Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"A 13th round draft choice in 1965, Spider has been a starter in the defensive secondary since his rookie year, initially at left corner and for the last eight years at free safety. The defensive captain of the Giants, he rates as one of the premier free safeties in the NFL. He's an aggressive, intelligent and instinctive player who has proven virtually indestructible despite his slender size and the all-out way he plays.
Spider had his best season, statistically, in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Named to the All-NFL Eastern Conference team that year, he has also been named to the Pro Bowl team twice. His 40 career interceptions ranks him third on the all-time Giant list behind Emlen Tunnell and Jimmy Patton, and he shares the club record for most interceptions in a game (3). Spider also doubled as a punt return man for seven years and had 62 returns for 314 yards and a 5.1 average. And he's also doubled as a punter during his fine career!
A two-way player for three seasons as a flanker and a defensive back at North Texas State, he also had a 4.0 rushing average as a runner and a 40.0 punting average. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting for two years and also lettered in baseball and track.
Spider was born in Dallas into a family of seven children and starred at Hamilton Park High School in Dallas. He's now made his home in the New York area where he works for Bache & Co. in the off-season. An extremely popular speaker, he stays busy with appearances year round."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
1975 Profile: Doug Kotar
Running Back
No. 44
Kentucky
"Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica during training camp and became an almost instant celebrity, 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.
He 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.
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.
Doug was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 44
Kentucky
"Signed as a free agent by the Steelers, Doug came to the Giants in a minor trade for free agent quarterback Leo Gasienica during training camp and became an almost instant celebrity, 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.
He 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.
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.
Doug was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and was an all-around star at Canon-McMillan High School in his hometown."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
1975 Profile: Brian Kelley
Linebacker
No. 55
California Lutheran
"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.
Last year, 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. 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.
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 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."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 55
California Lutheran
"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.
Last year, 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. 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.
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 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."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, September 13, 2015
1975 Profile: Ron Johnson
Running Back
No. 30
Michigan
"In his five-year career with the Giants, Ron has been one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and is well on his way to rewriting the Giants record book in rushing. A No. 1 draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1969, he had 472 yards rushing there in his rookie season, then came to the Giants in the key 1970 trade for Homer Jones. Ron hit 1,027 yards his first year with the Giants to set a club one-season record and led the Giants to a 9-5 season, making All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
In 1971, thigh and knee injuries sidelined him for all but two games, but in 1972 Ron came back for another banner year, rushing for 1,182 yards and again winning All-Pro and Pro Bowl designations. In 1973, despite missing three games with injuries, he added another 902 yards rushing. Then last year he ran into more injury problems- a hamstring pull, a knee injury and a broken hand- and as a result had only 218 yards rushing during the year.
He already holds club marks for most touchdowns in one game (four); rushing yardage in one season (1,182); and rushing attempts in one season (298) and is closing in on all of the other career rushing marks as well. Ron's 14 touchdowns in '72 led the NFC, and that same year his 41 combined attempts in one game set an all-time NFL mark.
Ron was an All-American at Michigan and set several rushing records there, including 2,240 career yards to erase Tommy Harmon's previous mark. He set an NCAA one-game record with 347 yards rushing against Wisconsin and was the Big-10 MVP in 1968 and Michigan MVP in both 1967 and '68.
Ron was born in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School in the Motor City. He earned a B.S. degree in business administration with a major in finance and has worked in that field during off-seasons. His older brother Alex is an outfielder with the Yankees and a former American League batting champion."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 30
Michigan
"In his five-year career with the Giants, Ron has been one of the premier running backs in the NFL, and is well on his way to rewriting the Giants record book in rushing. A No. 1 draft choice of the Cleveland Browns in 1969, he had 472 yards rushing there in his rookie season, then came to the Giants in the key 1970 trade for Homer Jones. Ron hit 1,027 yards his first year with the Giants to set a club one-season record and led the Giants to a 9-5 season, making All-Pro and the Pro Bowl.
In 1971, thigh and knee injuries sidelined him for all but two games, but in 1972 Ron came back for another banner year, rushing for 1,182 yards and again winning All-Pro and Pro Bowl designations. In 1973, despite missing three games with injuries, he added another 902 yards rushing. Then last year he ran into more injury problems- a hamstring pull, a knee injury and a broken hand- and as a result had only 218 yards rushing during the year.
He already holds club marks for most touchdowns in one game (four); rushing yardage in one season (1,182); and rushing attempts in one season (298) and is closing in on all of the other career rushing marks as well. Ron's 14 touchdowns in '72 led the NFC, and that same year his 41 combined attempts in one game set an all-time NFL mark.
Ron was an All-American at Michigan and set several rushing records there, including 2,240 career yards to erase Tommy Harmon's previous mark. He set an NCAA one-game record with 347 yards rushing against Wisconsin and was the Big-10 MVP in 1968 and Michigan MVP in both 1967 and '68.
Ron was born in Detroit and starred at Northwestern High School in the Motor City. He earned a B.S. degree in business administration with a major in finance and has worked in that field during off-seasons. His older brother Alex is an outfielder with the Yankees and a former American League batting champion."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Friday, September 11, 2015
1975 Profile: Dave Jennings
Punter
No. 13
St. Lawrence
"Signed by the Giants as a free agent in August 1974 after he had been cut by the Houston Oilers, Jennings battled incumbent Tom Blanchard for the punting job through the preseason campaign and won himself a job as Blanchard was waived and subsequently picked up by New Orleans.
