1962 Profiles: Frank Gifford and Joe Morrison

FRANK GIFFORD
Flanker
No. 16
USC
"Frank Gifford, the glamor-boy of the pro ranks, returns after taking a year off to recover completely from a brain concussion. The Bakersfield, California native has been the busiest of all Giants since starting in 1952. He's acquired All-Pro status as both an offensive and defensive halfback, and none could execute the pass-option as capably. Tremendous as a runner and receiver, Frank is good as a passer and all alone as an inspirational leader.
He leaves lucrative advertising and radio-TV duties to attempt to win a 1962 job as a flanker-back."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Frank returns to the active ranks in 1962. He is the all-time Giant point scorer."

-1962 Topps No. 104

"Back in the Giants' harness after a year's absence is Frank Gifford (16). In nine brilliant seasons with the Giants, this handsome young man from Bakersfield, California, established himself as a complete football player. Used mainly as an all-purpose halfback before he quit in 1960, Giff, this second time around, will play mostly on the flank.

But it won't be a shock if he bobs up somewhere else. He can do it all."

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium) 

JOE MORRISON
Flanker-Safety
No. 40
Cincinnati
Joe's greatest value to the Giants is his versatility. He can be relied on as a halfback, fullback, flanker, tight end, defensive back or kick returner. As a rookie in 1959, he had a 23.0 kickoff return average and in the championship game returned two kicks, one for 33 yards and the other for 22 yards. In 1960, he rushed for 346 yards, recorded 29 receptions for 367 yards, a 12.7 average, and on defense recovered three fumbles.
Last September 24 in Yankee Stadium, Joe caught a key touchdown pass from Tittle in the third quarter for a 17-7 lead in a 17-14 win over Pittsburgh, New York's first win of the season. On October 15 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Joe's one-yard touchdown run gave the Giants a 17-10 lead in an eventual 31-10 win over the Cowboys, lifting New York to a 4-1 record and a tie with Philadelphia for first in the East.

"In modern pro football, where there are so many specialized jobs to fill and, with rosters so tightly restricted and so few men to fill them, players like Joe Morrison (40) are worth their weight in gold.

This stalwart Cincinnati graduate, a No. 3 draft choice in 1959, does everything well. Offensively, he can play behind the ball, on the flank and as a relief end.

He finished last season as a defensive regular. And he's a crack kick returner. He's a good man to have around."

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium) 

1962 Profile: Allie Sherman

Head Coach
"The Brooklyn boy who grew up to coach the team he once watched from the bleachers, Able Allie took home a winner as a rookie NFL head coach in 1961 and earned admiration from the players and the press.
He failed to make his high school team but became a left-handed T quarterback at Brooklyn College. Allie was a third-string quarterback with the Eagles (1943-47) and Coach Greasy Neale credited him with having 'one of the sharpest football minds in our business.' Allie was later the Giant backfield coach (1949-53, '59 and '60)."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 New York Giants Outlook

"New York's Giants are the defenders and they must face the reality of grid life- things will be tougher in the NFL Eastern Conference in 1962. Cleveland's Browns come equipped with a fresh attack that features Ernie Davis, a newcomer who is touted to be everything Jimmy Brown has been for five years. Then there are the Philadelphia Eagles, a dazzling aerial circus that set all-time records in '61 with the assistance of pitcher Sonny Jurgesen and catchers Bobby Walston, Tommy McDonald and Pete Retzlaff. And who can ignore the St. Louis Cardinals, particularly with a healthy John David Crow and a new coach in Wally Lemm, who was a miracle worker with the AFL Oilers of Houston in 1961.

Although a year older and perhaps a step slower, don't sell Giant stock too short. The defense is as tenacious as ever, Y.A. Tittle has been presented with Ralph Guglielmi as a quarterback competitor, and a presentable running attack should allow New York to remain among the more fortunate survivors."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Strange will it be to see a Giant club without Charley Conerly and Kyle Rote, a pair of elder statesmen who decided to labor no longer on Sundays. Their retirements, however, have no bearing on the team's predicted drop to second place.
Y.A. Tittle will be the boss at the T controls, ably assisted by Ralph Guglielmi, the former Redskin and Card. Alex Webster at fullback and halfback Bob Gaiters, both of questionable value, share the ball-carrying duties. Questions: did Webster really 'come back' in '61, or was it his final fling as a quality performer? Can Gaiters overcome his shyness and take command as a heavy duty rusher?
Pass catchers, despite Rote's loss, are plentiful and productive. Let's start with Del Shofner and continue through Jim Podoley, Joe Walton, rookie Jerry Hillebrand and Frank Gifford, back again and supposedly in sound condition. Giff is tabbed for the flanker post and only panic would make coach Allie Sherman move Frank back to his old running spot.
Up front is where New York has its mightiest muscles. The line is fast moving, blocks sharply and under the tutelage of line coach Ed Kolman will get better. There are plenty of guards to go around - Jack Stroud, Darrell Dess, Mickey Walker and Zeke Smith. Tackles, too, are numerous and good: Rosey Brown, Greg Larson and Charlie Janerette. And Notre Dame's Bob Bill is one freshman who has the physique and credentials to succeed as an interior lineman.
The famed Giant defense is rusting in certain areas. The ageless quartet of Andy Robustelli and Jim Katcavage (ends) and Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski (tackles) may be intact, but the Green Bay Packers served notice that these four are not the man-eaters of yesterday.
There'll be some reshuffling among the linebackers now that Cliff Livingston has gone over to the Vikings for Dick Pesonen. Also, Sam Huff must play back to form after a '61 slump. Tom Scott will have to face challenges from holdovers Bob Simms and Larry Hayes, and all will battle with rookies Cody Binkley, Dave Bishop and Curt Miranda.
Dick Lynch, Jim Patton and Erich Barnes are the excellent pass defenders back on the job. Scrapping for the fourth spot will be Joe Morrison, Gene Johnson and Allan Webb.
Summing up: Offense - passing strong; pass receiving outstanding; running must be proved; line of high caliber. Defense - minor adjustments required before veterans fade too quickly."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook


