Friday, October 27, 2017

1978 Profile: Terry Miller

Running Back
1st Round
Oklahoma State
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.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

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.

Friday, October 13, 2017

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.

Monday, October 2, 2017

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