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 has steadily become one of the premier punters in the NFL. As a rookie, he averaged 39.8 on 68 attempts was named to the All-NFL Rookie team by UPI, Pro Football Weekly and the PFWA [Pro Football Writers of America]. In his second season, Dave upped his average to 40.9 and led the NFL in kicking out of bounds inside the 20-yard line, and last year upped his average again, this time to 41.3 on 74 punts and was named second-team All-NFL by UPI.
He's had big days against arch-rivals Washington and Dallas in his three seasons. Jennings punted seven times for a 53.1 average against Dallas in 1975 and six times for a 48.0 average against them in 1974. Last year in two games against the Redskins, he averaged 49.0 on 14 punts.
Dave was a basketball star at St. Lawrence and became the team's punter after a walk-on at practice. He lettered for three seasons, averaged 41.7 and won All-Conference honors.
David Tuthill Jennings was born in New York City and played his high sports (but not football) at Garden City High School on Long Island. He lives in Woodbridge, Connecticut, is a diehard Boston Celtic fan and is a third cousin of Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk. Dave began work as a sportscaster this past off-season at WNHC Radio in New Haven, Connecticut."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Sunday, May 20, 2018
1977 Profile: Ralph Hill
Center
No. 52
Florida A & M
"Hill was another of the former Memphis Southmen signed as free agents in 1976 by the Giants. He proved to be a tough competitor, not only at center but on special team units and was voted to the UPI's All-Rookie team at center at season's end. He also snapped on punts and place kicks. Appearing in 14 games in 1976, Ralph was the starting center for two seasons with Memphis of the World Football League.
Ralph earned three varsity letters at Florida A & M as a center and was named Outstanding Lineman his senior year. He also won a second-team All-Conference berth that same season.
Ralph Edward Hill was born in Chicago and was a high school gridder at Forrestville High School in Chicago."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 52
Florida A & M
"Hill was another of the former Memphis Southmen signed as free agents in 1976 by the Giants. He proved to be a tough competitor, not only at center but on special team units and was voted to the UPI's All-Rookie team at center at season's end. He also snapped on punts and place kicks. Appearing in 14 games in 1976, Ralph was the starting center for two seasons with Memphis of the World Football League.
Ralph earned three varsity letters at Florida A & M as a center and was named Outstanding Lineman his senior year. He also won a second-team All-Conference berth that same season.
Ralph Edward Hill was born in Chicago and was a high school gridder at Forrestville High School in Chicago."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Sunday, May 6, 2018
1977 Profile: John Hicks
Guard
No. 74
Ohio State
"Another in the line of Woody's fat tackles, Hicks was made into a pro guard. He's wide enough to play two positions in the line. Harder to move than the Chrysler Building, Hicks is the one solid force in the Giants' offensive line. He's a genuine All-Pro type but has yet to achieve that stature. It could happen this year if the Giants get off the schneid.
Born in Cleveland, Hicks was a two-year All-American at Ohio State, winning both the Outland and Lombardi trophies. The Giants' first draft pick in 1974, Hicks became the first lineman in 20 years to win NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Hicks likes drag racing as a hobby- he's so big he has to drag in a limousine."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The No. 1 draft pick of the Giants in 1974, Hicks more than lived up to great expectations. First, he won himself a starting job at right guard and performed with distinction for 14 games. At season's end, the honors heaped upon him [sic]. He was named to the All-NFL Rookie team by UPI, AP, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America, and then was named the NFC's Offensive Rookie of the Year by UPI- the first offensive lineman ever to win that distinction in the 20 years of the poll.
Big, strong and agile, he excelled in all phases of the game: pass blocking, leading the sweeps or in straight-ahead blocking. In 1975, Hicks played in all 14 games and continued his stellar performances. He won the Vitalis Man of the Year Scholarship award at season's end.
Hicks was again the starting right guard in all 14 games in 1976 and finished high in the balloting for top offensive lineman honors in the Seven Crowns of Sport voting at season's end.
Hicks won just about every honor available at Ohio State. A three-year letterman, he was an All-American for two years, won both the Outland and Lombardi Trophies and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to John Cappelletti of Penn State. Hicks played in the Rose Bowl three times and was also named Player of the Year by the Sporting News in 1973.
