1979 Profile: Sherman White

Defensive End
No. 83
California
"Sherman tank. Built to destroy, but has practiced self-destruction most of his pro career. The second player taken in the entire 1972 draft, by Cincinnati, he hasn't come close to All-Pro or even a Pro Bowl. White shouldn't feel alone: Walt Patulski, Dave Butz and John Matuszak haven't either.
He wasn't a particular favorite of Bengals' majordomo Paul Brown and was traded to the Bills in 1976. White has been a starter all three of his years in Buffalo.
The sleeping giant may have awakened in 1978, having probably his best year as a pro. He might hit his peak this autumn.
Born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, White was an All-American at California after having played just two games of football in high school."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

1979 Profile: Keith Moody

Kick Returner-Cornerback
No. 46
Syracuse
"Buffalo was past the point of no returns when it drafted Moody 10th in 1976. One year later he finished fourth in the NFL bringing back punts, including club records for return average, 13.1, and the longest return, 91 yards- also the longest in the league that season.
One-year flash? Forget it. Moody returned last year with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown, tying the Jets' Bruce Harper for the longest return in the league. Moody and Harper had identical 12.6 return averages, second in the NFL to Denver's Rick Upchurch.
Moody was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. A star defensive back at Syracuse, he backs up Mario Clark at left cornerback for the Bills."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

1979 Profile: Tony Greene

Free Safety
No. 43
Maryland
"A second-story man who makes his living in the fall by stealing- 36 interceptions in seven pro seasons, including a pair of nines (1974 and 1977). A charmer with his smile, a player throughout- one of those 'where-do-you-want-me-play, coach' types.
Greene started with the Bills as a cornerback, then switched to free safety. He has played hurt; one year it looked like Tony couldn't play because of a knee injury, but he came back to the secondary when he couldn't walk without limping.
Born in Bethesda, Mareyland, he was a defensive back and sprinter at Maryland and signed with the Bills as a free agent. Greene holds the Buffalo record with a 101-yard interception return in 1976. He has played in two Pro Bowls."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"A co-holder of a Bills club record with three interceptions in one game, October 30, 1977, Tony has sure hands. Tony was the Bills' Man of the Year in 1976."

-1979 Topps No. 118

1979 Profile: Mario Clark

Cornerback
No. 29
Oregon
"Heady, steady ... Chuck Knox's description of Clark, entering his fourth year as a Bills' starter. He never has been a looker-on: he started all four years at Oregon, too.
Clark led Buffalo in interceptions last year with five. He has 14 interceptions in three pro seasons, with a high of seven in '77. This surpasses his college mark of 13.
He's one of the NFL's best young corners but may not get the recognition due him unless the Bills' woeful defense improves. Clark is a very good cover man who likes the challenge of man-to-man coverage, otherwise known as me-and-you, Jack.
Born in Pasadena, but if he wanted to play in a Rose Bowl in his hometown, he should have gone to USC or UCLA. Much closer, too."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"The Bills' leading interceptor in 1978, Mario has started 43 of 44 games since joining the club in 1976. He tied a Bills record in 1977 with interceptions in four straight games.
One of Mario's majors at Oregon was architecture."

-1979 Topps No. 404

1979 Profile: Reggie McKenzie

Guard
No. 67
Michigan
"The other half of perhaps the league's finest guard pair. Only Bob Kuechenberg and Larry Little in Miami would be close.
Mac has played in 101 straight games dating back to 1972 when Buffalo made him its second draft pick. Mac and Joe D. are all that's left from the Electric Company, Buffalo's offensive line in the heyday of O.J. Simpson. Reggie was the juice's main man in Buffalo. Chuck Knox believes he will have his best year in 1979.
Born in Detroit, McKenzie was an All-American at Michigan. He's interested in politics, and also in pulchritude: he married Miss Massachusetts of 1974. He does charity work for the Bills and likes music, reading and racquetball."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"Reggie's string of consecutive games, which dates to his rookie campaign of 1972, now stands at 101 straight contests as he enters the 1979 season. He has earned All-Pro and All-Conference honors during his career in Buffalo and he won the Wisconsin Pro Football Writers' Award as the NFL's Top Blocking Lineman during 1973.
Reggie has worked in public relations for a hotel."

-1979 Topps No. 468

1979 Profile: Joe DeLamielleure

Guard
No. 68
Michigan State
"Consensus All-Pro for the fourth straight season, even without O.J. to block for anymore. Terry Miller should buy Joe D. and Reggie McKenzie steak dinners whenever they ask. Joe D. had a preseason knee injury but didn't miss a game and now has played in 87 consecutive games for the Bills. He's built more like a duplex than an apartment building but, technically, is as fine a blocker as there is in the game.
Born in Detroit, Joe comes from a family of 10 children. He was a tremendous college lineman at Michigan State, the Bills' second first-round pick in 1973 and an instant starter in the pros. Joe works in a bank in the off-season and is part-owner of a restaurant."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"Joe is a consensus All-Pro selection who has established himself as one of the most outstanding guards in pro football. A perennial Pro Bowl participant, Joe has started every game for the Bills for the past six seasons.
Joe earned invitations to the North-South and Senior Bowl Games after his college career. He spent one winter working in a sheriff's office."

-1979 Topps No. 190

1979 Profile: Reuben Gant

Tight End
No. 88
Oklahoma State
"Reuben G., Reuben G., just how good will you ever be? The answer could be this season.
Gant played three years behind Paul Seymour when the latter was needed as a blocking tight end for O.J. Simpson. O.J. left last year and so did Seymour. Gant had the job to himself for the first time and caught 34 passes for 408 yards (12.0) and five touchdowns. He caught 41 the year before as a reserve but for only two scores. The Bills are waiting for him to explode, and he will once the overall offense is stable again.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gant blocked for most of his college career at Oklahoma State. He was drafted No. 1 by the Bills in 1974.
Reuben likes to ride horses in the off-season- after breaking them."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"A strong receiving threat from the tight end position for the Bills, Reuben enjoyed his best game for the club on November 6, 1977. He caught seven passes for 97 yards in a win against the Patriots.
Reuben looks toward a career in broadcasting."

-1979 Topps No. 358

1979 Profile: Bob Chandler

Wide Receiver
No. 81
USC
"Caught 44 passes, his lowest total in four years, but his 13.2 yards per catch was right around his career average. Captain of the NFL's All-Unsung team, Chandler caught 220 passes in four years but has never played in a Pro Bowl.
Perry Mason with a waistline; he will soon have a law degree after applying himself during the off-season. Born April 24, 1949, in Long Beach, California, Chandler has that Surf City look.
The player of the game in USC's 1970 Rose Bowl victory over Michigan when he scored the game's only touchdown, Chandler is a natural athlete who was a quarterback as a USC freshman. He was also on the track team and is a fine golfer.
Chandler runs precise passing patterns, relying on quickness and sure hands."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"Bob currently ranks second to Elbert Dubenion in all receiving categories on the Bills' all-time list of pass catchers.
He attends law school during the off-season"

-1979 Topps No. 292

1979 Profile: Joe Ferguson

Quarterback
No. 12
Arkansas
"Watched Rome burn all around him while playing first fiddle for six years in Buffalo. Had a great offensive line to protect him at one time, not so great anymore. Same with his receivers and running backs. But Joe plays on.
'Like any quarterback, Joe will improve when he has a better surrounding cast,' says coach Chuck Knox. 'I'm not talking simply about the offense. When the defense can stop people, it won't put such a tremendous burden on the offense, the quarterback in particular. Joe's got a great arm and had some great games for us.'
Born in April 23, 1950, Alvin, Texas, Ferguson was one of Arkansas' great quarterbacks. He was sixth in the AFC in passing last year and fourth in touchdown passes (16)."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"Ferguson has always been a passer. An underrated quarterback, he has had the misfortune of playing for some outmanned Buffalo Bills teams. With a virtual cast of youngsters and marginal players, Ferguson still finished among the top 10 in NFL quarterback ratings (10th), completing 53% of his passes. With his better supporting cast in 1979, Ferguson could come up a big winner."

-Joel D. Blumberg, Football Forecast 1979

"Joe has moved into second place on the Bills' all-time list in all passing categories.
He threw four touchdown passes in one game against the Patriots on November 23, 1975.
Joe hopes someday to be a coach."

-1979 Topps No. 23

1979 Profile: Terry Miller

Running Back
No. 40
Oklahoma State
"Instant offense. Miller rushed for 1,060 yards as a rookie, re-juicing the Bills' attack after O.J. left. Second to Earl Campbell in the Heisman race of '77 after two straight All-American years at Oklahoma State, some scouts believe that Miller will remain an effective pro longer than Campbell.
Miller's 1,060 was the sixth best ever by an NFL rookie, although accomplished in 16 games. He was one of 11 to crack 1,000 in the NFL last year. He did most of it in the second half of the season after a slow start, common for a rook. Miller's 208 yards rushing against the Giants was the league high.
He also caught 22 passes in '78 to top Bills' running backs.
Born January 7, 1956, in Columbus, Georgia, he has a college degree in finance."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"One of the NFL's finest rookies in 1978, Terry became a 1,000-yard rusher during his initial campaign. The Bills' leading rusher last season, he ranked fifth in the AFC in that category.
Terry was a consensus All-America pick. He was also the Colorado schoolboy champ in the 60, 100 and 200-yard dashes."