"The Maramen will never be accused of resting on their laurels under Allie Sherman. He shook up both the coaching staff and the team to revitalize the Eastern champions. To watch the machinations of the New York Giants last winter, you would have thought they finished 1961 in the second division and were striving to desperately to rebuild.
That traumatic experience on the last day of December in Green Bay no doubt caused a certain amount of shock. Maybe there was also the realization that the Giants had no business, on paper, dominating the Eastern Conference.
Everything conspired in their favor. They nursed a couple of Frank Merriwell performances out of their quadragenarian quarterback, Charlie Conerly, and he promptly retired. Almost as ancient Y.A. Tittle, who had never played on a winner in a decade of pro ball, joined the club on the eve of the season and was a remarkable leader. Alex Webster, hobbling on gimpy legs, invited to camp only on a trial basis, carried the main portion of the running load. Del Shofner, discarded by the Rams, became the best deep receiver in Giant history. A rookie, Greg Larson, who never played tackle in his life, found himself a pro starter at that position. Pat Summerall played well, then announced his retirement in the spring.
So Allie Sherman, in his first year as an NFL coach, had a conference champion. And the first postseason statement was, 'We won't stand pat. Things change fast in this business, and you've got to change with them or you'll wind up in last place instead of first.'
The 37-0 debacle in the title game influenced his thinking. So did Conerly's farewell. And Kyle Rote retired to become the offensive coach.
Not even the coaching staff was allowed the privilege of 'stand-patism.' Defensive coach Harland Svare and backfield coach Don Heinrich were 'allowed' to resign and return to their native West Coast habitats, the former as the defensive aide of the Los Angeles Rams. Andy Robustelli assumes a full-time role as head of the defense while continuing his active playing career.
To make up for Conerly, the Giants dealt draftee Bill Triplett and a future choice to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ralph Guglielmi, the old Notre Dame and Washington Redskins pitcher. They're apparently convinced that young Lee Grosscup isn't the answer to their future quarterbacking plans. Frank Gifford ended his one-year sabbatical and will try to resume his role as one of the star halfbacks in the league. Chances are he'll spend most of his time flanking as a receiver.
Safety man Dick Nolan, an eight-year veteran, was permitted to take a coaching job with Dallas. In the biggest surprise, corner linebacker Cliff Livingston, also an eight-year fixture, was dealt to the Minnesota Vikings for young corner halfback Dick Pesonen. More shakeups are due after the training camp exercises.
The only stumbling block to big shifts in personnel is a reluctance by other clubs to deal with the Giants after their phenomenal haul of Tittle and Shofner. But Tittle will benefit by his year of acquaintanceship with the Giant offense. And Shofner, Joe Walton, Gifford, Jim Podoley and husky rookie Jerry Hillebrand comprise a formidable crew of receivers.
There's the same defensive line that has held the fort since 1956- Jim Katcavage, Robustelli, Rosey Grier and Dick Modzelewski. Dick Lynch and Erich Barnes will match any set of corner backs in the league. Jim Patton is a playing coach at safety.
The offensive line retains familiar dependable Rosey Brown (tip-top again after knee surgery), Jack Stroud, Ray Wietecha and Darrell Dess, with youngsters Larson and Mickey Walker.
The most vulnerable are the running backs. Webster could fall apart at any time. Bobby Gaiters was erratic as a rookie. Phil King always gets hurt. Joe Morrison never settles long enough at one spot.
Another potential trouble area is the linebacking, where Sam Huff and Tom Scott are reliable, but a replacement must be found for Livingston. The defensive secondary lacks a fourth starter unless Pesonen justifies the trade or Morrison is allowed a full-time lease at safety. With Robustelli's coaching burden, a swing man will also be necessary on the defensive line.
It's a cinch the Giants aren't standing still."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

OFFENSE
"Ends: Del Shofner's deep threat and Joe Walton's blocking is an ideal combination. Jerry Hillebrand is built to stand the gaff.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Rosey Brown's operation is key. Greg Larson's inexperience hurt at times last year- he should be better. Bob Bill is supposed to have good speed.
Rating: Good
Guards: Jack Stroud and Darrell Dess figure to be starters again (unless Jack is moved to tackle), with Mickey Walker an acceptable reserve and Zeke Smith in the picture.
Rating: Good
Centers: Ray Wietecha goes on and on. Larson can play center in a pinch.
Rating: Good
Quarterbacks: Having Y.A. Tittle right from the start of camp is a big boost. If Yat slows down, Ralph Guglielmi is on hand.
Rating: Very Good
Halfbacks: Bob Gaiters has the physical ability. Will he mature into a top hand?
Rating: Fair
Flankers: Frank Gifford can play tight half, but will probably stay on the flank.
Rating: Very Good
Fullbacks: Can they coax another year out of Alex Webster? They better.
Rating: Good
Strength: The passing game is the best it's been in years, with the Tittle-Shofner combo and a plus in the return of Gifford and Podoley. Weakness: Those are no kids for the key spots, with four 10-year men and a couple more just on the verge.
Rating: Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

DEFENSE
"Jim Katcavage is at the top of his game, but the dual responsibility of playing and coaching could affect Andy Robustelli. The Giants need another dependable lineman.
Rating: Very Good
Tackles: Same depth problem here, too, with another man needed to spell Dick Modzelewski or Rosey Grier if age or injuries ever fell them. Fran Kehoe is a big one at 330.
Rating: Good
Linebackers: The possible Achilles heel of the defense. Allie Sherman gambled by trading Cliff Livingston and hopes Larry Hayes or Bob Simms can fill the bill. At his age, Tom Scott might need help, too. Bookie Bolin could be the brightest of the rookies.
Rating: Fair
Halfbacks: Top-notch corner play, the best you could want, from Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch, and they should be right at the peaks of their bright careers.
Rating: Excellent
Safeties: Jim Patton is Old Reliable, but one spot is open. The traded-for Dick Pesonen is the likely man to fill it, but the Giants can always fall back on Joe Morrison.
Rating: Good
Strength: The front four have been playing together so long that they almost do it by rote. The corner backs are the best in the league. Weakness: They definitely need more linemen to meet emergencies. They also need to fill voids at linebacker and safety.
Rating: Good"

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football


THE GIANTS ARE BACK IN THE HOME OF CHAMPIONS
"The New York Football Giants, boasting a colorful array of seasoned stars and promising rookies, will be back at Yankee Stadium next Fall seeking their second straight NFL Eastern title- and their fifth division championship in the past seven years!
Coach Allie Sherman's exciting team, which won ten of 14 games with one tie last year, returns with most of the old favorites for its tough seven-game Stadium schedule.
Leading the offense, the second-best attacking unit in pro football in 1961, will be the venerable quarterback Y.A. Tittle, pass receiving stars Del Shofner, Joe Walton and Kyle Rote, fullback Alex Webster, speed merchant Bob Gaiters and those line stalwarts- center Ray Wietecha and All-Pro tackle Rosey Brown.
The Giants defensive unit, which permitted the fewest points (220) last season, again is led by All-Pro linebacker Sam Huff, Andy Robustelli, Jim Katcavage, Rosey Grier, Dick Lynch, Erich Barnes and Jimmy Patton.
Among the promising newcomers are No. 1 draft pick Jerry Hillebrand, the Colorado All-American end; Bob Bill, Notre Dame tackle; Ken Byers, Cincinnati tackle; Bookie Bolin, All-American guard from Ole Miss; Jim Collier, Arkansas end, and Steve Simms, Rutgers, fullback and younger brother of Giant linebacker Bob Simms.
Win, lose or draw, Giant fans can expect plenty of fireworks at Yankee Stadium again this season. Who can forget that memorable steak last season when Coach Sherman's missile-minded forces amassed 170 points in four games- a surge that carried them to the Eastern title?
But don't wait too long to buy your tickets- they're going fast! Order through the  Giants' Coliseum Tower offices and make sure you're on hand to see the Maramen battle Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, St. Louis, Dallas and the Detroit Lions, who are making their first appearance ever at Yankee Stadium."

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS

John V. Mara, President

Wellington T. Mara, Vice-President

Timothy J. Mara, Secretary-Treasurer

Raymond J. Walsh, General Manager

Al Sherman, Head Coach

Jim Lee Howell, Director of Personnel

Andy Robustelli, Defensive Player-Coach

Jim Patton, Assistant Defensive Player-Coach

Ed Kolman, Line Coach

Ken Kavanaugh, Ends Coach

Kyle Rote, Backfield Coach

Ken Strong, Kicking Coach

John Johnson, Sid Moret and John Dziegiel, Trainers

Dr. Francis Sweeney, Team Physician

Dr. Anthony Croker, Dentist

Don Smith, Director of Publicity

Dan Rubin, Photographer

-1962 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

WNEW RADIO

"We don't know who all the players are yet, but you'll meet them throughout the season on WNEW. Every Giant football game, home and away, is heard on WNEW.

Marty Glickman, Al DeRogatis and Joe Hasel broadcast the exciting play-by-play. Thirty minutes before kickoff, Frank Gifford and Joe Hasel cover 'Pro Football Facts and Figures.' Fifteen minutes before kickoff, Kyle Rote and Al DeRogatis discuss the day's opponent on 'Pre-Game Prognostication.' After the game, Kyle tells 'How It Happened directly from the Giants locker room.

