Center
No. 53
Colorado
"Montler concluded the 1973 season as Buffalo's starting center after he was pressed into service when Bruce Jarvis was sidelined by a knee injury prior to the Cincinnati game. Mike did an outstanding job as the Bills regular pivot over the final six weeks of the season and is expected to press Jarvis for the job this fall. He's versatile enough to play guard or tackle.
Mike was acquired by Buffalo in the trade that also brought Jim Cheyunski and Halvor Hagen from New England. He was a starting offensive lineman during his four seasons with the Patriots. He was New England's second round draft choice in 1969.
Montler won All-America and All-Big Eight honors as a tackle for Eddie Crowder at Colorado. Captain of the Buffaloes as a senior, he captured the Ernie Davis Memorial Award in the 1969 Coaches All-America Game. Mike was a member of the Blue-Grey, Hula and Senior Bowl squads and the College All-Star team.
Mike played service football during a four-year tour in the Marine Corps. His duty stations included San Diego and Okinawa. His undergraduate major at Colorado was business with a minor in journalism. Mike's off-season employment was as a PR representative for a Boulder bank. He has also worked as a sheriff's deputy."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Friday, July 31, 2015
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
1974 Profile: Reggie McKenzie
Guard
No. 67
Michigan
"An All-NFL choice of the Associated Press, Pro Football Writers and Football NEWS, second team All-League in NEA and Pro Football WEEKLY balloting and near unanimous choice for All-Conference, McKenzie received more votes than any other offensive lineman in the UPI balloting for the All-AFC eleven. Also winner of the Wisconsin Pro Football Writers' award as the NFL's 'top-blocking lineman,' he received a special citation from the Long Island Writers for his blocking contribution in 1973.
A two-year regular at guard, Reggie won the starting job as a rookie and played all season despite painful ankle sprains; he was the only Buffalo guard to remain in the lineup during the entire 1972 campaign. He has outstanding speed and the ability to get out in front of the play. McKenzie is a devastating blocker and has outstanding leadership traits.
McKenzie was a consensus All-American for Bo Schembechler at Michigan and a member of two Michigan Rose Bowl teams (1970,1972). A two-time All-Big Ten choice, he won invitations to the Hula Bowl and College All-Star games.
Reggie won his B.S. degree in physical education and has ambitions for graduate study, perhaps in law. He was co-chairman of Buffalo Brotherhood Week for the National Conference of Christians and Jews and is active in the public service area. He worked during the off-season as a public relations representative for a local hotel. Reggie has four brothers and three sisters. Music and reading are his hobbies."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 67
Michigan
"An All-NFL choice of the Associated Press, Pro Football Writers and Football NEWS, second team All-League in NEA and Pro Football WEEKLY balloting and near unanimous choice for All-Conference, McKenzie received more votes than any other offensive lineman in the UPI balloting for the All-AFC eleven. Also winner of the Wisconsin Pro Football Writers' award as the NFL's 'top-blocking lineman,' he received a special citation from the Long Island Writers for his blocking contribution in 1973.
A two-year regular at guard, Reggie won the starting job as a rookie and played all season despite painful ankle sprains; he was the only Buffalo guard to remain in the lineup during the entire 1972 campaign. He has outstanding speed and the ability to get out in front of the play. McKenzie is a devastating blocker and has outstanding leadership traits.
McKenzie was a consensus All-American for Bo Schembechler at Michigan and a member of two Michigan Rose Bowl teams (1970,1972). A two-time All-Big Ten choice, he won invitations to the Hula Bowl and College All-Star games.
Reggie won his B.S. degree in physical education and has ambitions for graduate study, perhaps in law. He was co-chairman of Buffalo Brotherhood Week for the National Conference of Christians and Jews and is active in the public service area. He worked during the off-season as a public relations representative for a local hotel. Reggie has four brothers and three sisters. Music and reading are his hobbies."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Monday, July 27, 2015
1974 Profile: John Leypoldt
Place Kicker
No. 3
"Leypoldt ranked third among AFC field goal kickers last fall. His percentage of.700 (21-for-30) was topped only by league leader Don Cockroft of Cleveland (.710) and Bobby Howfield of the Jets (.708). John was the AFC's best kicker from the midfield mark or beyond, hitting 2-of-4 from long range.
John tied the Buffalo record with a 52-yard field goal against Baltimore and is within one of Pete Gogolak's record for career field goals. He starts the 1973 season with a string of five straight field goal successes and has hit 38 straight PATs dating from November 5, 1972. Leypoldt was the Bills' top scorer two years in a row with 90 points in 1973, 77 in 1972.