-1979 Topps No. 511

1979 Profile: Chuck Knox

Head Coach
"Went to Buffalo- anything to get away from the late Carroll Rosenbloom. Knox produced five divisional titles in five years in Los Angeles but never made the Super Bowl, which turned off Rosenbloom.
A deal was arranged where Knox would get a promotion in Buffalo- football coach AND vice-president in charge of football operations. In other words, he runs the whole show. He didn't do too badly in his first year,  winning five games, or exactly the amount Buffalo had won over the previous two seasons.
The 47-year-old Knox didn't do too badly at the draft table, either, getting running back Terry Miller and defensive tackle Dee Hardison, now starters. With a slew of picks from the 49ers for O.J. Simpson, he should fatten the Bills' roster with talent.
Knox is a great organizer and teacher, a no-nonsense type whose only rap has been conservativeness."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

1979 Buffalo Bills Outlook

1979 Buffalo Bills Team Directory

President: Ralph Wilson

Vice-President, Football Operations-Head Coach: Chuck Knox

Vice-President-General Manager: Stew Barber

Vice-President: Patrick McGroder

Vice-President, Public Relations: L. Budd Thalman

Home Field: Rich Stadium (80,020)

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1979 Edition)

OFFENSE
"The Bills' running game isn't bad with Terry Miller, Curtis Brown and Roland Hooks, who had long runs of 60, 58 and 66 yards respectively. But Brown weighs 203 pounds, which may weigh him down over 16 games if he continues to return kicks, pound through the middle of the line and also block for Miller. Brown certainly stood out last year, helping Miller rush for 1,060 yards and picking up 591 yards (4.6 average) himself.
Quarterback Joe Ferguson could use a burner at wide receiver to open up the Buffalo offense more. Bob Chandler is a tremendous technical receiver and ex-Steeler Frank Lewis had personal highs last year with 41 receptions and seven touchdowns. But Coach Chuck Knox doesn't consider either a deep threat. Maybe young Len Willis, the former Ohio Stater who was injured last year, could be that man. Reuben Gant has come on at tight end and is headed for his best year.
The line still has Joe DeLamielleure and Reggie McKenzie at guards. Willie Parker is the center, with Ken Jones and Joe Devlin the tackles. Devlin is becoming one of the better tackles in the AFC. Remember, Miller didn't do it alone."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

DEFENSE
"All together now: what defense? Certainly not against the rush, where Buffalo was last in the AFC with a 201-yard average. The front four of Ben Williams, Mike Kadish, Dee Hardison and Sherman White didn't frighten anyone. However, Phil Dokes had Kadish beat out until an injury and Hardison was thrown in as a rookie. Scott Hutchinson, also a first-year player in '78, could start this year ahead of either Williams or White. Knox would like to see his Bills cut 50 yards off their rushing yield- to make games fair.
Buffalo's pass defense ranked No. 1 but had a league-low 317 passes attempted against it. Since the Bills were giving up an astronomical 4.8 yards per rushing carry, who needed to throw? Buffalo's linebackers include the transient Tom Graham in the middle and Shane Nelson and Lucius Sanford on the outside. The secondary isn't weak by any means despite the way it earned its No. 1 ranking. Mario Clark, five interceptions, is a strong right corner and Tony Greene a capable free safety. Charles Romes had a good first year at corner, including an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown, longest in the AFC."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

KICKING GAME
"Curtis Brown returned a kickoff 102 yards and Keith Moody brought a punt back 82 yards, the longest punt return in football. Tom Dempsey drilled 10 of 13 field goal attempts in his latest re-emergence. Rusty Jackson's punting average dropped with the thermometer; he finished at 38.8. B-r-r-r-r."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

THE ROOKIES
"The Bills got rich- or at least richer- with Ohio State linebacker Tom Cousineau, the first player taken in the draft, and Clemson wide receiver Jerry Butler, the fifth. Boston College middle guard Fred Smerlas will also help that porous Bills defense inch towards respectability."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

OUTLOOK
"The Bills offense is good enough to win 10 games, but their defense is capable of losing more. Chuck Knox has lots of draft picks to build the future with. The future certainly isn't now for Buffalo, which will live in the cellar of the strong AFC East. Bring blankets, Chuck."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"When the Buffalo Bills open their season against the Miami Dolphins on September 2, the mathematical odds will be in favor of coach Chuck Knox's outfit. On a hunch that a team that loses to the same opponent 18 straight times, just HAS to win sometime, the oddsmakers could almost give Buffalo some kind of an edge- something about the law of averages. Those 18 consecutive victories, two of which came last season, established a new NFL record for an all-time winning streak against the same opponent. So, how long can a string like that continue? A long time, maybe.

Except for the Dolphins, Buffalo doesn't meet up with any 1978 playoff-caliber teams [except New England on November 4] until the season's last four games. Then they tackle New England, Denver, Minnesota and Pittsburgh in that order, with the Broncos supplying the only home game. By that time, the Bills should know what the immediate future has in store for them if, by chance, they can survive that formidable four-game gauntlet.
As the Buffalo fans prepare for another season without O.J. Simpson, some interesting statistics have surfaced- figures that may indicate the shape of better things to come. The final total of five Buffalo victories in 1978, for instance, equaled the total number of victories for both 1976 and 1977. If that fails to start the adrenalin flowing, consider this: last season Buffalo lost seven of its games by margins of a touchdown or less. And for the first time since 1975, somebody else besides the Bills finished the season as cellar-dwellers in the AFC East.
The positive thinking factors don't stop there. The club's offensive production was up by 239 yards, even its overall offensive ratings in the NFL turned up slightly. The rushing yardage was especially encouraging, since it showed an increase of more than 500 yards over '77, with the NFL ranking improving from 18th place to 10th.
The biggest plus, however, would seem to be the club's defense against the pass. Here the Bills ranked at the very top of the NFL, permitting a per-game average of only 122.5 yards. Even so, those figures may be deceptive since NFL ball-carriers found Buffalo's defensive unit the easiest one to run through last season. In that department, the Bills ranked at the very bottom of the NFL- in 28th place- by allowing the opposition an average of 201.8 yards rushing per game.
But what about Buffalo's passing game and Joe Ferguson's receivers? Says coach Knox: 'Bob Chandler and Frank Lewis give us two excellent outside receivers, but our need is for a 'burner,' a speed merchant who can give us a deep threat. Lou Piccone provides a measure of depth and an added dimension with his blocking and performance on the special teams. Then, four receivers are coming off the injured reserve- John Holland, Len Willis, Willie Zachery and Dan Fulton. We had great hopes for Fulton in particular but he reported late last year, then he had foot problems that kept him out of practice all season.'
One problem that kept the Buffalo defensive unit off balance the first half of last season was the absence of defensive tackle Mike Kadish, the club's best defensive lineman. With Kadish out, and middle linebacker a weak spot, opposing ball-carriers found the going easy through the center of Buffalo's line. In fact, word got around that Buffalo probably had the weakest defensive middle in the league. Two first-rate rookies, linebacker Lucius Sanford and tackle Dee Hardison, tried to plug the gap as best they could, but it was rough going until Kadish finally settled a contract dispute with the front office and returned to action.
Terry Miller is going to be part of the Buffalo scene for years to come. In late November, he became only the fourth NFL rookie ever to rush for 200 or more yards in a game. He rolled 208 against the New York Giants with the Bills winning, 41-17. The three previous 200-yard rookies were Tom Wilson of Los Angeles, 1956; Cleveland's Jim Brown, 1957; and the incomparable Tony Dorsett of Dallas in 1977.
Will the Buffalo fans get used to the idea that O.J. is no longer around to make the big play? With Terry Miller in the lineup, they might, but still, the feeling lingers that there's only one Orange Juice. Knox recently revealed the reasons why he felt it necessary to send O.J. packing to San Francisco. It seems team morale was a factor.
'On a team that won two games one year and three the next,' said Knox, 'how do you justify giving $733,000 to one guy while the guy next to him gets $33,000?'"

-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1979

OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Ferguson set club passing records in 1977, but he couldn't match up to that performance in '78. This was reflected in Buffalo's ranking in team passing which was 12th in the AFC, with an average output of 140.5 yards per game.
Indestructible Bill Munson enters his 16th NFL season a young 38, his arm still effective when needed. He threw 43 times last season and completed 24 for a 55.8 average and four touchdowns. David Mays called a few plays but didn't impress that much.
Running Backs: Miller is the start of this company. He became the 10th rookie to gain a thousand yards when he ran for 123 against Baltimore in the season finale. His final total was 1,060. Even so, Curtis Brown turned in the best average yardage gain per carry with 4.6, slightly better than Miller's 4.5. Brown gained 591 yards on 128 attempts.
Mike Collier was on injured reserve and Steve Powell saw little action. Dennis Johnson showed some form as a rookie and may yet supply Knox with a powerful Miller-Johnson tandem.
If youth and yards are the same, this unit should travel far.
Receivers: Five members of this unit were injured reservists in '78- Fulton, Holland, Shipp, Willis and Zachery. Chandler fell short of 50 receptions for the first time since 1974 but still led Buffalo receivers with 44. A bad knee kept him out of three games. His sidekick Lewis caught 41 for his best year ever and may silence some critics who think the Bills should have a speed burner in his position. Reuben Gant caught 34 while Miller pulled in 22 running patterns from the backfield.
Interior Linemen: Buffalo ranked 13th among the 14 AFC clubs in the final total offense rankings, averaging 289.4 yards per game. This could indicate the aging of veterans such as Reggie McKenzie, Joe DeLamielleure and Willie Parker- or it might mean that young players like Ken Jones and Joe Devlin are not developing fast enough. Or both.
Devlin, Phil Olsen, Eric Smith and Connie Zelencik were injury-prone, with only Devlin seeing action.
Some observers believe the Bills need a bigger and stronger center than Parker as well as a tackle. Jones had some embarrassing moments last season in the first Jets game. He was caught holding four times, causing the recall of two long pass completions from Ferguson to Gant as the Bills lost, 20-21.
Kickers: Tom Dempsey did whatever was asked of him, making good on 36 of 39 PATs and 10 field goals out of 13 attempts. Five field goals were made from 30 or more yards out and he was perfect from up to 29 yards. The trouble was that the Bills didn't get close enough often enough to make field goals a viable scoring alternative. Or that touchdowns were needed most.
Rusty Jackson's punts averaged nearly 39 yards, with one going for 70 yards."