In fact, the only thing better than WNEW's  coverage is to be at the game- with a radio."

-1962 New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

NO MARGIN FOR ERROR

"Last Sunday's loss to the Steelers puts the Giants in a spot today. The setback makes the game with the Lions a 'must' contest for Coach Allie Sherman's squad.

Naturally, beating a team from the other division is not a matter of life or death. But having lost two games to division rivals, the Giants can ill afford to drop a decision to the Lions- particularly with the surprising Redskins, who are still unbeaten.

Detroit will he hard to shave, as the Giants well know. The Lions have a stonewall and sharpened claws on offense with Milt Plum at quarterback.

The Giants have a good record for rising to the occasion but, to win this one, they'll have to play their best.

To date, their performance has been spotty. Their running game has clicked only sporadically and sloppy pass-protection blocking has reduced the normal lethal effectiveness of their passing. Fumbles have been damaging, too.

They can not afford to repeat these misfeasances and malfeasances against a team of the stature of the Lions.

The unfortunate loss of Del Shofner in last Sunday's game puts added pressure on the Giants today. The rangy end was headed toward one of his greatest seasons.

It would be foolish to say that Shofner will not be missed but, looking at things from the bright side, the Giants are better fixed for pass-catchers than they have been for several years.

Frank Gifford, slow to start after laying out of football for a whole season, now is beginning to like his old mercurial self. Joe Walton has been solid and steady at the tight end. The rookie Jim Collier has displayed professional qualifications. And the current situation seems to underline the foresightedness of the Giant front office in obtaining Aaron Thomas, an experienced flanker, from the Forty-Niners, a couple of weeks ago.

Then, too, Joe Morrison is available as a stand-in for Shofner. The versatile Cincinnatian, who plays well almost anywhere, has been an invaluable troubleshooter through his four years with the Giants.

With these five targets available to Y.A. Tittle, the Giants should still be able to keep the aerial phase of their three-end attack going. But only if their offensive line holds firmer than it has been doing. It would be nice, too, if the men up front up would knock down more people to give Alex Webster, Johnny Counts and Co. more running room than they have been getting.

To carry the day against the Lions, all components of the Giants must do their bits. An all-out team effort is needed today. Go, Giants, go!"

-1962 New York Giants Official Program, October 21 (Week 6) (Yankee Stadium)

STEVENS AWARD WINNERS

"The first two winners of the J.P. Stevens Award this season are veteran fullback Alex Webster and All-Pro defensive Jim Katcavage, who were selected by a panel of sportswriters for their part in last week's Giants-Steelers game."

-1962 New York Giants Official Program, October 21 (Yankee Stadium)

GIANT JOTTINGS

"Since the world championship season of 1956, the Giants have been the greatest 'road show' in professional football, winning 32 of 41 games for a remarkable percentage of .795 ... Today's game marks the initial visit of the Detroit Lions to Yankee Stadium and their first New York appearance since the 1953 season ... How's this for a success story: two years ago Allan Webb and Johnny Counts were playing for the semi-pro Stamford Bears. Today both are regulars for the NFL's Eastern Division champions ... Giants fans won't want to miss Coach Al Sherman's new TV show every Friday at 10:30 p.m. on Channel 11. Al takes his viewers right into the huddle and gives them the inside dope on pro football strategy and technique ... Although a lot of changes have been made in the Giants in the past few years, 12 players remain who were with the world championship squad in 1956. In this group are Alex Webster, Don Chandler, Jack Stroud, Andy Robustelli, Jim Patton, Roosevelt Brown, Sam Huff, Frank Gifford, Jim Katcavage, Rosey Grier, Ray Wietecha and Dick Modzelewski ... Ken Strong, the NYU immortal and former Giant great who now coaches Don Chandler, is a member of three halls of fame- the Helms Foundation College and Professional Halls of Fame and the National Football Hall of Fame ... The handsome red, white and blue pennant flying from the center field flagpole at today's game was presented to the Football Giants on opening day by Mamma Leone's Restaurant. Designed by noted illustrator Jim Bama, the huge banner was turned over to co-captains Andy Robustelli and Ray Wietecha by Bruno Bernabo, director of Leone's."

-1962 New York Giants Official Program, October 21 (Yankee Stadium)

1962 NEW YORK GIANTS ROSTERS

1962 New York Giants Preseason Roster

49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue

Bob Bill (G-T) Notre Dame

Cody Binkley (LB) Vanderbilt

Dave Bishop (LB) Connecticut

Reed Bohovich (G-T) Lehigh

79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State

Ken Byers (G) Cincinnati

34 Don Chandler (K-HB) Florida

Willie Clarington (G-T) Florida A&M

Jim Collier (E) Arkansas

John Counts (HB) Illinois

62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State

35 Bob Gaiters (HB) New Mexico State

16 Frank Gifford (HB) USC

76 Rosey Grier (DT) Penn State

11 Lee Grosscup (QB) Utah

Ralph Guglielmi (QB) Notre Dame

Tom Haggerty (HB) Columbia

12 Pete Hall (E) Marquette

52 Larry Hayes (LB) Vanderbilt

Jerry Hillebrand (E) Colorado

70 Sam Huff (LB) West Virginia

72 Charlie Janerette (G) Penn State

41 Gene Johnson (DB) Cincinnati

75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton

Fran Kehoe (DT) Boston University

24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt

Lou Kirouac (E) Boston College

Glen Knight (E) Shaw

53 Greg Larson (T-C) Minnesota

22 Dick Lynch (DB) Notre Dame

Francis Marriott (QB) Troy State

Curtis Miranda (LB) Florida A&M

77 Dick Modzelewski (DT) Maryland

40 Joe Morrison (OB-DB) Cincinnati

Pete Mortimer (G) Montclair State

20 Jim Patton (DB) Mississippi

Dick Pesonen (DB) Duluth

Jim Podoley (OB) Central Michigan

81 Andy Robustelli (DE) Arnold

82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia

85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor

83 Bob Simms (LB) Rutgers

Steve Simms (FB) Rutgers

61 Zeke Smith (G) Auburn

66 Jack Stroud (G) Tennessee

88 Pat Summerall (K-E) Arkansas

Joe Taylor (HB) North Carolina A&T

14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU

64 Mickey Walker (G) Michigan State

80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh

21 Allan Webb (OB-DB) Arnold

29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State

Joel Wells (OB) Clemson

55 Ray Wietecha (C) (Northwestern)

-1962 Pro Football Handbook

1962 New York Giants Preseason Roster, By Position
OFFENSE
Ends
Del Shofner (Baylor)
Joe Walton (Pittsburgh)
Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)
Pete Hall (Marquette)

Tackles
Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State)
Greg Larson (Minnesota)
Chuck Janerette (Penn State)
Bob Bill (Notre Dame)

Guards
Jack Stroud (Tennessee)
Mickey Walker (Michigan State)
Darrell Dess (North Carolina State)
Zeke Smith (Auburn)

Centers
Ray Wietecha (Northwestern)
Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)

Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame)
Lee Grosscup (Utah)

Halfbacks
Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State)
Johnny Counts (Illinois)

Flankers
Frank Gifford (USC)
Jim Podoley (Central Michigan)

Fullbacks
Alex Webster (North Carolina State)
Phil King (Vanderbilt)

DEFENSE
Ends
Jim Katcavage (Dayton)
Andy Robustelli (Arnold)
Willie Clarington (Florida A & M)
Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)

Tackles
Dick Modzelewski (Maryland)
Rosey Grier (Penn State)
Fran Kehoe (Boston)
Ken Byers (Cincinnati)

