with an interception in a preseason win over the Steelers.
In 1974, when Ron Hornsby was injured, Brian moved into the middle linebacker's spot and turned in a quality season, ending up as the leading tackler on the team for the season. Nicknamed 'Ralph,' he continued to be a solid hitter all the way, on defense and on the special teams. He also came up with a key interception that led to a touchdown against Kansas City.
In 1975, Kelley upgraded his performance in all areas, again leading the team in tackles, starting all 14 games and coming up with three key interceptions. In 1976, Kelley was the leading tackler for the third straight year as he split his time between middle linebacker and outside linebacker, again starting all 14 games.. All told, he had 160 tackles (84 solo and 76 assists) and continued his reputation as a hard-nosed player.
Kelley was named to the NAIA and AP Little All-American teams after his senior year at California Lutheran where he played middle linebacker and tight end. He won MVP honors in the 1971 NAIA championship game. He also won three letters in rugby, playing on the U.S. College All-Star team, and one in wrestling as district heavyweight champion.
Brian Lee Kelley was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Fullerton, California where he sparkled at Sunny Hills High School. He once worked for the Dallas Cowboys in their training camp and more recently as an instructor at Jack LaLanne's health spas."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 55
California Lutheran
"The only pro football player to emerge from California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks, where the Dallas Cowboys train each summer. Kelley once worked for the Cowboys, who liked the kid, knew he was from Dallas, but never thought of drafting him. The Giants did, in the 14th round, in 1973.
Kelley has been a starter since his second year, first in the middle where he led the team in tackles two years. He moved to weakside linebacker last year, as rookie Harry Carson took over the middle, and had another good season.
Born in Dallas, he grew up in Fullerton, California. A wrestling star in college, Kelley would rather half-nelson a running back than tackle him."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"A 14th round draft pick by the Giants in 1973, Brian won himself a spot on the roster and appeared in all 14 games, chiefly as a key special teams player although he did log considerable playing time as an outside linebacker. He had two kickoff returns for 30 yards and was a big hitter on the kick coverage teams. Brian had a 36-yard touchdown run with an interception in a preseason win over the Steelers.
In 1974, when Ron Hornsby was injured, Brian moved into the middle linebacker's spot and turned in a quality season, ending up as the leading tackler on the team for the season. Nicknamed 'Ralph,' he continued to be a solid hitter all the way, on defense and on the special teams. He also came up with a key interception that led to a touchdown against Kansas City.
In 1975, Kelley upgraded his performance in all areas, again leading the team in tackles, starting all 14 games and coming up with three key interceptions. In 1976, Kelley was the leading tackler for the third straight year as he split his time between middle linebacker and outside linebacker, again starting all 14 games.. All told, he had 160 tackles (84 solo and 76 assists) and continued his reputation as a hard-nosed player.
Kelley was named to the NAIA and AP Little All-American teams after his senior year at California Lutheran where he played middle linebacker and tight end. He won MVP honors in the 1971 NAIA championship game. He also won three letters in rugby, playing on the U.S. College All-Star team, and one in wrestling as district heavyweight champion.
Brian Lee Kelley was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Fullerton, California where he sparkled at Sunny Hills High School. He once worked for the Dallas Cowboys in their training camp and more recently as an instructor at Jack LaLanne's health spas."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)