-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1979

DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: Buffalo allowed its opponents a total of 3,228 yards rushing last season. None of the other clubs were that generous. In fact, it was a bad year for Buffalo's defense on the ground, but in the air it was different. Much different. There, the Bills topped the entire NFL in defense against the pass, allowing opponents only 122.5 aerial yards per game. Even so, the Bills tied the Jets for the league's lowest number of quarterback sacks- a mere 22 which indicates a lack of pass-rushing capability in the line.
Kadish, the club's best defensive lineman, was unavailable for about eight games because of a contract dispute. Hardison starred at tackle all season and did fairly well. There's hope that Scott Hutchinson will prove a good end in time.
Linebackers: Lucius Sanford distinguished himself in his rookie year, so much so that his teammates considered any all-rookie team a joke if it didn't name him. Sanford also blocked two field goals in one game against Kansas City. Not bad for a 4th round draft choice.
Some critics think the middle linebacker spot could be in better hands than those of Tom Graham and Randy McClanahan. It isn't easy to please everybody.
Defensive Backs: This unit did much to put Buffalo's pass defense at the league's top. Although interceptions totaled only 14, opposing passers found it hard to find a suitable target in the secondary.
Mario Clark led the club's interceptors with five, while Tony Greene and linebacker Shane Nelson came up with three each. These defenders helped during a dreary defensive year for Buffalo, and they could again."

-Herbert M. Furlow, The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1979

"Another bountiful collegiate draft brought a ton of young talent to the Buffalo roster, all but ensuring continued progress in the club's rebuilding program. Chuck Knox has breathed new life into what had been a downtrodden franchise and expects to field an exciting, if inexperienced, football team in '79.
Knox went to the draft to improve a defense that had the worst record against the run (4.8-yard average yield/23 touchdowns) in the conference and came away with some blue-chippers who might allow him to switch to a 3-4 alignment. The top pick, All-American middle linebacker Tom Cousineau (6'3/228) of Ohio State, and second-round choice Jim Haslett (6'2"/225) of Indiana (PA) are outstanding athletes capable of stepping right into the linebacker unit which includes All-Rookie right linebacker Lucius Sanford and hustling left linebacker Shane Nelson. Randy McClanahan and Tom Graham are inside linebacker reserves while Dan Jilek, Tom Ehlers and Mario Celotto figure as outside backer subs.
A front wall that registered only 22 sacks was comprised of left end Ben Williams (6'3"/ 246), aggressive soph left tackle Dee Hardison (6'4"/270), standout right tackle Mike Kadish (6'2"/272) and right end Sherman White (6'5"/250), with soph end Scott Hutchinson (6'4"/245) and tackle Phil Dokes (6'5"/255) the key backups. Nose tackle Fred Smerlas (6'2"/260) of Boston College, a relentless and strong athlete, and Ken Johnson (6'3"/245) of Knoxville, a quick pass rusher, should provide competition for starting assignments.
A competent secondary unit has standout Mario Clark (five interceptions) and Charles Romes working the corners, with Keith Moody and Eddie McMillan as their reserves. Capable Doug Jones and brilliant Tony Greene will be joined by hard-hitting Bill Simpson, who came over in a preseason deal with the Rams. Steve Freeman and soph Marvin Switzer are holdover subs. All-American Jeff Nixon of Richmond is a super safety prospect and punt returner while Rod Kush of Omaha (Nebraska) seems suited for corner duty.
Knox prefers a conservative run-oriented offense and will again lean heavily on his gifted trio of ball carriers: explosive Terry Miller who darted for 1,060 yards (seven touchdowns) from tailback, shifty fullback Curtis Brown (591 yards) and swing reserve Roland Hooks (358). Backup fullback Dennis Johnson (222), Steve Powell and Mike Collier complete the backfield.
The run lanes are opened by All-Pro right guard Joe DeLamielleure  (6'3"/248) and longtime left guard partner Reggie McKenzie (6'5"/245) plus tackles Joe Devlin (6'5"/254), Ken Jones (6'5"/252), Elbert Drungo (6'5"/264) and center Willie Parker (6'3"/245). Well-regarded rookie tackle Jon Borchardt (6'5"/245) of Montana State and guard Mike Burrow (6'4"/260) of Auburn join key reserve guard Bill Adams, tackle Eric Smith and center Will Grant to add depth.
Mobile quarterback Joe Ferguson responded well to Knox's discipline, cutting his interceptions from 24 in 1977 to 15 in 1978 while passing for 16 touchdowns and 2,136 yards. Rookie Dan Manucci (Kansas State) will compete with veteran Bill Munson and David Mays for backup quarterback jobs.
Key receiver Bob Chandler managed 44 receptions (five touchdowns) despite constant double coverage which should be alleviated this year by the addition of super-talented wide receiver Jerry Butler of Clemson, who was rated the top college flanker by most NFL scouts. Frank Lewis (41 receptions, seven touchdowns) will be the swing reserve, with John Holland, Len Willis, Danny Fulton, Willie Zachary, Lou Piccone and Larry Walton battling it out for the remaining wide receiver jobs. Reuben Gant (34 receptions, seven touchdowns) is set at tight end where Mike Franckowiak and Joe Shipp serve as emergency reserves.
Veteran place kicker Tom Dempsey converted 36 of 38 extra points and 10 of 13 field goal attempts for 66 points while punter Rusty Jackson posted a 38.8 average on 87 attempts. Versatile Keith Moody was outstanding returning punts at a 12.6-yard clip while also averaging 20.6 on kickoff runbacks. Curtis Brown and rookie Nixon will assist Moody on the return teams this season.
Steady improvement can be expected by the youthful Bills as their young players gain game experience, but the high-powered AFC Eastern Division, unfortunately, offers little chance for advancement. The Bills appear at least a year away from playoff-contending status.
'79 Forecast: 5th Place"

-Football Forecast 1979, published by Lexington Library, Inc.

"Many NFL insiders felt that in addition to tabbing Cousineau, the Bills had the best draft of the league's 28 teams. Buffalo got nine of the first 118 players available and most of them were quality personnel.
The first pick, Cousineau, came in the trade with the San Francisco 49ers in which O.J. Simpson went to San Francisco a year ago. They also picked up a fourth-round pick in the same deal- and started the fourth round with the selection of defensive end Ken Johnson of Knoxville.
In between Cousineau and Johnson, the Bills, on their own, picked up four other players. They were Jerry Butler, a wide receiver from Clemson, Fred Smerlas, a defensive tackle from Boston College, Jim Haslett, a well-scouted college linebacker prospect from Indiana (PA), and Jon Borchardt, an offensive tackle from Montana State."

-Norm MacLean, Football Forecast 1979

1979 BUFFALO BILLS ROSTERS

1979 Bills Preseason Veteran Roster

Head Coach - Chuck Knox

Assistant Coaches: Tom Catlin, Jack Donaldson, Steve Moore, Elijah Pitts, Ray Prochaska, Kay Stephenson, Jim Wagstaff, Willie Zapalac

60 Bill Adams (G) Holy Cross 

52 Doug Becker (LB) Notre Dame

47 Curtis Brown (RB) Missouri 

58 Mario Celotto (LB) USC

81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC 

29 Mario Clark (CB) Oregon 

35 Mike Collier (RB) Morgan State

68 Joe DeLamielleure (G) Michigan State

6  Tom Dempsey (K) Palomar Junior College

70 Joe Devlin (T) Iowa 

85 Phil Dokes (DE) Oklahoma State 

79 Elbert Drungo (T) Tennessee State

56 Tom Ehlers (LB) Kentucky

12 Joe Ferguson (QB) Arkansas 

84 Mike Franckowiak (TE) Central Michigan 

22 Steve Freeman (CB-S) Mississippi State

Rockne Freitas (T) Oregon State

88 Reuben Gant (TE) Oklahoma State

55 Tom Graham (LB) Oregon

53 Will Grant (C) Kentucky

43 Tony Greene (S) Maryland 

74 Dee Hardison (DT) North Carolina

76 Craig Hertwig (T) Georgia

80 John Holland (WR) Tennessee State

25 Roland Hooks (RB) North Carolina State 

78 Scott Hutchinson (DE) Florida

 4  Rusty Jackson (P) LSU

51 Dan Jilek (LB) Michigan 

39 Dennis D. Johnson (RB) Mississippi State

75 Dennis L. Johnson (DT) Delaware

24 Doug Jones (S) Arizona State, Cal State-Northridge 

73 Ken Jones (T) Arkansas State

71 Mike Kadish (DT) Notre Dame 

82 Frank Lewis (WR) Grambling

10 David Mays (QB) Texas Southern

54 Randy McClanahan (LB) Louisiana-Lafayette

67 Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan 

41 Eddie McMillan (CB) Florida State

40 Terry Miller (RB) North Carolina State

46 Keith Moody (KR-CB) Syracuse 

 9  Bill Munson (QB) Utah State

59 Shane Nelson (LB) Baylor 

Phil Olsen (C) Utah State 

61 Willie Parker (C) North Texas State 

89 Lou Piccone (WR) West Liberty State

23 Steve Powell (RB) Northeast Missouri State

26 Charles Romes (S) North Carolina Central 

57 Lucius Sanford (LB) Georgia Tech

Bill Simpson (S) Michigan State

21 Marvin Switzer (S) Kansas State

49 Larry Walton (WR) Arizona State

83 Sherman White (DE) California 

77 Ben Williams (DE) Mississippi 

86 Leonard Willis (WR) Ohio State 

53 Connie Zelencik (C) Purdue 

Top Draft Choices

 1 Tom Cousineau (LB) Ohio State

 1 Jerry Butler (WR) Clemson

 2 Fred Smerlas (DT) Boston College

 2 Jim Haslett (LB) Indiana (PA)

 3 Jon Borchardt (T) Montana State

-1979 Complete Handbook of Pro Football

1979 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster by Position

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks

Joe Ferguson (Arkansas)

Dan Manucci (Kansas State)

David Mays (Texas Southern)

Bill Munson (Utah State)

Running Backs

Curtis Brown (Missouri) 

Mike Collier (Morgan State) 

Roland Hooks (North Carolina State)

Dennis D. Johnson (Mississippi State)

Steve Powell (Northeast Missouri)

Terry Miller (Oklahoma State)

Receivers

Jerry Butler (W) (Clemson)

Bob Chandler (W) (USC)

Mike Franckowiak (T) (Central Michigan)

Danny Fulton (W) (Nebraska-Omaha)

Reuben Gant (T) (Oklahoma State)

John Holland (W) (Tennessee State)

Frank Lewis (W) (Grambling)

Lou Piccone (W) (West Liberty State)

Joe Shipp (T) (USC)

Larry Walton (W) (Arizona State)