Linebackers
Sam Huff (West Virginia)
Tom Scott (Virginia)
Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt)
Bob Simms (Rutgers)
Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)
Dave Bishop (Connecticut)

Halfbacks
Erich Barnes (Purdue)
Dick Lynch (Notre Dame)
Jim Collier (Arkansas)
Gene Johnson (Cincinnati)

Safeties
Jim Patton (Mississippi)
Joe Morrison (Cincinnati)
Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth)
Allan Webb (Arnold)

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1962 Football

1962 New York Giants October 21 Roster

49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue

73 Reed Bohovich (G-T) Lehigh

63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi

79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State

60 Ken Byers (G) Cincinnati

34 Don Chandler (HB) Florida

84 Jim Collier (E) Arkansas

46 Johnny Counts (HB) Illinois

62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State

23 Paul Dudley (HB) Arkansas

16 Frank Gifford (HB) USC

76 Rosey Grier (DT) Penn State

   9 Ralph Guglielmi (QB) Notre Dame

70 Sam Huff (LB) West Virginia

72 Charlie Janerette (T) Penn State

75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton

24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt

53 Greg Larson (T-C) Minnesota

22 Dick Lynch (DHB) Notre Dame

77 Dick Modzelewski (DT) Maryland

40 Joe Morrison (HB-DHB) Cincinnati

20 Jim Patton (DHB) Mississippi

25 Dick Pesonen (DHB) Duluth

81 Andy Robustelli (DE) Arnold

82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia

85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor

66 Jack Stroud (G) Tennessee

88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State

14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU

64 Mickey Walker (G) Michigan State

80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh

21 Allan Webb (HB-DHB) Arnold

29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State

55 Ray Wietecha (C) (Northwestern)

31 Bill Winter (LB) St. Olaf

Head Coach: Al Sherman

Assistant Coaches: Ed Kolman, Ken Kavanaugh, Kyle Rote, Andy Robustelli, Jim Patton, Ken Strong

Trainers: John Johnson, Sid Moret, John Dziegiel

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

October 21 New York Giants Numerical Roster

9 Ralph Guglielmi, QB

14 Y.A. Tittle, QB

16 Frank Gifford, HB-E

20 Jim Patton, DHB

21 Alan Webb, OHB- DHB

22 Dick Lynch, DHB

23 Paul Dudley, HB

24 Phil King, FB

25 Dick Pesonen, DHB

29 Alex Webster, FB

31 Bill Winter, LB

34 Don Chandler, HB-K

40 Joe Morrison, OHB-DHB

46 Johnny Counts, HB

49 Erich Barnes, DHB

53 Greg Larson, OT-C

55 Ray Wietecha, C

60 Ken Byers, G

62 Darrell Dess, G

63 Bookie Bolin, G

64 Mickey Walker, G

66 Jack Stroud, G

70 Sam Huff, LB

72 Charlie Janerette, OT

73 Reed Bohovich, G-OT

75 Jim Katcavage, DE

76 Rosey Grier, DT

77 Dick Modzelewski, DT

79 Roosevelt Brown, OT

80 Joe Walton, E

81 Andy Robustelli, DE

82 Tom Scott, LB

84 Jim Collier, E

85 Del Shofner, E

88 Aaron Thomas, E

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

1962 NFL Championship Game, December 30, Numerical Roster

9 Ralph Guglielmi, QB

14 Y.A. Tittle, QB

16 Frank Gifford, HB-E

20 Jim Patton, DHB

21 Alan Webb, OHB- DHB

22 Dick Lynch, DHB

23 Paul Dudley, HB

24 Phil King, FB

25 Dick Pesonen, DHB

26 Horner, DHB

29 Alex Webster, FB

31 Bill Winter, LB

34 Don Chandler, HB-K

40 Joe Morrison, OHB-DHB

46 Johnny Counts, HB

49 Erich Barnes, DHB

53 Greg Larson, OT-C

55 Ray Wietecha, C

60 Ken Byers, G

62 Darrell Dess, G

63 Bookie Bolin, G

64 Mickey Walker, G

66 Jack Stroud, G

70 Sam Huff, LB

72 Charlie Janerette, OT

73 Reed Bohovich, G-OT

75 Jim Katcavage, DE

76 Rosey Grier, DT

77 Dick Modzelewski, DT

79 Roosevelt Brown, OT

80 Joe Walton, E

81 Andy Robustelli, DE

82 Tom Scott, LB

84 Jim Collier, E

85 Del Shofner, E

88 Aaron Thomas, E

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

1962 NEW YORK GIANTS DEPTH CHARTS

1962 New York Giants Preseason Depth Chart
Offense
QB Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9
HB Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
FB Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29, Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
FL Frank Gifford (USC) 16, Jim Podoley (Central Michigan) 23  
SE Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado)*, Pete Hall (Marquette) 12
T Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79, Bob Bill (Notre Dame)*
G Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
C Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55, Curtis Miranda (Florida A & M)*
G Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Zeke Smith (Auburn) 61
T Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72
TE Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Jim Collier (Arkansas) 84

Defense
DE Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77, Ken Byers (Cincinnati)*
DT Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76
DE Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Reed Bohovich (Lehigh)*
LB Bookie Bolin (Mississippi)*, Bob Simms (Rutgers) 83
MLB Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70, Larry Hayes (Vanderbilt) 52
LB Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Dave Bishop (Connecticut)*
CB Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49, Gene Johnson (Cincinnati) 41
S Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
S Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
CB Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22

K Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR Johnny Counts (Illinois)*
PR Johnny Counts (Illinois)*

*rookie

October 21 Depth Chart

Giants on Offense

QB Y.A. Tittle (14), Ralph Guglielmi (9)

HB Johnny Counts (46), Paul Dudley (23)

FB Alex Webster (29), Phil King (24)

FL Frank Gifford (16), Joe Morrison (40), Aaron Thomas (88)

LE Del Shofner (85), Aaron Thomas (88)

LT Roosevelt Brown (79)

LG Darrell Dess (62), Mickey Walker (64)

C   Ray Wietecha (55)

RG Greg Larson (53), Bookie Bolin (63)

RT Reed Bohovich (73), Jack Stroud (66)

RE Joe Walton (80), Jim Collier (84)

Giants on Defense

LE Jim Katcavage (75), Ken Byers (60)

LT Dick Modzelewski (77)

RT Rosey Grier (76), Charlie Janerette (72)

RE Andy Robustelli (81), Ken Byers (60)

LB Bill Winter (31), Mickey Walker (64)

MLB Sam Huff (70), Tom Scott (82)

LB Tom Scott (82), Mickey Walker (64)

LDHB Erich Barnes (49), Dick Pesonen (25)

LS Alan Webb (21), Joe Morrison (40)

RS Jim Patton (20), Paul Dudley (23)

RDHB Dick Lynch (22), Dick Pesonen (25)

Specialists

Kickoffs, Field Goals, PATS: Don Chandler (34)

Holder: Ralph Guglielmi (9)

Punting: Don Chandler (34), Del Shofner (85)

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

YANKEE STADIUM OFFICIALS

Referee: Thomas P. Bell, Kentucky, 7

Umpire: Joseph Connell, Pittsburgh, 57

Linesman: Edward Marion, Pennsylvania, 26

Back Judge: Samuel Giangreco, Manhattan, 10

Field Judge: Michael Lisetski, Muhlenberg, 16

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

December 30, 1962 NFL Championship Game Depth Chart

Giants on Offense

QB Tittle (14), Guglielmi (9)

HB King (24), Morrison (40), Counts (46)

FB Webster (29), Dudley (23)