Leypoldt joined the Bills as a free agent and has no college football experience. He played on a semi-pro level with Annapolis (later Virginia) Sailors in 1965-66. He was a kicker for his service football team during two years of Army duty in Germany.
John was working for Washington Gas Light Company at the time he won a Bills tryout. An avid pool player, he likes hunting and fishing. John has a St. Bernard named Duke and works during the off-season for a local automobile dealer."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 3
"Leypoldt ranked third among AFC field goal kickers last fall. His percentage of.700 (21-for-30) was topped only by league leader Don Cockroft of Cleveland (.710) and Bobby Howfield of the Jets (.708). John was the AFC's best kicker from the midfield mark or beyond, hitting 2-of-4 from long range.
John tied the Buffalo record with a 52-yard field goal against Baltimore and is within one of Pete Gogolak's record for career field goals. He starts the 1973 season with a string of five straight field goal successes and has hit 38 straight PATs dating from November 5, 1972. Leypoldt was the Bills' top scorer two years in a row with 90 points in 1973, 77 in 1972.
Leypoldt joined the Bills as a free agent and has no college football experience. He played on a semi-pro level with Annapolis (later Virginia) Sailors in 1965-66. He was a kicker for his service football team during two years of Army duty in Germany.
John was working for Washington Gas Light Company at the time he won a Bills tryout. An avid pool player, he likes hunting and fishing. John has a St. Bernard named Duke and works during the off-season for a local automobile dealer."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Sunday, July 26, 2015
1974 Profile: Richard Lewis
Linebacker
No. 56
Portland State
"Lewis finished the 1973 campaign as the Bills starter at outside linebacker and made a total of 10 appearances, seven as a regular. He was picked up by Buffalo after receiving his release from the Houston Oilers last fall. Richard was first active for the Colt game at Orchard Park.
Signed by Atlanta as a free agent in 1972, Richard was claimed by Houston after being waived by the Falcons. He was active with the Oilers for 10 games in 1972 and made several starts at outside linebacker. He's an aggressive player with good speed.
Lewis was a three-year starter at Portland State (Oregon) and was the Vikings' leading tackler. He lives in Portland."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 56
Portland State
"Lewis finished the 1973 campaign as the Bills starter at outside linebacker and made a total of 10 appearances, seven as a regular. He was picked up by Buffalo after receiving his release from the Houston Oilers last fall. Richard was first active for the Colt game at Orchard Park.
Signed by Atlanta as a free agent in 1972, Richard was claimed by Houston after being waived by the Falcons. He was active with the Oilers for 10 games in 1972 and made several starts at outside linebacker. He's an aggressive player with good speed.
Lewis was a three-year starter at Portland State (Oregon) and was the Vikings' leading tackler. He lives in Portland."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Friday, July 24, 2015
1974 Profile: Merv Krakau
Middle Linebacker
No. 52
Iowa State
"Krakau showed remarkable development as a rookie. He played in all 14 games, and was the Bills starter at middle linebacker in the first two games of the regular season when injuries sidelined Jim Cheyunski. An intense performer on special teams, Merv has great desire and strength and is expected to bid for a larger role in 1974. He rates as the Bills' 'sleeper' of the 1973 draft.
A defensive tackle for Johnny Majors at Iowa State, Krakau made the All-Big Eight squad and was a third team All-America choice of the Associated Press. He was Iowa State's outstanding defensive player in the Liberty Bowl game and a member of the Senior Bowl squad. Merv was named National Lineman of the Week for his performance against Nebraska in 1972; his defensive effort against the Cornhuskers included two fumble recoveries, two fumbles caused, three pass deflections, two sacks of the quarterback, and 11 unassisted tackles.
Merv was a physical education major at Iowa State and has ambitions to be a coach and teacher after his playing career. Bowling, hunting and fishing are his hobbies."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 52
Iowa State
"Krakau showed remarkable development as a rookie. He played in all 14 games, and was the Bills starter at middle linebacker in the first two games of the regular season when injuries sidelined Jim Cheyunski. An intense performer on special teams, Merv has great desire and strength and is expected to bid for a larger role in 1974. He rates as the Bills' 'sleeper' of the 1973 draft.
A defensive tackle for Johnny Majors at Iowa State, Krakau made the All-Big Eight squad and was a third team All-America choice of the Associated Press. He was Iowa State's outstanding defensive player in the Liberty Bowl game and a member of the Senior Bowl squad. Merv was named National Lineman of the Week for his performance against Nebraska in 1972; his defensive effort against the Cornhuskers included two fumble recoveries, two fumbles caused, three pass deflections, two sacks of the quarterback, and 11 unassisted tackles.