Len Willis (W) (Ohio State)

Willie Zachery (W) (Central State, Ohio)

(W)-Wide Receiver  (T)-Tight End

Interior Linemen

Bill Adams (G) (Holy Cross)

Jon Borchart (T) (Montana State)

Joe DeLamielleure (G) (Michigan State)

Joe Devlin (T) (Iowa)

Elbert Drungo (T) (Tennessee State)

Will Grant (C) (Kentucky)

Craig Hertwig (T) (Georgia)

Ken Jones (T) (Arkansas State)

Reggie McKenzie (G) (Michigan)

Don Medlin (G) (North Carolina State)

Phil Olsen (C) (Utah State)

Willie Parker (C) (North Texas State)

Eric Smith (T) (Southern Mississippi)

Connie Zelencik (C) Purdue

(T)-Tackle  (G)-Guard  (C)-Center

Kickers

Tom Dempsey (PK) (Palomar JC)

Rusty Jackson (P) (LSU)

(PK)-Place Kicker  (P)-Punter

DEFENSE

Front Linemen

Phil Dokes (T-E) (Oklahoma State)

Dee Hardison (T) (North Carolina)

Scott Hutchinson (E) (Florida)

Mekeli Ieremia (T-E) (Brigham Young)

Dennis L. Johnson (T) (Delaware)

Ken Johnson (E) (Knoxville)

Mike Kadish (T) (Notre Dame)

Fred Smerlas (T) (Boston College)

Sherman White (E) (California)

Ben Williams (E) (Mississippi)

(E)-End  (T)-Tackle

Linebackers

Doug Becker (O) (Notre Dame)

Mario Celotto (O) (USC)

Greg Collins (O) (Notre Dame)

Tom Cousineau (O) (Ohio State)

Tom Ehlers (O) (Kentucky)

Tom Graham (M) (Oregon)

Jim Haslett (O) (Indiana, Pa.)

Dan Jilek (O) (Michigan)

Randy McClanahan (M) (Southwest Louisiana)

Shane Nelson (O) (Baylor)

Lucius Sanford (O) (Georgia)

(O)-Outside Linebacker  (M)-Middle Linebacker

Defensive Backs

Mario Clark (CB) (Oregon)

Steve Freeman (S) (Mississippi State)

Tony Greene (S) (Maryland)

Doug Jones (S) (San Fernando Valley State)

Rod Kush (S) (Nebraska-Omaha)

Eddie McMillan (CB) (Florida State)

Keith Moody (CB) (Syracuse)

Jeff Nixon (S) (Richmond)

Charles Romes (CB) (North Carolina Central)

Bill Simpson (S) (Michigan State)

Marvin Switzer (S) (Kansas State)

(CB)-Cornerback (S)-Safety

-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1979, published by Pocket Books, New York

1979 BUFFALO BILLS DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE

QB Joe Ferguson (Arkansas), Bill Munson (Utah State), David Mays (Texas Southern), Dan Manucci (Kansas State)*

RB Terry Miller (Oklahoma State), Roland Hooks (North Carolina State), Mike Collier (Morgan State), Steve Powell (Northeast Missouri State) 

RB Curtis Brown (Missouri), Dennis D. Johnson (Mississippi State) 

WR Frank Lewis (Grambling), Lou Piccone (West Liberty State), John Holland (Tennessee State), Len Willis (Ohio State)

T Ken Jones (Arkansas State, Craig Hertwig (Georgia), Elbert Drungo (Tennessee State), Jon Borchardt (Montana State)*

G Reggie McKenzie (Michigan), Bill Adams (Holy Cross), Don Medlin (North Carolina State)

C Willie Parker (North Texas State), Will Grant (Kentucky), Connie Zelencik (Purdue), Phil Olsen (Utah State)

G Joe DeLamielleure (Michigan State), Bill Adams (Holy Cross)

T Joe Devlin (Iowa), Eric Smith (Southern Mississippi)

TE Reuben Gant (Oklahoma State), Mike Franckowiak (Central Michigan), Joe Shipp (USC)

WR Bob Chandler (USC), Larry Walton (Arizona State), Willie Zachery (Central State-Ohio), Jerry Butler (Clemson)*

DEFENSE

E Ben Williams (Mississippi), Scott Hutchinson (Florida), Ken Johnson (Knoxville)*

T Mike Kadish (Notre Dame), Phil Dokes (Oklahoma State)                 

T Dee Hardison (North Carolina), Mekeli Ieremia (Brigham Young), Dennis L. Johnson (Delaware), Fred Smerlas (Boston College)*

E Sherman White (California), Scott Hutchinson (Florida)

LB Shane Nelson (Baylor), Doug Becker (Notre Dame), Tom Ehlers (Kentucky), Tom Cousineau (Ohio State)* 

MLB Tom Graham (Oregon), Randy McClanahan (Louisiana-Lafayette)

LB Lucius Sanford (Georgia Tech), Dan Jilek (Michigan), Mario Celotto (USC), Jim Haslett (Indiana-Pennsylvania)

CB Mario Clark (Oregon), Keith Moody (Syracuse)

S Doug Jones (San Fernando Valley), Steve Freeman (Mississippi State), Bill Simpson (Michigan State), Rod Kush (Nebraska-Omaha)*

S Tony Greene (Maryland), Marvin Switzer (Kansas State), Jeff Nixon (Richmond)*

CB Charles Romes (North Carolina Central), Eddie McMillan (Florida State) 

KICKERS

K Tom Dempsey (Palomar JC)

P Rusty Jackson (LSU)

* rookie

-The Pocket Book of Pro Football 1979, published by Pocket Books, New York

1978 Profile: Doug Jones

Strong Safety
No. 24
San Fernando Valley
This aggressive safety started all 14 games in both 1976 and '77 after missing all of '75 with a knee injury. Last season Doug grabbed two interceptions for 30 yards, including a touchdown, and returned a recovered fumble 20 yards.
A two-year starter at both cornerback and safety in college, Doug was also a championship hurdler.

1978 Profile: Tom Ruud

Linebacker
No. 54
Nebraska
The Bills' top draft choice in 1975, Tom saw action all 14 games in both '75 and '76.
A unanimous All-Big Eight selection in 1974, with AP All-American honorable mention, Tom led Nebraska with 104 tackles while recovering three fumbles and intercepting two passes, finishing his college career with 209 tackles. All-Academic Big eight in both 1973 and '74, he played in the Senior Bowl.

1978 Profile: Dan Jilek

Linebacker
No. 51
Michigan
Dan plays aggressively and hits hard. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie team in 1976. That year he was Buffalo's second-leading tackler and also had two pass interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack.
A two-time All-Big Ten selection who earned All-American honorable mention, Dan played in both the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl.

1978 Profile: Terry Miller

Running Back

1st Round

Oklahoma State

"Making this year special is a fleet from back from a Big Eight school, Terry Miller, 6-0, 196, from Oklahoma State. Miller had 1,680 yards, 14 touchdowns and a 5.4 average. He might have won the Heisman Trophy had the Cowboys had a better season. He was the preseason favorite."

-Larry Bortstein, from Top Prospects for the '78 Draft, May-June 1978 Football Digest

"Blazing speed with 4.45 in the 40. Leading rusher in Big Eight history and fourth on all-time NCAA list with 4,754 career yards. Third in the nation last year with 1,680 yards, a Big Eight record. In 1977 gained 100 yards in all 11 games and was Heisman runner-up but many experts consider him a better prospect than Earl Campbell because of his tremendous speed. With deceptive power, Miller runs a lot like Walter Payton but is not as flashy. Had 27 games in his career with more than 100 yards, including 228 yards on 36 carries against Missouri and 221 on 37 carries against Kansas State.

A consensus All-America two straight years, first running back selected by the Bills in the opening round since O.J."

-Football Digest (September 1978)

Terry was a consensus All-American for two consecutive years and finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1977. He rushed for 4,754 yards and 49 touchdowns in four years, becoming the first back in Big  Eight history to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. Terry is the all-time leading rusher in conference history and holds all Oklahoma State rushing and scoring records. In 1976, he was the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year.

TERRY MILLER: BUFFALO'S NEXT O.J.?

The Rookie Back From Oklahoma State Has The Same Self-Confidence And Flair As Simpson. Now He Wants To Prove He Has The Talent, Too

"When Buffalo traded O.J. Simpson to San Francisco last March, the Bills parted with more than a great football player. They lost a movie and rent-a-car star who could turn on charisma as easily as speed.

Losing the Juice was bound to mean losing publicity- and fans. There will never be another O.J. publicity director Budd Thalman mourned.

A few weeks later, Thalman drove to the Buffalo airport to meet Terry Miller, the Bills' top draft choice out of Oklahoma State, located in the metropolis of Stillwater. Though he'd heard Miller was no country bumpkin, Thalman was surprised.

'We had only talked a couple of minutes and I covered my eyes and shook my head,' Thalman says. 'It was incredible. The personality, the mannerisms. I thought, 'No, it can't be. I've heard all this before.' '

Miller walked something like O.J. He talked something like O.J. Now, Thalman thought if he can only RUN like O.J.

In the airport corridor, photographers set up a picture of Miller hurdling suitcases like his predecessor does in Hertz commercials. The publicity campaign had begun. Buffalo, the photo announced, Meet 'T.M.' the second coming of O.J.

After losing 23 of 28 games the last two seasons, then Simpson, the Bills are in desperate need of a gate attraction, someone to fill seats while new coach Chuck Knox, late of the Rams, rebuilds. To hear Bills' coaches tell it, Buffalo Bill himself couldn't outdraw Miller.

Knox and his coaches call Miller the best player in the college draft even though he was the fifth picked and the second running back, behind Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell, the Franco Harris-style power runner who went No. 1 to Houston. The Bills say even Super Bowl champ Dallas rated Miller, who runs with power and SPEED, ahead of Campbell.

For scouting director Norm Pollom (another Ram refugee) the tipoff came from Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer, whose team tried unsuccessfully to corral Miller the last four years. Says Pollom: 'Switzer said Miller was a better college player than Tony Dorsett (the '76 Heisman winner now with Dallas) and that he'd be a better pro. He said Miller was the best he'd ever seen.'