John Charles Hicks was born in Cleveland, Ohio and played his high school sports at John Jay High School in that city. He's related to NFL players Tommy Hart and Frank and Elijah Pitts. He lists music and drag racing among his favorite hobbies and is active in the Catholic Big Brothers program."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 74
Ohio State
"Another in the line of Woody's fat tackles, Hicks was made into a pro guard. He's wide enough to play two positions in the line. Harder to move than the Chrysler Building, Hicks is the one solid force in the Giants' offensive line. He's a genuine All-Pro type but has yet to achieve that stature. It could happen this year if the Giants get off the schneid.
Born in Cleveland, Hicks was a two-year All-American at Ohio State, winning both the Outland and Lombardi trophies. The Giants' first draft pick in 1974, Hicks became the first lineman in 20 years to win NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Hicks likes drag racing as a hobby- he's so big he has to drag in a limousine."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The No. 1 draft pick of the Giants in 1974, Hicks more than lived up to great expectations. First, he won himself a starting job at right guard and performed with distinction for 14 games. At season's end, the honors heaped upon him [sic]. He was named to the All-NFL Rookie team by UPI, AP, Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America, and then was named the NFC's Offensive Rookie of the Year by UPI- the first offensive lineman ever to win that distinction in the 20 years of the poll.
Big, strong and agile, he excelled in all phases of the game: pass blocking, leading the sweeps or in straight-ahead blocking. In 1975, Hicks played in all 14 games and continued his stellar performances. He won the Vitalis Man of the Year Scholarship award at season's end.
Hicks was again the starting right guard in all 14 games in 1976 and finished high in the balloting for top offensive lineman honors in the Seven Crowns of Sport voting at season's end.
Hicks won just about every honor available at Ohio State. A three-year letterman, he was an All-American for two years, won both the Outland and Lombardi Trophies and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting to John Cappelletti of Penn State. Hicks played in the Rose Bowl three times and was also named Player of the Year by the Sporting News in 1973.
John Charles Hicks was born in Cleveland, Ohio and played his high school sports at John Jay High School in that city. He's related to NFL players Tommy Hart and Frank and Elijah Pitts. He lists music and drag racing among his favorite hobbies and is active in the Catholic Big Brothers program."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
1977 Profile: Bob Hammond
Running Back
No. 33
Morgan State
"Hammond was originally signed as a free agent by the Giants in 1975 and was very impressive as a return man in preseason games. He was released, however, and then signed by the New Orleans Saints in 1976. Waived by the Saints, Bob was again signed by the Giants late last season and saw action as a return man and special team player in the last two games of the year.
He was an all-purpose back at Morgan State, winning three letters there as a running back, a kickoff and punt return specialist, and a receiver.
Robert Hammond was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, then moved to New York City where he was an All-City standout in football at Bayside High School in Queens."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 33
Morgan State
"Hammond was originally signed as a free agent by the Giants in 1975 and was very impressive as a return man in preseason games. He was released, however, and then signed by the New Orleans Saints in 1976. Waived by the Saints, Bob was again signed by the Giants late last season and saw action as a return man and special team player in the last two games of the year.
He was an all-purpose back at Morgan State, winning three letters there as a running back, a kickoff and punt return specialist, and a receiver.
Robert Hammond was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, then moved to New York City where he was an All-City standout in football at Bayside High School in Queens."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, March 17, 2018
1977 Profile: Jack Gregory
Defensive End
No. 81
Delta State
"A former All-Pro who has achieved senior citizen status. Almost old enough to play for George Allen, Gregory was never better than in his first season with the Giants, 1972, when he led the NFL in sacks with 21 and was named All-Pro. He has been good, but not quite that good since. He probably has one outstanding year left in him, and the Giants could use it this season. Heck, the Giants could use anything.
Born in Okolona, Mississippi, where he still lives and raises cattle, his father, Jack Sr., played with the Cleveland Rams in the early '40s. Jack Jr. started college at Chattanooga and finished at Delta State. The Browns drafted him ninth in 1965 as a future. Gregory started for four years at Cleveland for four years before the trade."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The Giants obtained Gregory from the Cleveland Browns in 1972 for a No. 1 draft choice after he had played out his option with the Browns. He had a banner season in 1972, leading the NFL in quarterback sacks with 21, being named first-team All-NFL by both UPI and the Pro Football Writers and going to the Pro Bowl.