FL Gifford (16), Morrison (40), Thomas (88)

LE Shofner (85), Thomas (88)

LT Brown (79)

LG Dess (62), Walker (64)

C Wietecha (55)

RG Larson (53), Bolin (63)

RT Stroud (66), Bohovich (73)

RE Walton (80), Collier (84)

Giants on Defense

LE Katcavage (75), Byers (60)

LT Modzelewski (77)

RT Grier (76), Janerette (72)

RE Robustelli (81), Byers (60)

LB Winter (31), Walker (64)

MLB Huff (70)

LB Scott (82), Walker (64)

LDHB Barnes (49), Pesonen (25)

RDHB Lynch (22), Pesonen (25)

LS Webb (21), Morrison (40), Horner (26)

RS Patton (20), Dudley (23), Horner (26)

Giants Specialists

Kickoffs, Field Goals, PATS: Chandler (34)

Holder: Guglielmi (9)

Punting: Don Chandler (34), Del Shofner (85)

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium) 

December 30, 1962 NFL Championship Game Yankee Stadium Officials

Referee: Emil Heintz, Pennsylvania (9)

Umpire: Joseph Connell, Pittsburgh (57)

Linesman: George Murphy, So. California (30)

Back Judge: Thomas Kelleher, Holy Cross (25)

Field Judge: Fred Swearingen, Ohio U. (21)

Alternates

Norman Schachter, Alfred (56)

Louis Palazzi, Penn State (51)

Bruce Alford, Texas Christian (24)

-New York Giants Official Program (Yankee Stadium)

New York Giants Profiles, Pro Football Handbook 1962

Allie Sherman (coach)

Erich Barnes

Roosevelt Brown

Don Chandler

Bob Gaiters

Frank Gifford

Rosey Grier

Sam Huff

Jim Katcavage

Jim Patton

Del Shofner

Y.A. Tittle

Joe Walton

Alex Webster

1962 New York Giants Topps Cards

Erich Barnes

Don Chandler

Frank Gifford

Jerry Hillebrand

Sam Huff

Jim Katcavage

Jim Patton

Andy Robustelli

Del Shofner

Y.A. Tittle

Joe Walton

Alex Webster

1962 New York Giants Team Photo

Erich Barnes

Reed Bohovich

Bookie Bolin

Roosevelt Brown

Ken Byers

Don Chandler

Jim Collier

Johnny Counts

Darrell Dess

Bob Gaiters

Frank Gifford

Rosey Grier

Ralph Guglielmi

Bob Hill

Jerry Hillebrand

Sam Huff

Charlie Janerette

Jim Katcavage

Ken Kavanaugh (assistant coach)

Phil King

Ed Kolman (assistant coach)

Greg Larson

Dick Lynch

Francis Marriott

Curtis Miranda

Dick Modzelewski

Joe Morrison

Jim Patton

Dick Pesonen

Jim Podoley

Andy Robustelli

Kyle Rote (assistant coach)

Tom Scott

Allie Sherman (head coach)

Del Shofner

Bob Simms

Zeke Smith

Jack Stroud

Joe Taylor

Y.A. Tittle

Mickey Walker

Joe Walton

Allan Webb

Alex Webster

Ray Wietecha

Bill Winter

John Yaccino

1962 New York Giants Profile Summary

Head Coach: Allie Sherman

QB Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14

QB Ralph Guglielmi (Notre Dame) 9

HB Bob Gaiters (New Mexico State) 35

HB Johnny Counts (Illinois) 46

HB Paul Dudley (Arkansas) 23

HB Sam Horner (VMI) 26

FB Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29

FB Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24

FL Frank Gifford (USC) 16

FL Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40

SE Del Shofner (Baylor) 85

SE Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88

TE Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80

TE Jim Collier (Arkansas) 84

C Ray Wietecha (Northwestern) 55

C Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53

G Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66

G Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62

G Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64

G Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60

T Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79

T Reed Bohovich (Lehigh) 73

T Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72

DT Rosey Grier (Penn State) 76

DT Dick Modzelewski (Maryland) 77

DT Chuck Janerette (Penn State) 72

DE Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81

DE Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75

MLB Sam Huff (West Virginia) 70

LB Tom Scott (Virginia) 82

LB Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31

LB Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado) 87

LB Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64

CB Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22

CB Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49

S Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20

S Alan Webb (Arnold) 21

S Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25

S Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40

K Don Chandler (Florida) 34

P Don Chandler (Florida) 34

1962 Yankee Stadium Program Advertisements 

-Allstate Insurance: You're in Good Hands with Allstate

-American Tobacco Company: Quality Products. Herberg Tareyton-Lucky Strike-Pall Mall-Tareyton. Tobacco is our middle name.

-Ballantine Beer: Golden Mellow

-Bloomingdale's University Shop

-Camel: Every Inch A Man's Smoke!

-Canada Dry Ginger Ale: Good Sports go for the Special Sparkle of Canada Dry Ginger Ale

-CBS2: See the Giants' Away Games on CBS2

-Chemical New York

-Chesterfield King $181,000 Sweepstakes! This is Pleasure Too Good to Miss

-Chevron: At the sign of Chevron we take better care of your car.

-Coca-Cola: Be really refreshed ... Enjoy Coke!

-Dant's 10 Year Old Charcoal Perfected Whiskey

-Drake's Cookies

-Ford: NCAA and NFL games are brought to you by Ford.

-Giant Coming Attractions at Yankee Stadium: October 28, Washington Redskins; November 4, St. Louis Cardinals; November 18, Philadelphia Eagles; December 9, Cleveland Browns; December 16, Dallas Cowboys. Tickets on sale now at the Advance Sale Window in the Main Lobby of the Stadium.

-Hotel Manhattan: Headquarters for Professional Teams in New York City

-Kinney System Rent A Car

-Madison Square Garden Basketball: Tuesday, NBA Doubleheader, St. Louis vs Chicago, Knicks vs Syracuse, Friday, Knicks vs Boston

-Madison Square Garden Hockey: Tonight, Rangers vs. Montreal, Next Sunday, Rangers vs. Chicago

-Marlboro: Why don't you settle back and have a full-flavored smoke? Paul Hornung: Green Bay halfback and 1961 NFL Player of the Year. Paul's a Marlboro Man all the way.

-Meadowfield Sports Wear: The All-Time Pro in Casual Sportswear

-Montgomery Ward

-New Pal: Adjustable Injector Razor

-Old Spice: with that Clean, Crisp, Masculine Aroma

-Ruppert: Ruppert people have a thirst for living!

-Schenley Reserve: After the game, enjoy the flavor of Schenley Reserve.

-Seagram's 7 Crown: The winning taste of Seagram's 7 Crown brings it's own special satisfaction to every kind of drink. After the game, say -Seagram's and be Sure

-Stahl-Meyer: These frankfurters are hickory smoked.

-United Air Lines: The Giants choose United Air Lines for team travel.

-Viceroy Filter Tip Cigarettes

-White Horse: The Dry Scotch, Delightful ... Because It's Dry

-White Rock: Season after Season ... She's New York's Best Girl

Other 1961 Giant Profiles

LEE GROSSCUP
Quarterback
No. 11
Utah

LEE GROSSCUP WRITES

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

is bound in shallows in miseries.

-Shakespeare

"Shakespeare didn't know pro football. Still the above from Julius Caeser might by translated into layman's tongue and given as a halftime 'fight talk.'

There is also a tide in the affairs of professional football players. Taken at the flood, this tide leads to dollar bills. Omitted, there is only 'wait until next year.'

Last season was one of those years for the New York Giants. But 1960 is now history. I think I speak for the Giant players when I say that 1961 is going to be different. Somehow third place doesn't suit our bunch.