Playing for average teams in a not-so-average conference, Miller is the Big Eight's all-time leading rusher and fourth on the NCAA's career list, behind Dorsett, Archie Griffin and Ed Marinaro. At OSU they called him 'Sweet T' or 'T.M.'

At 5-10, 196 pounds  he's built more like Chicago's Walter Payton than Simpson, although he doesn't have Payton's or Simpson's upper-body strength. But Miller is uncommonly quick (he has run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash), fast (9.5 in the 100), shifty (he can spin like an Oklahoma twister) and tough (he seldom missed a college game despite six broken noses and cracked fingers and bruised ribs).

But just as important to the Bills' management is how he handles himself off the field. Veteran Buffalo writers say he's more poised and articulate than Simpson was at his rookie training camp.

No wonder. The 22-year-old is already the Yukon, Okla., National Bank vice-president, a career he's pursued since the summer after his freshman year. What's more, he's half-owner of a small construction company, and he has a pilot's license. Miller has been saying he'll be a millionaire before he's 30- with or without his estimated $1.2 million, five-year Bills deal.

Though Miller has already been asked a few thousand times how it feels to follow O.J., he calmly told an interviewer: 'I am not O.J. Simpson or Walter Payton or Tony Dorsett, I am Terry Miller, and that'll be enough.'

T.M. had just finished signing autographs at the same spot outside the locker room O.J. used to, and now he was sitting in front of the locker Simpson vacated.

'Really, I don't feel that much pressure,' Miller said, enunciating as if he were on camera. 'Nobody is expecting more of me than I'm expecting of myself.

'Hey, I have the potential to be one of the best in the league. I'm not saying that in a cocky way, I'm just confident. If things go well, you'll hear about it. If I play as relaxed as I did by junior year (1,714 yards, 23 touchdowns and the most Heisman votes of any undergraduate including Campbell), you'll read about it.'

He threw his head back, laughed and said he's used to being compared to O.J.

'My mother used to say, 'How you doing, Juice?' She'd watch his commercials and say our personalities were so similar that you couldn't tell us apart if it weren't for our faces.'

Like Simpson, Miller can turn his personality on and off like a neon sign. Eyes light up, teeth gleem- and people like him. Though his voice isn't as disc jockey-resonant as Simpson's, Miller did color commentary on OSU basketball broadcasts. Though he isn't as quite as photogenic- Miller's face is rounder, his features less sharp- he says he'll be doing commercials and, maybe, movies.

But despite Miller's financial security, self-confidence and flair, he doesn't seem to inspire jealousy. Though Simpson was well-liked, his demands to be traded, his absence from training camp and his larger-than-life image created dissension among the Bills the last couple of seasons.

Miller doesn't move with an arrogance that says, 'Look but don't touch.' He says one veteran player told him after a recent practice, 'It's good to see that you don't think you're too good to go through all the drills.'

As a youth in Colorado Springs, the son of an Air Force officer and a beauty shop owner, he ran lemonade stands and sold auto parts to friends.

After gaining more than 2,000 yards his senior year in high school, he signed with OSU (there had just been a coaching change at Colorado). Soon after, he went to see an Oklahoma State supporter who was president of a bank.

'So you want to work at a bank,' the man asked.

'Sir, I want to OWN one,' Miller replied.

Since then, Miller has handled a million-dollar loan, and he refused one of his OSU teammates a $4,000 dollar loan ('He simply didn't qualify').

Though he's represented by Mark McCormack's International Managment and has two lawyers and several advisors, Miller made many of the decisions in his contract negotiations.

He said he refused deferred payments ('I want my money now, at '78 value') and got what he wanted by signing for five years instead of three. 'I don't want to be getting $10,000 in deferred money for the next ten years,' he said. 'I plan to use that much in jet fuel.' He swooped into Buffalo for the signing announcement in a private Lear jet.

He said he put his bonus money into tax-free municipals and went into a complicated explanation of the bonds' benefits. 'This is my game,' he says referring to business.

His contract seems to have made up for losing the Heisman. 'I would have won had I played on a better teams (OSU was 4-7; Campbell's team was undefeated through the regular season). I'm still getting the press. People know who I am.'

Indeed, although he's playing in Buffalo, a large Stillwater, Miller has been attracting heavy media attention.

Miller says he's talked casually with O.J. a couple of times, but he doesn't seem to idolize him. In fact, he says he hasn't watched much pro football, preferring to spend his free time flying or pursuing his business interests.

Miller doesn't seem concerned about getting hurt or bombing as a pro. 'If I don't make it,' he said grinning, 'it won't be the end of the world.' "

-Skip Bayless, The Los Angeles Times (Football Digest, November 1978)

1978 Profile: Phil Dokes

Defensive Tackle
No. 85
Oklahoma State
Buffalo's 1st round pick in 1977, Phil was a two-time All-Big Eight defensive lineman and registered 11 quarterback sacks in 1975. He was named Outstanding Defensive Player in the 1974 Fiesta Bowl and made the Big Eight Academic Team in 1975.
Phil was once named High School Athlete of the Year in Arkansas.

1978 Profiles: Tom Dempsey and Carson Long

TOM DEMPSEY

Place Kicker

No 6

Palomar JC

"If you have a son with a physical handicap and he's having trouble adjusting to it, tell him about Tom Dempsey. Tom was born without a right hand and only half of his right foot, but with encouragement from a sports-minded father and plenty and courage and confidence on his own part, he has become one of the better place-kickers in pro football.

Fitted with a special shoe he designed himself, Tom made good on 21 of 41 field goal attempts last year, including a 55-yarder against the Rams that was just one yard short of the professional record, and he converted 33 of 35 PAT's. His total score of 99 points ranked him fifth in the NFL last season.

After graduating from Palomar Junior College in California, Tom spent some time in minor league ball and on the Chargers' taxi squad."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Tom was signed by the Saints as a free agent in August 1969 and blossomed into a star. His point total of 99 was fifth best in the NFL and set a New Orleans club mark. Tom also set club marks with 22 field goals, 33 PAT's and a 55-yard field goal.

Tom played for Lowell in the Atlantic Coast Football League in 1967. He hit on four field goals, the longest being a 57-yarder.

At one time, Tom was a professional wrestler."

-1970 Topps No. 140

"Even if 270-pound Tom Dempsey hadn't rewritten the record books with a 63-yard field goal against Detroit, he'd still belong in the courage hall of fame. Here's a man born with half a right foot- he uses a special kicking shoe- and the stub of a right hand. 'I've always felt I could do anything anybody else did,' is his philosophy, and it has carried him from being a defensive end in high school and college, to a kicker in a semi-pro league and finally to the longest field goal in NFL history.

Though he did come through in the clutch, Dempsey ranked only 14th among NFC scorers. He kicked 16 of 17 extra points and 18 of 34 field goals for a total of 70 points last season."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Booted his way into the record book- and into the hearts of Saints fans- when he kicked a 63-yard field goal, the longest in the history of the NFL, to beat the Lions, 19-17, on November 8.

Dempsey was born with half a right foot and a stub of a right hand. He wears a special shoe approved by the NFL. 'I don't feel hadicapped,' he says. 'I've always been able to do anything anyone else can do. I've felt that way since I was eight or nine.' His parents encouraged him to play football, and with his size he was a defensive end in high school.

He played semi-pro ball and spent 1968 on the Chargers' taxi squad. He signed as a free agent in 1969.

Dempsey kicked four of seven field goals from the 40 to the 49 last season and three of nine from 50 or more yards. But he was erratic kicking from the 30 to the 39- only one out of five. He missed three of 13 from inside the 30.

Dempsey is a Pro Bowl player."

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

"On November 9, 1970, Tom kicked a 63-yard field goal to help the Saints defeat the Lions 19-17 in the last two seconds. It was the longest field goal in NFL history, breaking the mark of 56  yards held by Bert Rechichar, against the Bears on September 27, 1953. 

The field goal, which was Tom's fourth of the game, broke a barrier. The 60-plus-yard field goal attempt had been routine on practice fields and although it will never become routine in games, it is now likely to be tried more often from time to time when game situations warrant it.

Tom won the Saints' kicking job in the 1969 pre-season game against the Broncos when he booted 3-pointers from the 54, 49 and 12-yard lines. He kicked four field goals each in wins over the Giants and Eagles in 1969.

Tom can throw the shot put 50 yards."

-1971 Topps No. 5

"Dempsey was the most accurate field kicker in the league last season with 12 successful field goal kicks in 17 attempts (.706). He kicked field goals of 41, 42, 45, 51, 52 and 50 yards and missed only one inside the 30.

The presence of Dempsey,' says Eagles coach Ed Khayat, 'means that our offense is a threat to score any time we get near the 50-yard line. And the fact that he was the most accurate kicker in football last year is most unusual because of all the long attempts that we call upon him to make.'

He was born with only half of a right foot and the stub of a right hand. He wears a special shoe approved by the NFL and says he does not feel handicapped in any way.

Dempsey was dropped by the Saints in the final pre-season cut last season. In the previous season he kicked a record-breaking 63-yard field goal in the last few seconds for a 19-17 victory by the Saints over the Lions. He did not get along with Saint coach J.D. Roberts, one argument being over Dempsey's blimpy weight. He was replaced in New Orleans by Skip Butler. 'The kid he sent in (Butler) kicked off three times out of bounds and made a 12-yard field goal and that's what it took to replace me,' says Dempsey.

He reports a great situation with Khayat. 'He leaves me alone and lets me practice the way I want.' "

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"Activated by the Eagles, 11-21-71, Tom kicked three field goals in a 30-27 win against the Cardinals that day. He set a new Eagles' record with a 52-yarder for one of three field goals in a 23-20 win over the Lions on December 4. Tom kicked four field goals in a 19-7 win over the Cardinals on December 12, one going 54 yards to break the club record he established the previous week!

Tom spent the 1968 season on the Chargers' taxi squad."

-1972 Topps No. 175

"After leading the NFC in accuracy in 1971, he dropped to ninth in 1972, hitting only 57% of his boots. Dempsey was 6-for-6 inside the 20; 3-of-6 inside the 30; 7-of-10 inside the 40; 2-of-9 inside the 50 and 2-of-4 beyond the 50. His longest kick was 52 yards.

