Tight End
No. 88
Oklahoma State
"A preseason shoulder injury prevented Gant from making a serious challenge for a starting berth as a rookie. He suffered a separation in the Hall of Fame Game against St. Louis and missed almost the entire preseason. Reuben got into 13 regular season games, mostly in double tight end situations. His only pass reception of 1974 was in the Canton game (for 38 yards)- the play on which he was injured. He was Buffalo's number one choice in the '74 college draft.
Gant was a three-time honorable mention All-Big Eight and played both tight end and wide receiver at Oklahoma State. His career statistics were 35 receptions for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was considered the best downfield blocker on the Cowboy offensive line. Reuben earned an invitation to the College All-Star Game in Lubbock, Texas. He also collected two letters in basketball.
Reuben's Oklahoma State major was radio-tv, film and public relations and he looks toward a career in broadcasting. He comes from a family of eight children. His hobbies include jazz music, horseback riding and hunting."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
Monday, November 9, 2015
1975 Profile: Dave Foley
Offensive Tackle
No. 78
Ohio State
"A regular member of the Bills' offensive line for three seasons, Foley started every regular season game for the second straight year. He was picked as a member of the AFC Pro Bowl squad in 1974. Foley is a consistent player and strong blocker particularly in running situations.
He reached Buffalo on waivers from the Jets just prior to the beginning of the 1972 season and was a starter in 12 games his first year with the Bills. Dave was a number one draft pick of the Jets in 1969 and a New York regular in 1970. He injured a knee against Buffalo as a rookie and has had knee surgery.
Dave was an All-America and All-Big Ten tackle on Ohio State's 1968 National Champions when the Buckeyes defeated USC, led by O.J. Simpson, in the 1969 Rose Bowl game. An Academic All-America choice, he played in the College All-Star Game against the New York Jets. He also won three OSU letters in track.
Dave earned his B.S. in industrial engineering and worked during the off-season as a life insurance agent. He donated his off-season speaking fees to the Springfield, Ohio YMCA for the purchase of a Nautilus machine. His hobbies include handball, fishing and golf."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 78
Ohio State
"A regular member of the Bills' offensive line for three seasons, Foley started every regular season game for the second straight year. He was picked as a member of the AFC Pro Bowl squad in 1974. Foley is a consistent player and strong blocker particularly in running situations.
He reached Buffalo on waivers from the Jets just prior to the beginning of the 1972 season and was a starter in 12 games his first year with the Bills. Dave was a number one draft pick of the Jets in 1969 and a New York regular in 1970. He injured a knee against Buffalo as a rookie and has had knee surgery.
Dave was an All-America and All-Big Ten tackle on Ohio State's 1968 National Champions when the Buckeyes defeated USC, led by O.J. Simpson, in the 1969 Rose Bowl game. An Academic All-America choice, he played in the College All-Star Game against the New York Jets. He also won three OSU letters in track.
Dave earned his B.S. in industrial engineering and worked during the off-season as a life insurance agent. He donated his off-season speaking fees to the Springfield, Ohio YMCA for the purchase of a Nautilus machine. His hobbies include handball, fishing and golf."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, November 7, 2015
1975 Profile: Joe Ferguson
Quarterback
No. 12
Arkansas
"Ferguson improved in every statistical department while leading the Bills to a second consecutive 9-5 season. He was the AFC leader in passing effectiveness for six consecutive weeks and the league passing pacesetter for much of the same period. Joe ranked seventh among Conference passers in final statistics and 12th overall in the NFL. His attempts were up 68 over 1973, completions by 46, yardage by 649, passing percentage by 6.8 and touchdown passes by eight.
He hung up a record single game completion percentage of 81.3 (13-of-16) at Green Bay and suffered a single game high of six interceptions on a frustrating afternoon against Houston. The best day of his pro career was at New England last fall when he achieved personal highs for single game completions (16) and passing yards (247). Joe's most attempts in one game were 28 (Houston) and most touchdown passes were three (Oakland and New England).
Joe has started every regular season game since joining the club as a rookie. He already ranks third on the Bills all-time passing list with 192 completions and 2,527 yards in two seasons, and has rushed for 258 yards in two seasons, a 2.6 average per carry. Joe has established himself as a top-flight NFL quarterback. He made the UPI All-Rookie team in 1973 when he was the only first-year player in the League to start every game at quarterback.
Ferguson was an All-America quarterback at Arkansas and was voted MVP in the Southwest Conference and a member of the All-Conference team as a junior. He set a number of Razorback passing records for Coach Frank Broyles and was named to the North-South Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.
A physical education major, Joe hopes to someday coach. Hunting and fishing are his favorite forms of recreation. Joe worked during the off-season as an assistant coach and member of the PE staff at Northwestern State University in Louisiana."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 12
Arkansas
"Ferguson improved in every statistical department while leading the Bills to a second consecutive 9-5 season. He was the AFC leader in passing effectiveness for six consecutive weeks and the league passing pacesetter for much of the same period. Joe ranked seventh among Conference passers in final statistics and 12th overall in the NFL. His attempts were up 68 over 1973, completions by 46, yardage by 649, passing percentage by 6.8 and touchdown passes by eight.
