1962 Profiles: Willie West and Joe Cannavino

WILLIE WEST
Cornerback
No. 47
Oregon
Always dangerous on pass defense, Willie brings his elusive maneuvers to the Buffalo secondary this year.
Last year he returned 11 punts 98 yards, an 8.9 average, and returned 16 kicks for 340 yards, a 21.3 average. On opening day last year against the Giants at Yankee Stadium, Willie recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter for the first score of the game.


JOE CANNAVINO
Cornerback
No. 27
Ohio State

"Another strong defender is Cleveland's Joe Cannavino, who was a Colt draft choice in 1957. Joe, 25, returned four interceptions 45 yards and was particularly effective at halting runners anxious to break into the open."

-1961 Pro Football Handbook

"Back to Buffalo comes Joe Cannavino, originally drafted in 1960 by the Bills who shipped him on to Oakland. The Cleveland-born defender will scrap for a defensive halfback job, aiming at proving his value as a cornerman. He was the Raiders' most valuable at stealing passes (5) in 1961. Joe has the speed and quick-hitting stride to fit in with the offensive unit as a halfback or flanker."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The Bills gave up corner back Vern Valdez in a trade with the Raiders for the former Ohio State star. Originally signed by the Bills in 1960, he was sent to Oakland under the AFL's player selection agreement with the newly admitted Oakland franchise.

He's a tough, hard hitting defender who could play offense in a pinch. His two interceptions helped OSU win a 10-7 1958 Rose Bowl thriller over Oregon State."

-1962 Buffalo Bills Official Program, War Memorial Stadium