Tom has problems keeping down his weight. He was born with only half of a right foot and a stub of a right hand. He wears a $150 shoe on his right foot.

'If I have a bad day, I don't read the papers.' "

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1973 Edition)

"Signed by the Eagles for the final five games of 1971, Tom led the league with a .706 field goal percentage. A participant in the 1970 Pro Bowl, he was formerly a member of the Saints."

-1973 Topps No. 59

"One of the greatest long range kickers in pro football history, Tom kicked the longest field goal of all time with a 63-yarder in 1970.

Tom is an account executive in the off-season."

-1974 Topps No. 270

"Tom kicked the longest field goal in NFL history with a 63-yarder for the Saints against the Lions on November 8, 1970. He booted the longest field goal in Eagles' history with a 54-yarder in 1971."

-1975 Topps No. 163

DEMPSEY'S 63-YARDER LONGEST IN HISTORY

November 8, 1970

"Tom kicked a clutch field goal in the closing seconds to give the Saints a come-from-behind victory over the Lions today. The boot was a booming 63-yarder which set a pro standard for the longest kick in history."

-Football Extra, 1975 Topps No. 353

"The Rams' leading scorer in 1975, Tom was third best among NFC kickers."

-1976 Topps No. 519

CARSON LONG

Place Kicker
No. 5
Pittsburgh
Carson was outstanding in his rookie year. He was successful on seven of 11 field goal attempts, including 5-for-8 from at least 30 yards and 3-for-6 from at least 40 yards. Carson also converted 13 of 14 PATs.

1978 Profiles: Ken Jones and Winston Hill

KEN JONES

Offensive Tackle
No. 72
Arkansas State
Ken saw action for Buffalo in all 14 games last year. A defensive end in 1976, he was switched back to the offensive line, where he played in college.
He was a first-team All-America selection of the Football Writers and the Sporting News. As a two-year starter at guard, Ken helped lead the way for the top rushing offense in college football. He played in both the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl.

WINSTON HILL

Offensive Tackle

No. 76

Texas Southern

"The Jets believe that big Winston Hill could blossom into one of the top offensive tackles in the league.

In 1963, Hill, a 275-pounder, started out on the New York taxi squad after signing as a free agent. Last year, he was a starter and made the East All-Star team. That's rapid progress.

Winston can also play offensive center - and he did for three games last season."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Winston was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent in 1963. Last season, the big, strong tackle opened the campaign on the taxi squad, but his solid performance during team drills convinced Weeb Ewbank to activate him. Winston played three games at center when injuries rocked the Jets at that spot.

The young offensive tackle has what it takes to develop into one of the best linemen in the league. Winston played in the AFL East-West All-Star Game.

Winston was his high school's tennis singles champ from 1957-1959."

-1965 Topps No. 116

"The offensive tackle was signed as a free agent by the Jets in 1963. Last year Winston missed the entire preseason schedule because of an injury and it wasn't until the second half of the season that he displayed true form.

Winston was a tennis champion in high school."

-1966 Topps No. 92

"This is Winston's fourth year at left tackle for the Jets. The good pass protector is also capable of playing at center. In 1964, Winston played tackle for the East in the AFL All-Star contest.

From 1957-59, Winston was the high school tennis champ of Texas."

-1967 Topps No. 95

"Slowed down in mid-season by an ankle injury, offensive tackle Winston Hill still had his finest year, making the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

The 6-4, 275-pounder has consistently improved in his five pro seasons, and is big enough, strong enough and young enough to become one of the better linemen in the league. Winston gives good pass protection to Mr. Namath, and he can provide the punch necessary to open up the running game.

Now in his sixth year as a regular, the tall Texan signed as a free agent in 1963."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

1969

Winston has been a virtually impenetrable pass blocking stalwart for the Jets since his rookie season. Though an AFL All-Star in 1964, '67 and '68, his greatest glory came in historic Super Bowl III. Joe Namath's masterful deployment of the Jet running backs was helped immeasurable by Winston spending the entire game overpowering Colt defensive end Ordell Braase. This was an offensive lineman's performance that was admired by knowledgeable football fans everywhere.

"Last season, this big left tackle, 6-4 and 280 pounds and once a high school tennis champion, was being called the best offensive tackle in the game. The head coaches picked him on their All-Pro combined AFL-NFL team. Like all the Jets on the offensive line, Winston worries about his man getting by him to knock down Joe Namath.

'The way I feel,' he says, 'when someone hits Joe it's like someone walking up and punching my wife in the face.' A smiling, cheerful giant, he played at Texas Southern and was an All-America in his senior year. The Colts drafted him and let him go, and the Jets picked him up as a free agent.

Big but awkward, he had a lot to learn and the learning didn't always come quickly, but now, entering his eighth pro season, Winston has graduated into the superior class."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Though he had been a stalwart on New York's offensive line for six years, Winston Hill was barely heard of until his brilliant handling of Ben Davidson and Ordell Braase in the 1968 AFL Championship and Super Bowl, respectively. Now the 6-4, 270-pound offensive left tackle is universally regarded as a standout lineman.

Two of his finest games of 1970 were against Los Angeles' Coy Bacon and Minnesota's Jim Marshall. The Jets scored major upset victories in both games.

Hill was originally drafted by Baltimore out of Texas Southern, but the Colts let him go before he had played even a minute for them. The Jets saw enough in the huge but awkward youngster to sign him as a free agent. Winston has enjoyed the finest two seasons of his career the past two years since he lowered his weight from the 280-pound bracket."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"All-Pro tackle who continued to perform as one of the best in the game in 1970. Hill was a unanimous All-AFC pick and was named to the Pro Bowl after being named to the combined (AFL-NFL) All-Pro team in 1969. He was also chosen as the most valuable offensive player by the Jets writers and broadcasters.

Last year Winston had outstanding games against Los Angeles' Coy Bacon and Minnesota's Jim Marshall as the Jets won both games. He also had standout games against Oakland and Miami late in the season.

Hill came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent from the Colts after Baltimore had drafted him. He was an AFL All-Star four times and won press notices with his handling of Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson in the championship games of 1968.

He's a great pass protector for Namath but says he likes to block for the run more. He came to camp lighter than ever last year at 263.

He was a Texas state high school tennis champion from Weldon High for three years, '57-'59. Weldon also won the district grid crown four years with Hill. He relaxes by playing tennis.

Winston makes his home in Littleton, Colorado. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

"One of the few Jets to make it through the season in one piece in 1971. Hill was the only Jet to be selected for the Pro Bowl game, and it marked the second time he was so honored. Also a four-time pick to the old AFL All-Star Game, Winston has played over 100 straight games for the Jets after being cast off by the Baltimore Colts in 1963. He's the best lineman in the team's history.

An offensive co-captain, Hill switched from left to right tackle last season to make way for Bob Svihus. The move did not affect his play.

Winston got his degree at Texas Southern, then did graduate work at Nebraska. He's from Gladewater, Texas."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"'The biggest thing I can do' says Winston, 'is carry out my blocking assignments. In pro ball you're dealing with men. The pride in the individual is what makes him perform.'

Winston is a great pass protector for Joe Namath but he likes to block for the run more. He won press notices for his handling of the Colts' Ordell Braase and the Raiders' Ben Davidson in the Jets' championship games during the 1968 season.

Winston was a high school tennis champ."

-1972 Topps No. 295

"Once again Hill earned himself All-Pro honors in '71, this time at a new position. After eight years on the left side of the line, Hill was asked to make the move to right tackle and accomplished it cleanly. He had another outstanding year and was chosen to the Pro Bowl.

Hill was elected offensive co-captain along with John Schmitt prior to the season opener. Winston made the move to the right side to accommodate the newly-acquired Bob Svihus, saying he would do anything to help the team. According to line coach Wimp Hewgley, Hill was just as consistent at his well-known pass blocking skills at the new spot as he had been when he won All-Pro and All-AFC honors on the other side.

A year ago Winston played a key role in wins over LA and Minnesota by neutralizing Coy Bacon and Jim Marshall. He prefers to block for the running game but is perhaps the most proficient pass blocker in the business today. After experimenting with a lower weight in 1970, Hill came in and stayed around 270 throughout 1971.

Four times an AFL All-Star, Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson in the championship games of 1968. He came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent from the Colts after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him.

Hill was a Texas state high school tennis champion from Weldon High for three years, '57-'59. Weldon also won the district grid crown four years with Hill. He still plays tennis regularly.

Winston still makes his home in Littleton, Colorado, where he is the owner of a ranch. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

"One of the top offensive tackles in the game, Hill earned himself Pro Bowl honors for the sixth consecutive year in 1972. It was the seventh time overall that Winnie has been chosen for the Pro Bowl game. He has played both sides for the Jets, switching to the right side in 1971 after spending eight years at left tackle. He made the move so impressively that the Pro Bowl beckoned even at a new position.

Hill has been co-captain of the offense (1971) and is the Jets player representative. He has played in 138 straight games, the longest streak by a Jet. He plays a major role in most Jet victories by neutralizing the pass rush from his side. Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson in the championship games of 1968. He came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him.

Winston was a Texas state high school tennis champion from Weldon for three years, 1957-59. He makes his off-season home in Englewood, Colorado and he owns a ranch. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

"A four-time AFL All-Star, Winston likes to block for the Jets' running game more but is perhaps the most proficient pass blocker in pro football today. An All-Pro selection once again in 1972, he had another outstanding season and was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl squad.

Winston played both offense and defense in college."

-1973 Topps No. 150

"One of the top offensive tackles in pro football, Winston has played both offensive tackle positions for the Jets, switching to the right side in 1971 after spending eight years at left tackle. Winston has played in 152 straight games, the longest streak by a Jet.

Winston plays tennis regularly."

-1974 Topps No. 15

"The senior member of the Jets offensive line, Hill was elected co-captain of the offense last year and once again was named to the Pro Bowl. His all-star appearance was the eighth of his distinguished career and the seventh consecutive for him. He has played both sides for the Jets, switching from left tackle to right tackle in 1971.