He hung up a record single game completion percentage of 81.3 (13-of-16) at Green Bay and suffered a single game high of six interceptions on a frustrating afternoon against Houston. The best day of his pro career was at New England last fall when he achieved personal highs for single game completions (16) and passing yards (247). Joe's most attempts in one game were 28 (Houston) and most touchdown passes were three (Oakland and New England).
Joe has started every regular season game since joining the club as a rookie. He already ranks third on the Bills all-time passing list with 192 completions and 2,527 yards in two seasons, and has rushed for 258 yards in two seasons, a 2.6 average per carry. Joe has established himself as a top-flight NFL quarterback. He made the UPI All-Rookie team in 1973 when he was the only first-year player in the League to start every game at quarterback.
Ferguson was an All-America quarterback at Arkansas and was voted MVP in the Southwest Conference and a member of the All-Conference team as a junior. He set a number of Razorback passing records for Coach Frank Broyles and was named to the North-South Shrine Game, Hula Bowl and College All-Star squads.
A physical education major, Joe hopes to someday coach. Hunting and fishing are his favorite forms of recreation. Joe worked during the off-season as an assistant coach and member of the PE staff at Northwestern State University in Louisiana."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
1975 Profile: Earl Edwards
Defensive End
No. 73
Wichita
"Edwards has been a Buffalo defensive leader for two seasons. Second to teammate Mike Kadish in tackles by a lineman, he was credited with 57 solo stops and 34 assists. He sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times, leading the club in that department. Used at both end and tackle, Edwards exerts tremendous pressure on the quarterback. He recovered from an off-season bout with hepatitis.
Earl was traded from the 49ers to the Bills in September 1973 for Randy Jackson and a draft choice and was an end for most of the '73 season. He was cited by the Buffalo Evening News as Buffalo's MVP on defense in 1973. Earl was a 49er for three seasons and was a starter in San Francisco in both 1971 and 1972. He played some offense (tight end) as a 49er rookie. A fifth round draft choice of San Francisco in 1969, he was with Edmonton in the Canadian League for two years.
Edwards played two years at Wichita where he was Sophomore Lineman of the Year. An All-Conference, All-Midwest and honorable mention All-America choice, he was credited with 15 unassisted tackles in a game against Drake University.
Earl was a physical education and journalism major at Wichita. He was honored as Florida Male Professional Athlete of the Year by the Tampa Bay Area Businessman's Association. Together with seven other pro athletes in the San Francisco Bay Area, Earl formed an association called Bay Area Professional Athletes Inc. which staged a number of benefit football clinics for underprivileged youth. He's twice a participant in the NFL-United Way 'Great Moments' public service series for television. Earl is part owner of Joseph Roberts Originals, Inc., a San Francisco men's clothier."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 73
Wichita
"Edwards has been a Buffalo defensive leader for two seasons. Second to teammate Mike Kadish in tackles by a lineman, he was credited with 57 solo stops and 34 assists. He sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times, leading the club in that department. Used at both end and tackle, Edwards exerts tremendous pressure on the quarterback. He recovered from an off-season bout with hepatitis.
Earl was traded from the 49ers to the Bills in September 1973 for Randy Jackson and a draft choice and was an end for most of the '73 season. He was cited by the Buffalo Evening News as Buffalo's MVP on defense in 1973. Earl was a 49er for three seasons and was a starter in San Francisco in both 1971 and 1972. He played some offense (tight end) as a 49er rookie. A fifth round draft choice of San Francisco in 1969, he was with Edmonton in the Canadian League for two years.
Edwards played two years at Wichita where he was Sophomore Lineman of the Year. An All-Conference, All-Midwest and honorable mention All-America choice, he was credited with 15 unassisted tackles in a game against Drake University.
Earl was a physical education and journalism major at Wichita. He was honored as Florida Male Professional Athlete of the Year by the Tampa Bay Area Businessman's Association. Together with seven other pro athletes in the San Francisco Bay Area, Earl formed an association called Bay Area Professional Athletes Inc. which staged a number of benefit football clinics for underprivileged youth. He's twice a participant in the NFL-United Way 'Great Moments' public service series for television. Earl is part owner of Joseph Roberts Originals, Inc., a San Francisco men's clothier."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
1975 Profile: Joe DeLamielleure
Guard
No. 68
Michigan State
"Joe was Buffalo's most consistent offensive lineman in 1974. He has started for the Bills in every regular season game since joining the club as a rookie. He's excellent at pulling to lead running plays and is a strong pass blocker as well. Joe is expected to show continued improvement
One of the Bills' two number one draft choices in 1973, Joe was named to the NFL All-Rookie team by UPI. Joe is expected to show continued improvement as he becomes more experienced.
Joe was an offensive guard and a tackle for Duffy Daugherty at Michigan State. He was three times an All-Big 10 choice and made the All-America team as a senior. Selected UPI Lineman of the Week following the 1972 Michigan State-Purdue game, Joe earned invitations to the North-South Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.
