JIM CHEYUNSKI
Middle Linebacker
No. 50
Syracuse
"Football players have been known to be discovered in pretty remote places, but Jim Cheyunski was discovered in a gas station. It seems Rommie Loudd of the Boston front office stopped off for gas at a place called Ace's in West Bridgewater, Mass., and was impressed by the size of the young man at the pump. He asked if the boy ever played any football and found out that he did play for the local high school team, and also that he was Ace's son.
Loudd and the Patriots kept tabs on Cheyunski after that, and when he came out of Syracuse University they picked him in the draft- on the twelfth round. He didn't figure to see much duty at linebacker as a rookie last season, but when regular Nick Buoniconti was kayoed by a knee injury, the 6-2, 200-pound Cheyunski was inserted in his place. In one three-week span he was credited with making 37 tackles."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"A third-year man who replaced the great Nick Buoniconti after Buoniconti was injured in 1968, Cheyunski won possession of the middle linebacking job last year.
He was discovered in Ace's Gas Station in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, by Rommie Loudd, then a scout and now the Patriots' player personnel director. While Cheyunski was pouring gas into the tank of Loudd's car, Rommie looked at his 220 pounds of solid muscle and asked if he ever played football. He had indeed, on the local high school team. Loudd kept tabs on him, watching him through Syracuse University; then the Patriots picked him as their twelfth-round draft choice.
Because of him, the club was able to trade Buoniconti to Miami last year. Now Rush considers Cheyunski every bit as good as Buoniconti if not better."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Jim became a Patriot linebacker in 1968, and in his first start he made 16 tackles against the Chiefs. He set a club mark with 136 tackles in 1969. He's a durable performer."
-1973 Topps No. 458
DICK CUNNINGHAM
Middle Linebacker
No. 63
Arkansas
"Plagued by injuries the past few seasons, Dick was the fourth draft selection of the Bills in 1966. He's played well at middle linebacker and has seen duty at tackle and guard.
At Arkansas, Dick lettered at tackle for three years after being a freshman fullback. He was an All-Southwest Conference selection in 1965."
-1973 Topps No. 417
MIKE STRATTON
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"Mike has the greatest longevity with the Bills, joining the club in 1962. Considered one of pro football's best blitzing linebackers, he was selected All-AFL three times."
-1973 Topps No. 388
DAVE WASHINGTON
Linebacker
No. 86
Alcorn A&M
"Dave joined the Bills in a 1972 trade with the Broncos in exchange for linebacker Al Andrews. He has good size and speed, and has also seen kickoff return and tight end action."
-1973 Topps No. 42
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