Hill missed most of the preseason due to a contract dispute, but reported in good shape and had another of his consistently fine years. He is a great pass protector and forms the nucleus of Joe Namath's bodyguards. Hill has played in 152 consecutive games for the Jets, the longest streak in the club's history. His 153 total games ranks third on the all-time participation list of the Jets.

Winston likes to block for the run more than taking the pass protection punishment but is proficient at both. The Jets like to run behind his blocking. He experimented with a lower weight in 1970, but for the past three years has stayed around the 275 mark.

Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson during the 1968 championship games. He came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him.

Winston was a Texas state high school tennis champion from Weldon High for three years (1957-59). Weldon also won the district grid crown in each of his four years on the team.

Very active in religion, Winston is the Jets player representative. He makes his off-season home in Englewood, Colorado, where he owns a ranch. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook

"The senior member of the Jets' offensive line, Winston was once again recognized as an All-Pro in 1974. A great pass protector, he has played in 166 consecutive games for the Jets, the longest streak in club history. Winston won acclaim for his play during the 1968 AFL Championship Game and in Super Bowl III.

He played both ways on the line at Texas Southern and was All-American."

-1975 Topps No. 485

Offensive Tackle

No. 75

Texas Southern

"Hill had one of his finest seasons ever as a pro, according to the entire Jet coaching staff, despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl. He has always been noted for his ability to pass protect for Joe Namath and in 1974 he improved his run blocking to a high level of efficiency. Winston was outstanding throughout the 1974 campaign, especially against Houston and San Diego who presented strong rush lines to contend with.

Winston has made eight All-Star appearances in his 12 years to date and has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL. He was honored by his teammates as a co-captain of the offense in 1973 and has played both sides of the line for the Jets, switching from left tackle to right tackle in 1971. Winston has never missed a game, now owning a streak of 167 consecutive appearances.

The Jets have always been noted for running behind his blocking, a tribute to his skills. He experimented with a lower weight a few years ago but now has returned to the 275-280 range.

Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson during the 1968 championship games. He came to the Jets in 1963 as a free agent after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him in the 11th round of the '63 NFL draft.

Hill was a Texas high school state tennis champion from Weldon High for three years (1957-59). Weldon also won the district grid crown in each of his four years on the team. Winston is very active in religion and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He worked for the government in St. Croix, V.I. during the off-season.

Winston makes his off-season home in Englewood, Colorado. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook

"Winston started every regular season game in 1975. He holds the all-time Jet record for most consecutive games played, 181, and holds a similar record for games played in his career. Winston battled minor, nagging injuries in 1975 including a stone bruise on his heel and a bruised shoulder. An extremely durable interior line player and one of the top all-time protectors of Joe Namath, he's an excellent teacher of younger players.

He had one of his finest seasons in 1974 despite being overlooked for the Pro Bowl, though he has made eight all-star appearances in 13 seasons. He has improved his run blocking to a high level of efficiency. Hill has played both sides of the offensive line and experimented with playing at a lighter weight earlier in his career but has returned to the 275-280 range.

Hill won press acclaim for his work against Ordell Braase and Ben Davidson during the Jets' 1968 postseason. He came to the Jets as a free agent in 1963 after Baltimore and Weeb Ewbank had drafted him in the 11th round of the 1963 draft. In college, Hill played both ways for Texas Southern and won All-America honors as a senior.

He was a Texas high school state tennis champion for three years. Winston is very active in religious activities and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He does government work in St. Croix, Virgin Islands during the off-season.

Winston makes his home in Englewood, Colorado. His hometown is Gladewater, Texas."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

"Winston has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the NFL. He has always been noted for his ability to protect the quarterback and he has improved his run blocking to a high level of efficiency.

Honored by his teammates as co-captain of the offense in 1973, Winston has never missed a game, now owning a streak of 181 consecutive appearances. The Jets have been noted for running behind his blocking, a tribute to his skills.

Winston won All-American honors."

-1976 Topps No. 88

1978 Profiles: Joe Devlin and Elbert Drungo

JOE DEVLIN

Offensive Tackle
No. 70
Iowa
With excellent athletic ability and body strength, Joe solidifies the Buffalo offensive line at his tackle spot.
Joe was a three-year starter for Iowa and was a first-team Sporting News All-American. His performance earned him an invitation to the Blue-Gray Game.

ELBERT DRUNGO

Offensive Tackle

No. 79

Tennessee State

"Last season, his second year as a pro, Elbert Drungo earned a starting job on the offensive line. Used as a backup tackle in his rookie year, in addition to working on special teams, he took over at right guard and did an excellent job.

Despite his size (6-5, 250 pounds), Drungo has outstanding speed and quickness for a guard. Of course, he can still be used at tackle if necessary.

The Oilers' third draft choice in 1969, Drungo was an All-Conference tight end for three seasons at Tennessee State."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"One of the few bright spots on the Oiler offensive line. Elbert missed three full games but had a solid year.

He came to the Oilers as a third round draft choice and potential tackle. He had mostly played tight end in college, for which he earned All-Conference honors three years running and Pittsburgh Courier (all-black) All-America honors as a senior.

Elbert was a backup tackle as a rookie but became a starting guard in 1970. Fast, strong and quick, he could go back to tackle if needed. He played every game in his first two years.

He is nicknamed 'Sonny.' From Columbus, Mississippi, where he was born, he's married."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"A solid pass protection blocker and good lead blocker, Elbert can play either guard or tackle. He was the Oilers' outstanding offensive lineman in 1971.

Elbert likes to draw."

-1974 Topps No. 388

"Elbert has good speed and strength and is a solid pass protector. Possessed with the ability to play either tackle or guard, he was selected as the Oilers' Outstanding Lineman for the 1971 season.

Elbert was an all-conference tight end for three years at Tennessee State and played linebacker as a college freshman. He was an All-America choice as a junior and senior. He ran back a kickoff 25 yards in 1970."

-1975 Topps No. 474

1978 Profile: Eddie McMillan

Cornerback
No. 41
Florida State

"An All-NFL rookie selection in 1973 by UPI and Pro Football Weekly, Eddie was also the Rams rookie of the year. He climaxed his career by playing in the North-South and American Bowl Games.

Eddie runs the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds."

-1976 Topps No. 388

"An All-Rookie selection for the Rams in 1973, Eddie was a starter in all but four games in his three seasons in Los Angeles.
At Florida State, he began his senior year by returning the opening kickoff of the season 96 yards for a touchdown. Eddie has outstanding speed- he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds while at Florida State."

-1978 Topps No. 244

1978 Profile: Frank Lewis

Wide Receiver
No. 82
Grambling

"Thought by many Grambling insiders to be the best pro prospect to come out of the little football citadel. Lewis can be a running back or receiver. Art Rooney, Jr. of the Steelers called him another Gale Sayers long before Pittsburgh drafted him No. 1. Ex-pro star Lenny Moore says, 'You got to see him to believe him, he's got moves you won't believe.' He does a 9.4 hundred and 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.

Lewis is mainly a pass catcher, but averaged 17.2 yards a carry on 45 rushes in 1969. A hamstring pull held him back in 1970 but he still led the team in scoring for the third straight year. He's no stranger to Three Rivers Stadium fans because he scored three touchdowns there against Morgan State in 1970."

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

"One of the Steelers' most potent bomb theats, Frank was injured towards the end of 1972 and had to miss the playoffs. He catches the ball well and is very fluid."

-1973 Topps No. 456

"An outstanding receiver, Frank can also be a very effective punt returner and runner on the end-around play.

He was a wingback at Grambling and made Third Team Little All-America in 1970. Frank scored 42 touchdowns in college."

-1975 Topps No. 71

"A very consistent receiver for the Steelers, Frank is effective on the end-around play and can be used as a punt returner. He's extremely fast and an outstanding long-bomb threat."

-1976 Topps No. 261

"Frank is very effective on the end-around play and was used as a punt returner early in his career due to his running ability. He made the sensational catch in the 1975 Playoff game against the Colts that led to the Steelers' first score. Frank had a very effective season in 1975 with an average-per-catch of 18.1.

He scored 42 touchdowns rushing and receiving during his career at Grambling."

-1977 Topps No. 319

"Frank continues to maintain a high average-per-catch which has characterized his career. He needs 16 catches to move into the top 10 among all-time Steeler receivers.
Frank majored in recreation at Grambling."

-1978 Topps No. 431

1978 Profile: Dennis L. Johnson

Defensive End
No. 75

Delaware
"Delaware Dennis had the Redskins' longest run with an intercepted pass in 1975. He was credited with 116 unassisted tackles, 39 assists, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his three years at Delaware. He played offense and defense."

-1976 Topps No. 523

-Suffered an injury in his rookie season of 1973 and spent the campaign on the Redskins Reserve List but came back to play on the club's specialty team in 1974.

-Became a starter for the club at defensive end in 1975 and remained in the capacity for Washingon last season.

-Was credited with 116 solo tackles and 99 assists during his career at Delaware.

-1977 Topps No. 349

"Dennis gained a starting assignment for the Redskins in 1975 and has been a key member of the club's defensive front since that time. He was credited with three fumble recoveries, four and a half quarterback sacks and a key interception for the Redskins in 1976.
Dennis played in the Boardwalk Bowl twice during his college career at Delaware."

-1978 Topps No. 31

1978 Profile: Marv Bateman

Punter
No. 7
Utah
"The AFC's fourth leading punter in 1977, Marv had a 42.8 average in 1976 to lead all of pro football. That season he also had the NFL's longest kick, a 78-yard boot against the Oilers.
Marv is interested in residential property sales."

-1978 Topps No. 286

1978 Profile: Dwight Harrison

Cornerback
No. 28
Texas A & I

"Dwight has played cornerback for five years since being shifted from wide receiver at the beginning of the 1973 season. He had a 40-yard runback of an intercepted pass in 1975.
Forestry and conservation are Dwight's career interests."

-1978 Topps No. 496

1978 Profiles: Lou Piccone and Larry Walton

LOU PICCONE

Wide Receiver
No. 89
West Liberty State

"Piccone returned more kickoffs for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974. He brought back 39 kickoffs for 961 yards, good for a 24.6 average, third best in Jet history and the finest mark since 1966. His longest was a 46-yarder against New England. Lou also had a fumble recovery, against Miami; the recovery led to the Jets' first touchdown in a 17-14 upset of the Dolphins.