In 1973 and 1974, Jack tailed off in his performances to nine and 11 sacks respectively, with many of his problems due to the critical illness of his infant son and the constant medical care. In 1975, with the youngster well again, Gregory responded with still another banner campaign. He played in all 14 games and looked like the Gregory of 1972, coming up with 15 individual quarterback sacks, numerous blocked passes and a fumble recovery. Last year, Jack had another solid season, playing in 11 games before he went down with a knee injury against Denver and missed the final three games of the year.
He now has 64 sacks in five seasons with the Giants, one of the leading totals in the NFL over that span. Jack was a No. 9 choice of the Browns as a future in 1965 and was a four-year starter for Cleveland, winning All-AFC honors and Pro Bowl designation in 1970.
Gregory began his collegiate career at Chattanooga University as a defensive tackle and a defensive end, then transferred to Delta State where he concluded his collegiate career as a two-way end.
He was born in Okolona, Mississippi and excelled at all sports at Okolona High School. His father, Jack Sr., played pro football with the Cleveland Rams in the early 1940s. Jack still resides in his hometown with his wife and young son on a large ranch where he raises cattle, cotton and soybeans."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 81
Delta State
"A former All-Pro who has achieved senior citizen status. Almost old enough to play for George Allen, Gregory was never better than in his first season with the Giants, 1972, when he led the NFL in sacks with 21 and was named All-Pro. He has been good, but not quite that good since. He probably has one outstanding year left in him, and the Giants could use it this season. Heck, the Giants could use anything.
Born in Okolona, Mississippi, where he still lives and raises cattle, his father, Jack Sr., played with the Cleveland Rams in the early '40s. Jack Jr. started college at Chattanooga and finished at Delta State. The Browns drafted him ninth in 1965 as a future. Gregory started for four years at Cleveland for four years before the trade."
-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"The Giants obtained Gregory from the Cleveland Browns in 1972 for a No. 1 draft choice after he had played out his option with the Browns. He had a banner season in 1972, leading the NFL in quarterback sacks with 21, being named first-team All-NFL by both UPI and the Pro Football Writers and going to the Pro Bowl.
In 1973 and 1974, Jack tailed off in his performances to nine and 11 sacks respectively, with many of his problems due to the critical illness of his infant son and the constant medical care. In 1975, with the youngster well again, Gregory responded with still another banner campaign. He played in all 14 games and looked like the Gregory of 1972, coming up with 15 individual quarterback sacks, numerous blocked passes and a fumble recovery. Last year, Jack had another solid season, playing in 11 games before he went down with a knee injury against Denver and missed the final three games of the year.
He now has 64 sacks in five seasons with the Giants, one of the leading totals in the NFL over that span. Jack was a No. 9 choice of the Browns as a future in 1965 and was a four-year starter for Cleveland, winning All-AFC honors and Pro Bowl designation in 1970.
Gregory began his collegiate career at Chattanooga University as a defensive tackle and a defensive end, then transferred to Delta State where he concluded his collegiate career as a two-way end.
He was born in Okolona, Mississippi and excelled at all sports at Okolona High School. His father, Jack Sr., played pro football with the Cleveland Rams in the early 1940s. Jack still resides in his hometown with his wife and young son on a large ranch where he raises cattle, cotton and soybeans."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Saturday, March 3, 2018
1977 Rookie Profile: Jerry Goldsteyn
Quarterback
12th Round
Northern Illinois
"Goldsteyn was the No. 12 draft choice of the Giants in 1976 and was in the midst of a sparkling preseason when he suffered a knee injury in practice during the final week of the preseason, underwent surgery and was lost for the year. Before the injury, however, Jerry had looked like a veteran quarterback in a trio of preseason wins over Houston, Pittsburgh and Green Bay. He had put 21 points on the board in one period against the Oilers, including a touchdown pass, sparkled against the Steelers in a 17-0 win with another touchdown throw and led a comeback 20-16 win over the Packers. Fully recovered, Jerry worked every week during the off-season.
He played four seasons at Northern Illinois, was team captain in both 1974 and 1975 and team MVP in 1975, and won All-Mid-American Conference honors as well as All-Conference academic laurels.
