Running Back
No. 36
Alcorn A & M
"The Giants obtained Watkins for a draft choice from the Buffalo Bills after the [1974] season. He became a valuable running back all through the 1975 season, finishing as the club's top per-average rusher with a 4.5 mark, with 303 yards on 68 carries. His best days were against the Cardinals and the Chargers, with 85 yards rushing against the former (all in one half) and 71 against the latter.
Originally signed as a free agent by Detroit in 1969, Larry played one season there and was traded to Philadelphia in 1970. After three seasons as a reserve, he was traded to Buffalo and became a starter with O.J. Simpson in 1973, carrying 98 times for 414 yards, a 4.2 average and two touchdowns. Larry had 105 yards rushing on 18 carries in the season opener against New England, then proved to be a fine blocker that year as O.J. had his 2,000-yard season. Last year, in 13 games, he saw only limited duty as a reserve behind Larry Csonka, but again proved to be a capable fullback with 96 yards on 26 carries [3.7 average] and a touchdown.
Watkins was a three-year letterman at Alcorn A & M and was named co-captain in his senior year. He also played in the Orange Bowl that year.
Lawrence Watkins was born in Bessemer, Alabama and played his high school sports at J.S. Abrams High in Bessemer. He now lives in Camden, New Jersey and has taught in the Camden school system during the off-seasons."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, September 8, 2019
Sunday, August 18, 2019
1977 Profile: Roger Wallace
Wide Receiver
No. 88
Bowling Green
"Signed as a free agent late in the 1976 season after injuries had depleted the ranks of Giant wide receivers, Wallace appeared in three games on special teams and saw some action at wide receiver.
Originally drafted No. 12 by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974, Wallace instead went to the World Football League where he started at wide receiver for two seasons with Memphis. His two-season stats with Memphis included 50 receptions for 840 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a return man with 40 punt returns for 285 yards and a 7.1 average. He went back to the Cardinals, but was released and then signed by the Giants last November.
Wallace was a three-year starter at Bowling Green and was named to the All-Mid-American Conference team in his senior year. He received a B.S. degree in education.
Roger Lee Wallace was born in Urbana, Ohio and played his high school sports at Urbana High School in his hometown. He still resides in Urbana in the off-season."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 88
Bowling Green
"Signed as a free agent late in the 1976 season after injuries had depleted the ranks of Giant wide receivers, Wallace appeared in three games on special teams and saw some action at wide receiver.
Originally drafted No. 12 by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974, Wallace instead went to the World Football League where he started at wide receiver for two seasons with Memphis. His two-season stats with Memphis included 50 receptions for 840 yards and five touchdowns. He was also a return man with 40 punt returns for 285 yards and a 7.1 average. He went back to the Cardinals, but was released and then signed by the Giants last November.
Wallace was a three-year starter at Bowling Green and was named to the All-Mid-American Conference team in his senior year. He received a B.S. degree in education.
Roger Lee Wallace was born in Urbana, Ohio and played his high school sports at Urbana High School in his hometown. He still resides in Urbana in the off-season."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Friday, August 9, 2019
1977 Profile: Rick Volk
Free Safety
No. 23
Michigan
"Signed as a free agent by the Giants during the 1976 season after being released by the Denver Broncos, Rick moved into a starting safety role for the final eight games of the year when injuries hit the secondary and turned in an outstanding job. He had 59 tackles and came up with two pass interceptions, bringing his NFL career total to 33.
Originally a No. 2 draft choice of Baltimore in 1967, Rick spent nine seasons with the Colts and had 31 interceptions for 518 yards and a touchdown over that span, along with 11 fumbles recovered. He played in two Super Bowls and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1967, '69, '71), along with being selected to the All-AFC team in 1970 and the All-NFL squad in 1971. He was also a punt return man for the Colts, with 84 for 548 yards in his Colt career.
Rick went to Michigan as an All-State high school quarterback but was switched to defensive back there and ended up being Al--Big Ten. He played on Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion teams at Ann Arbor and was named an All-American in 1966.
Richard Robert Volk was born in Toledo, Ohio and starred at Wauseon High School in Ohio before enrolling at Michigan. His uncle is Bob Chappuis, former Michigan and pro star, and he's a brother-in-law of Bill Laskey, ex-NFL linebacker."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 23
Michigan
"Signed as a free agent by the Giants during the 1976 season after being released by the Denver Broncos, Rick moved into a starting safety role for the final eight games of the year when injuries hit the secondary and turned in an outstanding job. He had 59 tackles and came up with two pass interceptions, bringing his NFL career total to 33.