Lou has good speed and developed his moves as the season progressed. He spent two years in the minor leagues, one with the Youngstown Hardhats and one with the Bridgeport Jets, and was a regular at both spots. Lou signed with the Jets as a free agent.

Lou majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."

-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook

"A versatile player who saw playing time on special teams and as a wide receiver in 1975, Lou returned 26 kickoffs for 637 yards, a 24.5 average, and returned 18 punts 74 yards, a 4.1 average.

Lou was involved in a training camp contract dispute and walked out of camp for seven days. He played in 13 of 14 regular-season games. He missed the second Baltimore game with a charley horse, and also suffered a preseason shoulder injury. Lou shared the wide receiver spot with Ed Bell at Buffalo and with Willie Brister at Minnesota while Jerome Barkum was nursing injuries. He returned a kick 53 yards against the Chiefs and [another] 42 yards against the Patriots. He captained the specialty teams for the majority of 1975. Piccone played out his option but re-signed for 1976. He may be tried in the defensive backfield.

Piccone returned more kickoffs for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974. He brought back 39 kickoffs for 961 yards, good for a 24.6 average, third best in Jet history and the finest mark since 1966. Lou also had a fumble recovery, against Miami; the recovery led to the Jets' first touchdown in a 17-14 upset of the Dolphins.

He spent two seasons in the minor leagues, one with the Youngstown Hardhats and one with the Bridgeport Jets, and was a regular at both spots. Lou signed with the Jets as a free agent.

Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.

He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."

-1976 New York Jets Media Guide

"In 1976 Lou saw his most action since making the pros as a free agent in 1974. He played in all 14 games and started seven at wide receiver.

'He loves to play ... gives you 100 percent and is a great special teamer,' head coach Walt Michaels says. Last year Piccone caught 15 passes for 147 yards, a 12.3 average.

He once again led the team in punt and kickoff returns. Lou ran back 31 kickoffs for 788 yards for a 23.6 average, including a career longest 58 yards in the second New England game. He returned 21 punts 173 yards for an 8.2 average and broke a 60-yarder for a touchdown against Tampa Bay, the first Jet punt return for a touchdown since 1972 and the longest of Piccone's career. His 112 yards against the Buccaneers was the second-best punt return day in Jets history.

Piccone holds the club record for kickoff return yardage in a season (961 in 1974) and a career (2,386) as well as most career kickoff returns (96). He returned more kickoffs (39) for more yardage than any other specialist in the NFL in 1974, his rookie season. Lou returned five kickoffs for 157 yards against New England in '74, second-best in Jets annals. His career kickoff average is 24.9 and he has averaged 5.7 yards on 48 career punt returns.

He played out his option in 1975 but re-signed for 1976. Lou first signed with the Jets in '74 after spending two seasons in the minors with the Youngstown Hardhats and the Bridgeport Jets.

Lou excels as a tackler on punt returns and kickoff coverage. He's usually one of the first men downfield and is a reckless pursuer.

Lou played running back at West Liberty State for four years. He played on two championship teams and reached the NAIA semifinals in 1970 and 1971.

He majored in health and physical education with a minor in speech. His hometown is Vineland, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"A valuable specialty teams performer in addition to being a superb wide receiver, Lou excels as a tackler on punt and kickoff return coverage. A reckless pursuer, he's usually one of the first men downfield.
Lou was a running back in college. He played minor league football in Youngstown and Bridgeport in 1972 and 1975."

-1978 Topps No. 448

LARRY WALTON

Wide Receiver

No. 49

Arizona State

"Larry had 158 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns in 1970, 103 yards against the Packers in 1971 and 101 yards against the Chargers in 1972. He has a good pair of hands.

Larry ran track in college."

-1974 Topps No. 76

"Larry enjoyed his most productive season for the Lions in 1974 as the club's third leading receiver, his longest gainer going for 48 yards. He was a star running back in college."

-1975 Topps No. 393

"Larry was injured and sat out 1975 but expects to be back in top form this season. He can catch in crowds."

-1976 Topps No. 108

"Larry came back strong last season after missing 1975 with a knee injury. A talented performer, he has also been used as a ball carrier and an option passer for the Lions. Larry caught eight passes in one game in 1973.

He was mainly a runner at Arizona State, with his biggest day being 125 yards and four touchdowns in 1967."

-1977 Topps No. 286

1978 Profiles: Merv Krakau and Tom Graham

MERV KRAKAU

Middle Linebacker
No. 52
Iowa State
"One of the most improved players on the Bills' squad, Merv was an effective specialty teams player before becoming a starter.
He was a defensive tackle at Iowa State and was Lineman of the Week for a 1972 performance against Nebraska."
Merv has ambitions to be a teacher after his playing career."

-1978 Topps, No. 369

TOM GRAHAM

Middle Linebacker

No. 58

Oregon

"Tom Graham, Oregon, at 232 has enough bulk to play in the middle and the pros think he's a good one."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

"Another player who suffered a broken ankle in his senior year after having an outstanding junior year. Tom was All-Coast as a junior and had a standout sophomore year, too, making 20 tackles in his varsity debut. He was coached in college by Jerry Frei, now the Broncos' offensive line coach.

A sociology major, Tom is from  Harbor City, California."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"A very aggressive player, coaches feel Tom can become a great linebacker. In 1972, he became a starter for the Broncos in the sixth game of his rookie season.

Tom's cousin is former Oakland A's outfielder Bobby Brooks."

-1974 Topps No. 432

"A very aggressive player, Tom became the Broncos' middle linebacker in the sixth game of 1972, a game won by the Broncos over the Raiders, 30-23. A college teammate of Ahmad Rashad of the Bills, he was credited with 20 tackles against Utah in his college debut."

-1975 Topps No. 239

1978 Profile: Reuben Gant

Tight End
No. 88
Oklahoma State
"Reuben has improved his blocking tremendously and has become a very reliable player for the Bills.
He was a three-time honorable mention All-Big 8 at Oklahoma State and was considered to be the best downfield blocker on the offensive line.
Reuben's hobbies include horseback riding."

-1978 Topps, No. 212

1978 Profile: Willie Parker

Center
No. 61
North Texas State
"With versatility as his major asset, Willie became the Bills' regular center in 1977. He has the ability to play guard or center and has been used by the Bills as a snapper on punts and placement kicks.
A strong specialty teams player, he was drafted by the 49ers in 1971 and spent most of that campaign on the reserve squad. Willie was traded to the Bills by the Los Angeles Rams on September 10, 1973. He was All-Missouri Valley in college during the 1970 campaign.
Willie is in the insurance business."

-1978 Topps, No. 176

1978 Profile: Mike Kadish

Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Notre Dame
"One of the Bills' most consistent defensive linemen, Mike enjoyed his finest campaign with the club in 1976. He was credited with 54 unassisted tackles and 41 assists that season and also led the defense with six and a half sacks.
Mike has started every game for the Bills the past three seasons. He realized a lineman's dream in 1975 when he scored a touchdown after running 22 yards with a lateral against the Steelers. He is extremely quick.
Mike is an avid golfer."

1978 Topps, No. 148

1978 Profiles: Roland Hooks

Running Back
No. 25
North Carolina State
"Heir apparent to O.J. Simpson. And how about filling THOSE shoes, boys and girls?
Hooks rushed for 497 yards (3.9 [yards average per attempt]) after Simpson was injured a year ago. He had a 66-yard run, the second longest non-scoring run in the AFC. 'Hook'em' Hooks, now in his fourth year with Buffalo after being drafted 10th out of North Carolina State, has been Simpson's valet ever since and now seeks his own identity.
Born in Brooklyn, where he became an elusive back, it is reported, the first time he was tackled on asphalt. Hooks has never scored a touchdown for the Bills, even though he also has returned punts and kickoffs. If he does well this fall, he will get a TV Hertz ad jumping suitcases in a Buffalo airport."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"A versatile and valuable performer for the Bills the past two seasons, Roland is one of the club's leading punt and kickoff return artists. He had the Bills' longest runback of 1976 with a 79-yard kickoff return against the Dolphins. Roland holds the North Carolina State record of 981 kickoff return yards.
Roland enjoys handball."

-1978 Topps, No. 471

1978 Profile: Tony Greene

Free Safety
No. 43
Maryland
"It's not easy being Greene- the devil it isn't. Not if you're Tony Greene. The Bills' talented veteran leaves others green with envy the way he plays free safety.
He intercepted nine passes a year ago, matching his pro high and one behind the pro leader, Lyle Blackwood of Baltimore. Greene has had 29 pass thefts over the last four seasons. A talented, versatile athlete, he has played cornerback and both safeties in his seven years with Buffalo.
Born in Bethesda, Maryland, Greene was a defensive back at Maryland and a 9.5 sprinter on the track team. A free agent- one more time?- signed by the Bills, he holds the club record with a 101-yard interception return, the NFL's longest in 1976."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"Tony set a Bills' record with a 101-yard return for a touchdown against the Chiefs on October 3, 1976, the longest interception return of the year in the NFL. He has great speed.
Tony enjoys music and dancing."

-1978 Topps, No. 251

1978 Profile: Mario Clark

Cornerback
No. 29
Oregon
"Potentially an outstanding cornerback. Clark intercepted seven passes in his second year, which is outstanding considering that the Bills have no pass rush. He has started every game since the Bills drafted him in 1976.
Clark could become the Bills' land baron if O.J. leaves any over. He majored in architecture and real estate at Oregon, where he had 13 career interceptions and was the first Pacific 8 freshman ever named National Player of the Week. Clark was born in Pasadena, California, near the Rose Bowl, but never played there for lowly Oregon.
He's a bachelor whose hobbies include music, reupholstering furniture and intimidating quarterbacks."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1978 Edition

"A very reliable performer for the Bills, Mario shows improvement in every game. Named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1976, he was credited with defensing 18 passes.
Mario was an All-Pacific 8 selection of both AP and UPI at Oregon. He was an honorable mention AP All-America with 13 career interceptions.
Mario's hobbies include reupholstering furniture."

-1978 Topps, No. 57