I hope '61 will be better for me personally. Last year I spent most every Sunday afternoon talking on telephones. Prior to that I was on the 'taxi squad.'  I've absorbed a lot of football. Now that I've studied for so long, I'd like to take my final examinations.

People seem skeptical about our ball club. I keep hearing 'the Giants are too old.' True, our club has age, but we also have youth, and many more youngsters will be trying to earn a Giant uniform in training camp this year.

If the youngsters succeed, they will give a 'new look' to the club. If not, our veterans will still be pushed to greater heights. I know from our brief association with the members of our squad that we have men who are tremendous competitors.

People are always asking me how it feels to be playing behind a man like Charlie Conerly. It feels just like playing behind anybody else ... bad. As much as I admire Charlie for what he has been for the Giants, I still want his job. When training camp rolls around I'm going to give it all I have to win the starting quarterback spot.

I think I understand Charlie well enough now to know that he wouldn't want it any other way.

Lots of other young quarterbacks have tried the same thing. I'm trying without success. Perhaps I'll be more fortunate."

-Lee Grosscup, The Official New York Giants Newsletter, February 1961

"Maybe this is the year that quarterback Lee Grosscup 'comes of age.' Selected as the top draft choice in '59, he was carried on the practice squad, not seeing action until last year when he completed 11 passes for 144 yards. He is cool and confident, and throws a sharp pass for great distance"

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Lee Grosscup (11) begins his second official season with the Giants a long step closer toward being a well-rounded pro quarterback. The Giants drafted him No. 1 in 1959, trained him on their taxi squad that year and put him to work on a limited basis in 1960. One of the nation's top passers at Utah, Lee rates high in the Giants' future plans."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

PHIL KING

Halfback

No. 24

Vanderbitlt

"After three years of waiting in the wings, Phil King (24) is scheduled to get a full-scale shot at running the ball for the Giants. Six-foot-four, 220 pounds and fast, he has the natural qualifications to be a top-notch carrier. He catches passes well, too.

Vanderbilt captain in 1957, Phil was the Giants' No. 1 draft choice in 1958. He prepped for his big chance by filling capably at all three backfield posts."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

JIM PODOLEY

Halfback

No. 23

Central Michigan

"Newcomer Jim didn't stop for introductions on his way through the line last season. He just kept barreling his way for first downs and headlines. It was Jim's rushing and pass-catching which helped to make the Redskins a lot stronger."

-1958 Topps No. 121

"Jim had a slow season in 1958 due to injuries. He was the NFL's premier right half during his '57 rookie campaign. He's a strong, fast runner who could make the Skins an explosive unit.

Born in Mt. Morris, Michigan, Jim was a hurdler and a 9.6 100-yard man at Central Michigan."

- Pro Football Handbook 1959

"Jim caught 18 passes for two touchdowns and 282 yards in 1959 from his right halfback position. He averaged 4.6 per carry, gaining 38 yards on 18 rushes.

Considered the best right halfback in the NFL as a 1957 rookie, torn knee cartilage in '58 slowed him up a bit. Jim was an all-around track star and two-time decathalon winner of the Kansas Relays.

Born in Mt. Morris, Michigan, he's a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Force."

-1960 Pro Football Handbook

BOB GAITERS

Halfback
1st Round
New Mexico State
"The retirement of Frank Gifford has created a major void at left halfback. Expected to fill it is No. 1 draft choice Bob Gaiters, the New Mexico State sensation who was boss of all college ground-gainers in '60. A shifty runner who can power a line or skirt to the outside, his speed also makes him a dangerous pass receiver. Scouts are in agreement as to his vast potential and the Giants will be mighty relieved if he can pick up the ball-carrying slack."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Bob Gaiters promises to put a zip in the Giants' attack for '61.

The New Mexico State University brochure points out, among other items, that the school's physics department has one of the leading anti-missile research programs in the country.

This is not surprising when one considers that New Mexico State's athletic department has been specializing in the development of gridiron missiles, one of whom will be wearing a Giant uniform next season.

That would be, of course, Rapid Robert Gaiters.

Gaiters, one of the most sought-after collegiate backs in the nation, was acquired by the Giants in a last-minute deal with Washington during the annual draft meeting in December. New York traded Fred Hageman, Kansas center, to the Redskins and in return was allowed to pick in Washington's place in the second round of the draft.

Without a second's hesitation, Giants VP Wellington Mara said, 'We'll take Gaiters.'

In the opinion of most pro scouts, Gaiters has the equipment to become a great NFL running back. The 23-year-old from Santa Ana, Calif., is six feet tall and weighs 205. He has been clocked at 9.7 for the one hundred many times, making him one of the swiftest rookies to hit the league in years.

Because New Mexico State, located in Los Cruces, N.M., about 40 miles north of El Paso, didn't attract too much national attention, many of Gaiters' brilliant feats went unnoticed last year. But still, you can't argue with figures.

The NCAA major college statistics disclose that the Giants' rookie led the nation in rushing, was first in scoring and finished 11th in total offense.

In 10 games, Rapid Robert carried 197 times for 1,338 yards- or almost seven yards a pop! He also scored 23 touchdowns and seven PATs for a total of 145 points.

Gaiters was just one of the many fine rookie prospects acquired by the Giants in this year's draft."

-The Official New York Giants Newsletter, February 1961

ALEX WEBSTER

Fullback

No. 29

North Carolina State

Alex can play halfback or fullback, can carry the ball through the line or to the outside or can catch passes. He can be counted on when clutch yardage is needed.

This New Jersey native starred in the Canadian League for two years before donning the Giant blue. Selected All-Pro by both UPI and AP in his rookie season of 1955 and an AP All-Pro in 1956, Alex rushed for two touchdowns in New York's championship game victory in '56.

"One of the brightest Giant developments to date has been the apparent return of Alex Webster (29) to his former effectiveness as a running back after two injury-ridden seasons. When sound, Alex has few peers at getting the last inch a play has to offer.

He was one of the Giants' prime movers on the attack from 1955 through 1958. A North Carolina State product, Webster came to the Giants via Canada."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

JOE MORRISON

Running Back

"Joe Morrison (40) begins his third season with the Giants solidly established as the team's top all-purpose back. The 195-pound Cincinnati graduate, who does everything well, is slated to play on the wing in the revamped Giant attack. But he stands ready to move back behind the ball if needed.

Drafted No. 3 in 1959, Joe gained 747 yards by devious means as a pro freshman and made 713 from scrimmage last year."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

PETE HALL

End

1st Year 

Marquette

"Technically, Pete Hall (12) is a rookie, this being the first year the Giants have carried him on their in-season roster. Actually, Pete appeared on the scene last year and was carried on the Giants' 1960 taxi squad.

A quarterback at Marquette, Hall was converted to an offensive end this summer. It was an inspired shift. The position suits him and vice versa. He's tall, fast and has good hands."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

DARRELL DESS

Guard

No. 62

North Carolina State

Darrell is a guard with the strength and agility to lead interference and move any opposing tacklers. He was acquired by New York from Pittsburgh in 1959 in yet another smart trade by the  Giants.

A letterman in both football and wrestling at North Carolina State, Darrell is an off-season substitute teacher who plans to become a full-time teacher at the end of his playing days.

"Darrell Dess, drafted No. 11 by Washington in 1958, was acquired by the Giants in a 1959 deal with Pittsburgh. The New Yorkers mined a gem in getting the compact 235-pounder from North Carolina State.