Originally a No. 2 draft choice of Baltimore in 1967, Rick spent nine seasons with the Colts and had 31 interceptions for 518 yards and a touchdown over that span, along with 11 fumbles recovered. He played in two Super Bowls and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (1967, '69, '71), along with being selected to the All-AFC team in 1970 and the All-NFL squad in 1971. He was also a punt return man for the Colts, with 84 for 548 yards in his Colt career.
Rick went to Michigan as an All-State high school quarterback but was switched to defensive back there and ended up being Al--Big Ten. He played on Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion teams at Ann Arbor and was named an All-American in 1966.
Richard Robert Volk was born in Toledo, Ohio and starred at Wauseon High School in Ohio before enrolling at Michigan. His uncle is Bob Chappuis, former Michigan and pro star, and he's a brother-in-law of Bill Laskey, ex-NFL linebacker."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, July 11, 2019
1977 Profile: Brad Van Pelt
Linebacker
No. 10
Michigan State
"A safety at Michigan State where he was an All-America in 1972, he was a No. 2 choice of the Giants in the 1972 draft. The Giants had to lure him away from a big-league baseball career.
At 26, he seems to have finally become the defensive terror that had long been predicted for him, winning Pro Bowl and All-NFC honors."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"The picture athlete, a throwback to the old-time, three-sport college hero. Van Pelt played football, basketball and baseball at Michigan State and turned down a big bonus offer to pitch for baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.
Van Pelt is an outside linebacker good enough to make the Pro Bowl and be voted All-NFC last year. He's versatile enough to play several positions. He could be All-Pro in 1977, and for years afterward.
Born in Owosso, Michigan, he raises St. Bernard puppies and plays cribbage. He seems domestic until you meet him in the open field."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1973, Van Pelt had his finest season ever in 1976, winning All-NFC first team honors from both the Associated Press and the New York Daily News, being selected to the Pro Bowl where he was a starter for the NFC, and winning team MVP honors in the NEA team poll. He had 148 tackles during the season (95 solo, 53 assists), intercepted two passes, had four quarterback sacks, blocked a punt and two field goals, and had a fumble recovery. Playing all 14 games, his best game came in the 24-10 win over Detroit when he had 10 solo tackles, two quarterback sacks and two interceptions and was named NFL Player of the Week.
As a rookie in 1973, Brad was plagued by nagging injuries and several position shifts and played only five games, and in 1974 played weakside linebacker and had a pair of interceptions. He was moved to the strong side in 1975 and had a solid season with three interceptions and a couple of blocked field goals, and in 1976 reached his full potential with that outstanding season.
Brad was a unanimous All-American at Michigan State where he played safety or 'monster back' and also won the Maxwell Trophy his senior year. He was MVP his senior year, played in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl and had 14 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Brad also lettered in basketball and baseball and received major league offers as a pitcher after setting an all-time Michigan State strikeout record.
Brad Alan Van Pelt was born in Owosso, Michigan and played all sports at Owosso High School. He still lives in Owosso."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 10
Michigan State
"A safety at Michigan State where he was an All-America in 1972, he was a No. 2 choice of the Giants in the 1972 draft. The Giants had to lure him away from a big-league baseball career.
At 26, he seems to have finally become the defensive terror that had long been predicted for him, winning Pro Bowl and All-NFC honors."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"The picture athlete, a throwback to the old-time, three-sport college hero. Van Pelt played football, basketball and baseball at Michigan State and turned down a big bonus offer to pitch for baseball's St. Louis Cardinals.
Van Pelt is an outside linebacker good enough to make the Pro Bowl and be voted All-NFC last year. He's versatile enough to play several positions. He could be All-Pro in 1977, and for years afterward.
Born in Owosso, Michigan, he raises St. Bernard puppies and plays cribbage. He seems domestic until you meet him in the open field."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The No. 2 draft choice of the Giants in 1973, Van Pelt had his finest season ever in 1976, winning All-NFC first team honors from both the Associated Press and the New York Daily News, being selected to the Pro Bowl where he was a starter for the NFC, and winning team MVP honors in the NEA team poll. He had 148 tackles during the season (95 solo, 53 assists), intercepted two passes, had four quarterback sacks, blocked a punt and two field goals, and had a fumble recovery. Playing all 14 games, his best game came in the 24-10 win over Detroit when he had 10 solo tackles, two quarterback sacks and two interceptions and was named NFL Player of the Week.