In his first appearance for the Giants, Jennings averaged 44.6 on seven punts against the Redskins, and in a 14-6 win over Dallas two weeks later punted six times for a 46.0 average on high boomers to keep the Cowboys pinned in their own territory. He finished the year with a 39.8 average on 68 attempts with two blocked, and did well on angling his kicks. Dave was named to the All-NFL Rookie team as the punter by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers.
Dave did not play high school football at Garden City High School in Garden City, New York, but got into it at St. Lawrence where he was a basketball letterman. He earned three varsity letters as a punter and had a 41.7 average in college, winning All-Conference honors.
Dave was born in New York City and now lives in Connecticut. He worked one summer at the Sheraton Park Plaza Hotel, is a diehard Boston Celtic fan and is a third cousin of Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 13
St. Lawrence
"Signed by the Giants as a free agent in August 1974 after he had been cut by the Houston Oilers, Jennings battled incumbent Tom Blanchard for the punting job through the preseason campaign and won himself a job as Blanchard was waived and subsequently picked up by New Orleans.
In his first appearance for the Giants, Jennings averaged 44.6 on seven punts against the Redskins, and in a 14-6 win over Dallas two weeks later punted six times for a 46.0 average on high boomers to keep the Cowboys pinned in their own territory. He finished the year with a 39.8 average on 68 attempts with two blocked, and did well on angling his kicks. Dave was named to the All-NFL Rookie team as the punter by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers.
Dave did not play high school football at Garden City High School in Garden City, New York, but got into it at St. Lawrence where he was a basketball letterman. He earned three varsity letters as a punter and had a 41.7 average in college, winning All-Conference honors.
Dave was born in New York City and now lives in Connecticut. He worked one summer at the Sheraton Park Plaza Hotel, is a diehard Boston Celtic fan and is a third cousin of Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
1975 Profile: Larry Jacobson
Defensive Tackle
No. 75
Nebraska
"Larry was one of the Giants' two picks in the first round of the 1972 draft after winning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy in his senior year at Nebraska. 'Jake' came to the Giants' camp after the College All-Star Game and won himself a starting spot at tackle as a rookie and turned in a superb season. He had six solo quarterback sacks, recovered a fumble and won a game ball for a particularly fine day against Denver.
In 1973, he missed most of the preseason with a foot injury and appeared in only nine games in the regular season, getting a quarterback sack. Last year, he was used mainly in a reserve role appearing in 11 games.
Jacobson was a unanimous All-American selection at Nebraska in his senior year in addition to winning the Outland Trophy. He starred in the Orange Bowl games of 1970 and 1971 and was also named to the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star units. An accounting major, he also won academic honors at Nebraska.
Larry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was an All-State selection in both football and basketball at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He lists hunting as his favorite hobby."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 75
Nebraska
"Larry was one of the Giants' two picks in the first round of the 1972 draft after winning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy in his senior year at Nebraska. 'Jake' came to the Giants' camp after the College All-Star Game and won himself a starting spot at tackle as a rookie and turned in a superb season. He had six solo quarterback sacks, recovered a fumble and won a game ball for a particularly fine day against Denver.
In 1973, he missed most of the preseason with a foot injury and appeared in only nine games in the regular season, getting a quarterback sack. Last year, he was used mainly in a reserve role appearing in 11 games.
Jacobson was a unanimous All-American selection at Nebraska in his senior year in addition to winning the Outland Trophy. He starred in the Orange Bowl games of 1970 and 1971 and was also named to the Senior Bowl and the College All-Star units. An accounting major, he also won academic honors at Nebraska.
Larry was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was an All-State selection in both football and basketball at O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls. He lists hunting as his favorite hobby."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
1975 Profile: Honor Jackson
Cornerback
No. 22
Pacific
"Jackson was a No. 9 draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, then was part of the trade that sent Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots temporarily. Jackson, however, remained with the Patriots but was inactive in 1971. He appeared in 14 games in 1972 and had four interceptions for 133 yards returned. He came to the Giants on waivers in 1973 after playing seven games with the Pats and got into two games with New York. This past year, he played in 11 games, mostly as a special team player.
Honor starred at Marin Junior College, then moved on to Pacific where he was a wide receiver, winning All-League honors. He also lettered in track as a dashman with a 9.5 in the 100 and 21.2 in the 220.
Jackson was born in New Orleans but grew up in Mill Valley, California where he starred at Tamalpais High School. He's worked as a youth counsellor in off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 22
Pacific
"Jackson was a No. 9 draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1971, then was part of the trade that sent Duane Thomas to the New England Patriots temporarily. Jackson, however, remained with the Patriots but was inactive in 1971. He appeared in 14 games in 1972 and had four interceptions for 133 yards returned. He came to the Giants on waivers in 1973 after playing seven games with the Pats and got into two games with New York. This past year, he played in 11 games, mostly as a special team player.
Honor starred at Marin Junior College, then moved on to Pacific where he was a wide receiver, winning All-League honors. He also lettered in track as a dashman with a 9.5 in the 100 and 21.2 in the 220.
Jackson was born in New Orleans but grew up in Mill Valley, California where he starred at Tamalpais High School. He's worked as a youth counsellor in off-seasons."
-1975 New York Giants Media Guide
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