He's the perfect running guard- fast enough to get out ahead and stay ahead of the backs on the wide plays and strong enough to bowl over any defender who is in the way."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

MICKEY WALKER

Guard

Free Agent 

Michigan State

"Another of the rising young players who have given the 1961 Giants a fresh look is Mickey Walker (65). This stalwart rookie from Michigan State has the makings of a crack offensive guard. At 225 pounds, he's a bit light for the position, but he minimizes this handicap by speed and the tigerish intensity with which he carries out his blocking assignments. He was signed as a free agent."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

LOU CORDILEONE
Offensive Tackle
No. 74
Clemson
"As a scholastic star in nearby Union City, New Jersey, Lou Cordileone dreamed of the day he'd play for the Giants. All this came true as a '60 rookie - he earned his spurs as a rugged offensive tackle who learned more in each game.
He was a fullback in high school and a tremendous blocking lineman at Clemson."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook


CHUCK JANERETTE
Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Penn State
"A three-sport star at Germantown (Penn.) High School, he earned four college football letters. Janerette was mentioned for All-American squads and played in the Copper Bowl and All-American Bowl. He was named to the 1960 College All-Star Game."

-1961Bell Brand No. 36

CLIFF LIVINGSTON
Linebacker
No. 89
UCLA
PRO'S PRO
"His brother Howie preceded Cliff to the Giants by a decade. No great shakes as a collegian, Cliff reported to New York as a free agent, was once on the taxi squad but now has come into his own as one of the swiftest linebackers in pro ball, great on goal line saves. At 31, he's been around long enough to know all the tricks.
The handsome Californian lives aboard his boat in the off-season and has done both modeling and TV work. A third brother tries out this season."

-Murray Olderman, All-Pro 1961 Football

"The Giants couldn't lick Cliff Livingston (89) so they joined him, to give a reverse twist to the success story of a dedicated football player. A brother of Howie Livingston, Cliff was signed as a free agent in 1954. For a couple of seasons, he hung on, by the skin of his teeth, as a spare. His firey play on the special units finally won attention and now he's solidly established at left linebacker."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

TOM SCOTT
Linebacker
No. 82
Virginia
With Harland Svare's playing days apparently at an end, Tom has shown himself ready for regular linebacker duty. He's a hard tackler who has had no difficulty making the switch from defensive end, where the former Virginia All-American twice achieved Pro Bowl status.


DICK LYNCH
Cornerback
No. 22
Notre Dame
In 1960 Dick continued to move into the upper tier of NFL cornerbacks as the feared Giant defense kept New York in contention late in the season. He made three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
A halfback on offense as a Notre Dame All-American, Dick scored five touchdowns as a senior.


ERICH BARNES
Cornerback
No. 49
Purdue
"No defensive back matured more quickly. A rookie in 1958, All-Pro mention in '59, that's the king-sized success story of this former track star.
Barnes paced the club in interceptions last season, nailing five and returning 67 yards. He can also be spotted at end, a position he sometimes handled at Purdue.
Barnes was born in Elkhart, Indiana."

-1960 Pro Football Handbook

"The Giants came up with this fine defender from the Bears to fill the corner position vacated by Lindon Crow. He calls himself Ee-rich and was a Chicago regular all three seasons there.
Barnes played his football at Purdue as an end, but the Bears saw his range, speed and willingness to mix it up, the perfect specifications of a defensive back. He had such a great season as a pro sophomore in 1959 that he was chosen for the Pro Bowl game. He also made the All-Pro team."

-1961 Fleer No. 73

DICK NOLAN

Safety

No. 25 

Maryland

"Dick Nolan (25) is in his third year of his second tour of duty with the Giant defensive unit. A No. 4 draft choice out of Maryland in 1954, the White Plains native was New York's regular right halfback through 1957. In 1958, he was traded to the Cardinals in the deal that brought Pat Summerall and Lindon Crow to the Giants.

They reacquired him in 1959 and he moved right back into the lineup, this time at left safety."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

GENE JOHNSON
Safety
No. 41
Cincinnati
"Gene got some championship flavor playing the defensive secondary for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He broke in with the Eagles as a rookie in 1959 after a solid career at Cincinnati.
In college, he played both end and halfback, leading to the suspicion that he could be tried as a pro receiver in a pinch. On defense, he's a rugged type, known as a sure tackler and a tenacious tracker of potential receivers."

-1961 Fleer No. 131


DON CHANDLER
Punter
No. 34
Florida
"The punting performance of Don Chandler dropped to a career low last year, all due to a season-long ailment. The Tulsa toe man had led the loop in '57 and was No. 2 in both '58 and '59. He was no better than 11th in '60, achieving a 40.5 average.
Don also surprised with a pair of dashes from punt formation, gaining 19 yards."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

CHANDLER

"The long-range punting of Don Chandler (34) has been an offensive and defensive asset to the Giants for six seasons. There's no more graceful kicker in the business than the 26-year-old Florida alumnus.

With seemingly no more than a flick of his toe, Don consistently sends the ball soaring on flights of 60 yards and upward. He's also a running threat from kicking formation and fills in capably at end."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

1961 Profile: Jim Katcavage

Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Underrated but seldom overlooked by opponents is Jim Katcavage, a defensive end whose injuries in '60 were particularly tough to take. He missed the last few games and the club felt his absence, especially on pass-rushing techniques. He has played defensive tackle, and has the ability to switch to the offensive line.
He's one of Dayton U.'s all-time stars.
Enemy passers are not among his admirers, so tenaciously does he hound them."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Jim's problem is that he joined the Giants in 1956, and so did another defensive wing- Andy Robustelli. For a decade Andy has been one of the great defensive figures in pro football, although at 33 he's in the twilight of his career. All-Star honors automatically settled on Robustelli while the Kat toiled in obscurity, the least known component of football's most famous defense unit. A native of Philadelphia who still lives and commutes daily to practice sessions in New York, Kat got his college at Dayton University, where his play as an offensive and defensive end was so outstanding that he was named to the All-America team in 1955 and drafted No. 4 by the Giants.
As a rookie, Jim worked right into a starting role and was so eager that he was a setup for traps as he penetrated into enemy backfields. His enthusiasm hasn't diminished (he's just 26 now), but with experience he learned when to charge full steam ahead and when to hold back for a guard pulling out to nail him on the blind side. Right now, without much fanfare, he's as good as any performer on the Front Four, though he's never made an 'all-' team."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"Jim Katcavage (75) has quietly developed into one of the NFL's most destructive defensive ends. The 6 foot 3 inch Dayton graduate has been a fixture on the left flank of the four-man Giant rush line since 1957, after a freshman season of utility work. He's a tirelessly powerful crasher who delights in making life miserable for opposing passers."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