His Michigan State major was criminal justice and he hopes to work in the area of juvenile probation. Handball and basketball are his favorite spare time pursuits. Joe comes from a family of 10 children."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 68
Michigan State
"Joe was Buffalo's most consistent offensive lineman in 1974. He has started for the Bills in every regular season game since joining the club as a rookie. He's excellent at pulling to lead running plays and is a strong pass blocker as well. Joe is expected to show continued improvement
One of the Bills' two number one draft choices in 1973, Joe was named to the NFL All-Rookie team by UPI. Joe is expected to show continued improvement as he becomes more experienced.
Joe was an offensive guard and a tackle for Duffy Daugherty at Michigan State. He was three times an All-Big 10 choice and made the All-America team as a senior. Selected UPI Lineman of the Week following the 1972 Michigan State-Purdue game, Joe earned invitations to the North-South Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.
His Michigan State major was criminal justice and he hopes to work in the area of juvenile probation. Handball and basketball are his favorite spare time pursuits. Joe comes from a family of 10 children."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
1975 Profile: Don Croft
Defensive End
No. 72
Texas-El Paso
"Slow to recover from knee surgery, Croft appeared as a defensive reserve in only six games. His longest stint of the year was against the Jets [at New York] when he had three tackles and three assists.
Don suffered an injury in 1973 training camp and missed the entire season. He was a starter at defensive tackle in 1972 after joining the team on waivers from Baltimore. A good pass rusher, Don has been employed at both defensive tackle and end. He was a fifth round draft choice of the Colts in '72.
A three-year starter at defensive tackle for Texas-El Paso, Croft was All-Western Athletic Conference and an honorable mention All-America choice as a senior. He won postseason invitations to the North-South Shrine Game and the Coaches All-America contest. Don received the Texas-El Paso 'Gold Helmet' award for his play against Texas at Arlington in 1971.
Don was awarded a degree in general business, has worked in a Buffalo men's shop during the off-season and would like to be in business for himself someday. He's the honorary chairman of the March of Dimes Walkathon.
Horse racing is his favorite form of entertainment, and hunting and fishing are his hobbies. Don plays the guitar."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 72
Texas-El Paso
"Slow to recover from knee surgery, Croft appeared as a defensive reserve in only six games. His longest stint of the year was against the Jets [at New York] when he had three tackles and three assists.
Don suffered an injury in 1973 training camp and missed the entire season. He was a starter at defensive tackle in 1972 after joining the team on waivers from Baltimore. A good pass rusher, Don has been employed at both defensive tackle and end. He was a fifth round draft choice of the Colts in '72.
A three-year starter at defensive tackle for Texas-El Paso, Croft was All-Western Athletic Conference and an honorable mention All-America choice as a senior. He won postseason invitations to the North-South Shrine Game and the Coaches All-America contest. Don received the Texas-El Paso 'Gold Helmet' award for his play against Texas at Arlington in 1971.
Don was awarded a degree in general business, has worked in a Buffalo men's shop during the off-season and would like to be in business for himself someday. He's the honorary chairman of the March of Dimes Walkathon.
Horse racing is his favorite form of entertainment, and hunting and fishing are his hobbies. Don plays the guitar."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
Monday, November 2, 2015
1975 Profile: Neal Craig
Strong Safety
No. 42
Fisk
"Neal became a regular at strong safety after coming to the Bills in a trade in August of 1974. He intercepted a pass and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown at Baltimore and recovered a fumble.
A three-year starter in the Cincinnati secondary, Neal was a seventh round selection of the Bengals in the 1971 college draft. He picked off five passes in his Bengal career and returned one for a touchdown in the AFC playoff game against Miami in 1973. His nickname is 'Kojack.'
Neal played for Cincinnati Taft High School and was a teammate of Robert James at Fisk University. His college major was sociology.
He worked during the off-season in the Department of Commerce's Business Management Fellowship Program. Neal is very active in civic affairs and was the Bengals' Man of the Year winner for his work with charitable organizations. He had a $1,000 college scholarship awarded in his name and has a playground in Cincinnati named after him."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
No. 42
Fisk
"Neal became a regular at strong safety after coming to the Bills in a trade in August of 1974. He intercepted a pass and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown at Baltimore and recovered a fumble.
A three-year starter in the Cincinnati secondary, Neal was a seventh round selection of the Bengals in the 1971 college draft. He picked off five passes in his Bengal career and returned one for a touchdown in the AFC playoff game against Miami in 1973. His nickname is 'Kojack.'
Neal played for Cincinnati Taft High School and was a teammate of Robert James at Fisk University. His college major was sociology.
He worked during the off-season in the Department of Commerce's Business Management Fellowship Program. Neal is very active in civic affairs and was the Bengals' Man of the Year winner for his work with charitable organizations. He had a $1,000 college scholarship awarded in his name and has a playground in Cincinnati named after him."
-Buffalo Bills 1975 Yearbook
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