1971 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

FRANK MARCHLEWSKI

Center

No. 57

Minnesota

After being selected by Atlanta from Los Angeles in the expansion draft, Frank was the regular center for the Falcons during their first two years in the NFL, starting all 14 games both years. He was acquired by the Bills from the Saints before the 1970 season and started 13 games for Buffalo.

Frank is a good blocker on passing plays and was helpful to the outstanding passing of Dennis Shaw last season. He can pivot swiftly after the snap and has deadly precision when stopping a blitz.

JOE O'DONNELL

Guard
No. 70
Michigan
"The Bills' offensive team captain, Joe O'Donnell has been Buffalo's starting right guard since 1966 except for '68 when a knee injury kept him on the sidelines. A determined and strong pass blocker, the 6-2, 262-pounder is a top-rated pulling guard.
He attended Michigan on an academic scholarship and was on the Big Ten Academic Team in '63 and '64. At Michigan, Joe earned a degree in biology. Both Green Bay and Buffalo drafted him in 1964."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Joe returned to his starting right guard berth in 1969 after being sidelined all of 1968 with a leg injury. A love-for-the-game guy, Joe is a  determined blocker.

He attended Michigan on an academic scholarship and was on the Big Ten Academic Teams in 1963 and 1964. Captain of his 1964 team, he played fullback, guard and tackle in three varsity seasons and played in the Shrine East-West Game, the Hula Bowl and the Coaches All-America Game.

Joe was drafted by both the Bills and Packers in 1964. He played in the AFL Championship Games following the 1964, '65 and '66 seasons and played in the 1965 AFL All-Star Game.

Joe is co-owner of a beverage company."

-1971 Topps No. 4

JIM REILLY

Guard

No. 61

Notre Dame

Whether moving out of the line to convoy O.J. or pass blocking for Shaw, Jim is the kind of valuable yet unsung player every team with playoff aspirations must have. He's a young man strong enough to lift the largest defensive tackles off the ground.

At Notre Dame, Jim was a tackle for three years. He was named their most valuable lineman in 1969 and was also an Academic All-American. He played in both the Coaches All-America and College All-Star games.

PAUL COSTA

Offensive Tackle

No. 79

Notre Dame

"A former starting tight end who is even better at tackle. Costa may become an All-Star in his new position. He plays the rugged right side of the line but held his own against the likes of Bubba Smith, Rich Jackson and Deacon Jones in 1970.

Costa caught 102 passes from 1965-68, then was switched over when John Rauch came along. Position jumping is not new to him as he was a tackle and end on offense and defense and a halfback at Notre Dame.

He owns a beverage company with teammate Joe O'Donnell. He's married and has a son, Paul, Jr. Paul Sr. was born the day Pearl Harbor was bombed."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

HOWARD KINDIG

Offensive Tackle

No. 54

Los Angeles State

"Signed by the Bills as a free agent in 1967, Howard started as a defensive end, moved to center and then tackle when he joined Buffalo. A defensive starter with the Chargers in 1966, his added weight has helped increase his strength in recent seasons.

Howard attended Moberly (MO) Junior College before entering the Marine Corps in 1961 and attending Los Angeles State following his discharge. He was All-Marine Corps in 1962 and was chosen as Little All-America, All-Coast and All-California Collegiate Athletic Association at Los Angeles State.

Howard also participated in basketball and track in junior college and has done academic work at Louisiana State. He majored in biology."

-1971 Topps No. 33