Jerry Mark Goldsteyn was born in West Allis, Wisconsin and was an all-around athlete at West Allis Central High School. He has five brothers- Jim, Jeff, Jon, Joel and Jay- and is married to the former Nancy Kopperud. Jerry worked on the Giants' Speakers Bureau during this past off-season."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
12th Round
Northern Illinois
"Goldsteyn was the No. 12 draft choice of the Giants in 1976 and was in the midst of a sparkling preseason when he suffered a knee injury in practice during the final week of the preseason, underwent surgery and was lost for the year. Before the injury, however, Jerry had looked like a veteran quarterback in a trio of preseason wins over Houston, Pittsburgh and Green Bay. He had put 21 points on the board in one period against the Oilers, including a touchdown pass, sparkled against the Steelers in a 17-0 win with another touchdown throw and led a comeback 20-16 win over the Packers. Fully recovered, Jerry worked every week during the off-season.
He played four seasons at Northern Illinois, was team captain in both 1974 and 1975 and team MVP in 1975, and won All-Mid-American Conference honors as well as All-Conference academic laurels.
Jerry Mark Goldsteyn was born in West Allis, Wisconsin and was an all-around athlete at West Allis Central High School. He has five brothers- Jim, Jeff, Jon, Joel and Jay- and is married to the former Nancy Kopperud. Jerry worked on the Giants' Speakers Bureau during this past off-season."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
Monday, February 19, 2018
1977 Profile: Walker Gillette
Wide Receiver
No. 84
Richmond
"Gillette came to the Giants on waivers from the Cardinals on cutdown day in 1974 and proved to be as fine an addition as anyone on the club. He won a starting job at wide receiver halfway through the '74 season when Don Herrmann was injured, and through the second half of the campaign was the top target for Craig Morton. Walker finished the year with 29 receptions for 466 yards and three touchdowns, with 28 of those catches coming in the final seven games. He almost had sweet revenge against St. Louis when he caught a 17-yard touchdown pass to put the Giants up 21-20 in the final minute of play, but Jim Bakken's field goal in the final three seconds pulled it out for the Cardinals.
In 1975, he was a starter all season long and became the club's top receiver with 43 catches for 600 yards, a 14.0 average and two touchdowns. Walker had another good day against the Cardinals with six catches for 100 yards and one of his touchdowns. In 13 games last year, his totals fell off considerably as he had but 16 catches for 263 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Walker was originally a No. 1 draft choice of the San Diego Chargers in 1970 but saw only limited duty there with 12 catches in two seasons. He was traded to St. Louis in 1972 for Dave Williams and had his best season that year when he grabbed 33 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He had 20 catches in 1973, including a 48-yard touchdown against the Giants.
Gillette was an All-American at Richmond, winning three varsity letters and appearing in the College All-Star game as well as the East-West Game and Hula Bowl. His collegiate totals showed 158 catches for 2,649 yards.
Walker Adams Gillette was born in Norfolk, Virginia and starred at Southampton High School there. His father, Jim, played in the NFL with Washington, Green Bay and the Cleveland Rams."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
No. 84
Richmond
"Gillette came to the Giants on waivers from the Cardinals on cutdown day in 1974 and proved to be as fine an addition as anyone on the club. He won a starting job at wide receiver halfway through the '74 season when Don Herrmann was injured, and through the second half of the campaign was the top target for Craig Morton. Walker finished the year with 29 receptions for 466 yards and three touchdowns, with 28 of those catches coming in the final seven games. He almost had sweet revenge against St. Louis when he caught a 17-yard touchdown pass to put the Giants up 21-20 in the final minute of play, but Jim Bakken's field goal in the final three seconds pulled it out for the Cardinals.
In 1975, he was a starter all season long and became the club's top receiver with 43 catches for 600 yards, a 14.0 average and two touchdowns. Walker had another good day against the Cardinals with six catches for 100 yards and one of his touchdowns. In 13 games last year, his totals fell off considerably as he had but 16 catches for 263 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Walker was originally a No. 1 draft choice of the San Diego Chargers in 1970 but saw only limited duty there with 12 catches in two seasons. He was traded to St. Louis in 1972 for Dave Williams and had his best season that year when he grabbed 33 passes for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He had 20 catches in 1973, including a 48-yard touchdown against the Giants.
Gillette was an All-American at Richmond, winning three varsity letters and appearing in the College All-Star game as well as the East-West Game and Hula Bowl. His collegiate totals showed 158 catches for 2,649 yards.
Walker Adams Gillette was born in Norfolk, Virginia and starred at Southampton High School there. His father, Jim, played in the NFL with Washington, Green Bay and the Cleveland Rams."
-1977 New York Giants Media Guide
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