1961 Profile: Pat Summerall

Place Kicker
No. 88
Arkansas
"Still among the most solvent among placement kickers is Pat Summerall, whose 71 points led the club in scoring.
Starting his career with the Lions, he went to the Cardinals, who dealt him to the Giants in '58.
A great pass-catching college end, Pat teaches high school between seasons in Lake City, Florida."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Sam Huff, the Giants' ebullient defensive star, gave the foot in football quite an accolade. Ruminating on his team's near miss last season, he said, 'I think we've come to depend too much on Summerall's field goal kicking. We're too inclined to feel, 'Well, if worst comes to worst, we'll let Pat do it.''
That wasn't empty talk. In mid-season the Giants had one streak of 144 minutes and 33 seconds without scoring a touchdown yet lost only once. This was the team that won the Eastern Division title. In the playoff it led the Colts into the fourth quarter, and every New York point (9) scored had come on Summerall field goals. Over the season Pat's toe was the actual difference between first and second place.
The year before, the Giants would never have topped their division if Summerall hadn't kicked a prodigious 49-yard field goal through the driving snow in the final minute to beat Cleveland, 13-10.
Once the art of placing began and ended with Lou ('The Toe') Groza of the Browns, but the years have taken their toll, and during the winter Cleveland took the radical step of securing Sam Baker, a combination punter-place kicker, from Washington. Lou's pre-eminence has been usurped by Summerall.
In the pro game, kicking is a specialized art. Groza tempted fate by doubling as an offensive tackle; when he was with Chicago, Summerall did his share as a defensive end. Since coming to the Giants in a trade two years ago, however, Pat has saved almost all his foot for point making and agrees he's better off not playing. 'You get tired,' he nods. 'The old leg loses its zip late in the game and the goal posts look 100 yards away when you're standing on the 30.'
In '59 a fresh Summerall booted three field goals from 49 yards out. Altogether he had 20 three-pointers in 29 attempts, three in the playoff, and kicked 31 conversions without a miss, giving him a grand total of 100 points for the season."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"No team can hope to function effectively in the NFL without a top-flight place-kicker. The Giants are well-fixed in this department, thanks to Pat Summerall (88). The big Arkansan, acquired from the Cardinals in a 1958 trade, has split the uprights with 46 of 79 field goal tries and booted 91 of 93 extra points in three seasons as a Giant.

Previously, he played with the Lions and Cardinals."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program

1961 Profile: Roosevelt Brown

Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Morgan State
"Tremendous strength and immediate get-away speed help make Roosevelt Brown an All-Pro and a superlative offensive tackle who's also used defensively on goal line stands. He usually leads the club downfield on kickoffs.
He was a college wrestling titleholder at Morgan State."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Rosey is proof positive of the opportunities in pro football. A real 'sleeper,' he was drafted 27th in 1953 without any advance scouting. He came to camp as a raw specimen, but the battering a rookie takes didn't discourage him. By 1956, he was the top offensive lineman in the league.
Rosey is a superb downfield blocker, faster than most of the backs. When the Giants go into goal line stands, he comes onto the field to play defense."

-1961 Fleer No. 71

"When it comes to clearing a hole for a ball carrier, Roosevelt is your man. He's great at crashing through a fort of opposing players."

-1961 Topps No. 88

SPEED, POWER- ALL  IN 260 POUNDS
"Roosevelt Brown is the man on the spot for the New York Giants. When the goal line is threatened, he gets the call, and in his regular offensive tackle spot, he is charged with obliterating any opponent in the ball carrier's way.
An offensive tackle has a generally thankless job in pro ball. When Conerly or Unitas passes, the fan in the upper tier isn't nudging his neighbor and saying, 'Did you see the way Brown (or Parker) held off that defensive end?' Yet without the key pass-protection blocking provided by a tackle, the entire aerial game breaks down.
The average offensive tackle doesn't even get the kick of running with the backs, as does a guard who pulls out of the line for escort service. Fortunately for Rosey Brown, he's not average. This 260-pounder with the V-torso and the 32-inch waist is so fast that the Giants design wide plays in which the tackle pulls out, and there's not a lineman in the league who can excel him in barreling downfield and eliminating secondary defenders.
There's another bonus for Rosey in the way the Giants use him, and it's revealed when you ask him for his biggest moment of the 1960 season. 'Holding San Francisco for four downs in a goal-line stand in the opening game,' answers Brown.
Now that doesn't sound like the stuff that comes within the province of an offensive tackle, but Rosey is the kind you use in any emergency. This was the situation: the Forty-Niners trailed 21-17 with the clock running out when quarterback Y.A. Tittle slammed 19 yards on a keeper down to the Giant five and a first down. A quick smash brought it to the one.
Off the Giant bench, at the motion of coach Jim Lee Howell, trotted big No. 79. Sam Huff, No. 70, one of the NFL's defensive stars, left the field and Roosevelt Brown took his place in the middle. Twice more the San Francisco line heaved against the Giant defense and budged it a couple of precious feet. On fourth down, inches to go, the game hanging in the balance, Tittle slipped the ball to J.D. Smith, one of the hardest runners around, on a straight dive. Brown tunneled under the San Francisco blockers, straightened up to form an impenetrable mass and Smith was stopped straight in his tracks.
Brown has performed that kind of defensive feat in the clutch since 1956 when the Giants won the title and he was the outstanding tackle in the game. If his blocking weren't so valuable, Rosey would be an All-Pro playing anywhere on the defensive line. As it is, he doesn't lack activity. When the Giants kick off, he's out there with the 'kamikaze' boys seeing that the return is held to a minimum. When the Giants punt, he's the first downfield to cover.
He's an uncomplaining player, and that's why he made the club. Brown is one of the real bargains of pro football history. At the 1953 draft meeting, the Giants came to their 27th pick undecided about their choice. Wellington Mara, their personnel chief, remembered that a fellow named R. Brown of Morgan State (Maryland) had been named to the Negro All-American team. At a strapping 6-3, he looked like a pretty good gamble.
When he came into camp, the Giants saw a 20-year-old kid who didn't know how to take the proper stance, get off on the right foot or block with technique, and he was still a bit scrawny at 215 pounds. Arnie Weinmeister was their All-Pro defensive tackle, and Rosey was pitted against him in a scrimmage. The veteran ate him up. But after the bruising exchanges, when everyone else had gone in to shower, Rosey, bedraggled by the buffeting, had stayed on the field, running around the track. Such persistence was bound to impress the coaches.
Rosey made the team. He played, but he wasn't much at first. By 1956, however, he was voted Offensive Lineman of the Year, and the Giants knew they had a great one. After eight full seasons, he's still a comparative youngster at 28. 'He simply obliterates them,' explains Columbia coach Buff Donelli. 'He's so fast and strong, he doesn't have to worry about blocking angles and that kind of stuff.'
Brown says the kick of pro ball for him is 'the chance to play against some of the greatest athletes of our time.' Rosey Brown is one of them."

-Murray Olderman, Sports All-Stars 1961 Pro Football

"A mountain of a man, and certainly the most valuable offensive tackle in pro football, Roosevelt Brown represents a longshot gamble that has paid rich dividends to the New York Giants. Upon Rosey's graduation from Morgan State in 1953 and his being named to the Negro All-American team that year, the Giants drafted him in the 27th round and signed him to a contract.
'Quite frankly,' says former Giant coach Jim Lee Howell, 'we were getting down to the end of our draft picks and stabbing in the dark. We opened a copy of the Pittsburgh Courier and looked at the pictures of the Negro All-Americans. Rosey's picture caught our attention. We knew nothing about him but his size and dimensions (six feet-three inches, 245 pounds) were impressive, so we decided to take a chance on him. He was green as grass when he arrived in our training camp but made the starting lineup that first season. By the end of the third year, he began to develop as a potential star.'
And since then, Roosevelt Brown has set a new standard of NFL offensive line play, maturing into a perennial all-leaguer and Pro Bowl performer. Big and strong, Rosey is deceptively fast as well, which explains his standout ability as a downfield blocker. He also plays defense as a member of the Giants' goal line unit.
Hailing from Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was born on October 20, 1932 and where he started playing football as a 13-year-old high school freshman, Rosey today lives in Teaneck, New Jersey with his wife. In the off-season he works as a salesman for a national beer company."

-Who's Who in Pro Football (1961 Edition)

"Roosevelt Brown (79), now in his ninth season with the Giants, has been a model performer at offensive left tackle for eight years. A 27th-round draft choice in 1953, Rosy ranks as one of the most inspired 'deep dip' finds in Giant history.

The 6 foot 3 inch, 225-pound Morgan State graduate has the speed of a halfback, blocks with shattering impact and is a key goal-line defender."

-1961 Official New York Giants Program