As a rookie in 1973, Brad was plagued by nagging injuries and several position shifts and played only five games, and in 1974 played weakside linebacker and had a pair of interceptions. He was moved to the strong side in 1975 and had a solid season with three interceptions and a couple of blocked field goals, and in 1976 reached his full potential with that outstanding season.
Brad was a unanimous All-American at Michigan State where he played safety or 'monster back' and also won the Maxwell Trophy his senior year. He was MVP his senior year, played in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl and had 14 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. Brad also lettered in basketball and baseball and received major league offers as a pitcher after setting an all-time Michigan State strikeout record.
Brad Alan Van Pelt was born in Owosso, Michigan and played all sports at Owosso High School. He still lives in Owosso."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, June 2, 2019
1977 Profile: Doug Van Horn
Guard
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. He 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.
Reggie 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. In '76, he was again the starting right tackle all season long, appearing in all 14 games, and again contributed well with his leadership and ability.
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, a redhead, 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."
-1977 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. He 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.
Reggie 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. In '76, he was again the starting right tackle all season long, appearing in all 14 games, and again contributed well with his leadership and ability.
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, a redhead, 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."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
1977 Profile: Bob Tucker
Tight End
No. 38
Bloomsburg State
"He caught 42 passes to lead the Giants. He caught 59 in 1971 to become the first tight end to lead the NFL in receiving.
He came to pro football the hard way, having played in places like Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA in the Atlantic Coast Football League after graduating from Bloomsburg State in 1967. He latched on with the Giants as a free agent in 1970."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"The pride of Bloomsburg State. And the only pass receiver the Giants have. Tucker led the club last year with 42 receptions and remains one of the best- if not the best- blocking tight ends.
Tucker set NAIA records at dear old Bloomsburg but went undrafted by the pros. The Giants got lucky when they signed him. His 59 receptions in 1971 were high in the NFC and made him the first tight end ever to win the receiving title.
Born in Hazelton, PA, Tucker played semipro ball with Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA before making the NFL on his third try after being let go by the Eagles and Patriots. Now in his eighth year, he no longer has to look back. Gladly."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"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.
In 1976, playing 14 games, Bob again led the club in receiving with 42 for 498 yards and a touchdown (against the Rams) and his career total of 321 grabs moved him ahead of Kyle Rote into the third spot on the club's all-time list.
He 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."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 38
Bloomsburg State
"He caught 42 passes to lead the Giants. He caught 59 in 1971 to become the first tight end to lead the NFL in receiving.
He came to pro football the hard way, having played in places like Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA in the Atlantic Coast Football League after graduating from Bloomsburg State in 1967. He latched on with the Giants as a free agent in 1970."
-John Devaney, Schenley Pro Football Guide 1977
"The pride of Bloomsburg State. And the only pass receiver the Giants have. Tucker led the club last year with 42 receptions and remains one of the best- if not the best- blocking tight ends.
Tucker set NAIA records at dear old Bloomsburg but went undrafted by the pros. The Giants got lucky when they signed him. His 59 receptions in 1971 were high in the NFC and made him the first tight end ever to win the receiving title.
Born in Hazelton, PA, Tucker played semipro ball with Lowell, Mass. and Pottstown, PA before making the NFL on his third try after being let go by the Eagles and Patriots. Now in his eighth year, he no longer has to look back. Gladly."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"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.
In 1976, playing 14 games, Bob again led the club in receiving with 42 for 498 yards and a touchdown (against the Rams) and his career total of 321 grabs moved him ahead of Kyle Rote into the third spot on the club's all-time list.
He 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."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, May 4, 2019
1977 Profile: Jim Steinke
Free Safety
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.
In 1975, 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.
In 1976, playing 13 games, Jim had his best season. He had two pass interceptions, and one in the final seconds against the Redskins clinched a 12-9 upset victory. He also blocked a punt against Dallas and scored a touchdown against Denver by covering a blocked punt in the end zone. Jim had 86 tackles for the season and was a solid player at both the corner and free safety.
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."
-1977 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.
In 1975, 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.
In 1976, playing 13 games, Jim had his best season. He had two pass interceptions, and one in the final seconds against the Redskins clinched a 12-9 upset victory. He also blocked a punt against Dallas and scored a touchdown against Denver by covering a blocked punt in the end zone. Jim had 86 tackles for the season and was a solid player at both the corner and free safety.
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."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
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