Merv was a physical education major at Iowa State and has ambitions to be a coach and teacher after his playing career. Bowling, hunting and fishing are his hobbies."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Thursday, July 23, 2015
1974 Profile: Ted Koy
Safety-Tight End
No. 37
Texas
"One of the Bills' most versatile performers, Koy played four different positions last season- running back, tight end, linebacker and safety. He made his only start of 1973 at safety against Philadelphia. Ted is a valuable performer on special teams, a tough blocker with good speed and great determination.
Ted became a Bill six days before the start of the 1971 season, acquired from Oakland in exchange for a future draft choice. He was the Raiders' second round selection in 1970 and played in 14 games for Oakland as a rookie.
Koy was captain of Texas' 1969 National Championship team. An All-America and All-Southwest Conference running back, he made the All-America blocking team. Koy saw postseason action in the Cotton and Senior Bowls and was a member of the 1970 College All-Star squad.
Ted's undergraduate degree is in journalism and public relations and he is studying at the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine in the off-season. He's active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
His brother, Ernie, played with the New York Giants from 1965-70, a sister, Margaret, is a former sportswriter for the Abilene Reporter-News, and his dad was a Texas All-America in football and baseball who later played professionally with the baseball Cardinals and Dodgers."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 37
Texas
"One of the Bills' most versatile performers, Koy played four different positions last season- running back, tight end, linebacker and safety. He made his only start of 1973 at safety against Philadelphia. Ted is a valuable performer on special teams, a tough blocker with good speed and great determination.
Ted became a Bill six days before the start of the 1971 season, acquired from Oakland in exchange for a future draft choice. He was the Raiders' second round selection in 1970 and played in 14 games for Oakland as a rookie.
Koy was captain of Texas' 1969 National Championship team. An All-America and All-Southwest Conference running back, he made the All-America blocking team. Koy saw postseason action in the Cotton and Senior Bowls and was a member of the 1970 College All-Star squad.
Ted's undergraduate degree is in journalism and public relations and he is studying at the Texas A & M School of Veterinary Medicine in the off-season. He's active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
His brother, Ernie, played with the New York Giants from 1965-70, a sister, Margaret, is a former sportswriter for the Abilene Reporter-News, and his dad was a Texas All-America in football and baseball who later played professionally with the baseball Cardinals and Dodgers."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
1974 Profile: Ernie Kellerman
Strong Safety
No. 24
Miami of Ohio
"Kellerman signed as a free agent on October 13 last fall, started the next day at safety against the Colts and intercepted a pass. He finished the season with two interceptions and 23 yards in total returns, starting at strong safety in 10 games. Ernie was released by Cincinnati the week before the season opened.
Ernie played safety and led the special teams with the Bengals in 1972 after he was with the Cleveland organization for seven years. He was originally signed by the Browns as a free agent in 1965 after being drafted by Dallas in the sixth round and released on the final cut. The Browns let him go just prior to the '72 opener. Kellerman has a total of 19 career interceptions.
Kellerman was a quarterback for coaches John Pont and Bo Schembechler at Miami of Ohio and guided the Redskins into the Tangerine Bowl as a sophomore. He was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and MVP of the Miami team, and an honorable mention All-America as a senior. Inducted into the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972, Ernie threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to help Miami surprise nationally-ranked Purdue in a game voted the Major Upset of the 1962 college season.
Ernie earned his college degree in health and physical education, and general business was his minor. He once taught school during the off-season but now works as a manufacturer's representative. Ernie enjoys Broadway musicals and golf."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
No. 24
Miami of Ohio
"Kellerman signed as a free agent on October 13 last fall, started the next day at safety against the Colts and intercepted a pass. He finished the season with two interceptions and 23 yards in total returns, starting at strong safety in 10 games. Ernie was released by Cincinnati the week before the season opened.
Ernie played safety and led the special teams with the Bengals in 1972 after he was with the Cleveland organization for seven years. He was originally signed by the Browns as a free agent in 1965 after being drafted by Dallas in the sixth round and released on the final cut. The Browns let him go just prior to the '72 opener. Kellerman has a total of 19 career interceptions.
Kellerman was a quarterback for coaches John Pont and Bo Schembechler at Miami of Ohio and guided the Redskins into the Tangerine Bowl as a sophomore. He was a three-time All-Mid-American Conference selection and MVP of the Miami team, and an honorable mention All-America as a senior. Inducted into the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972, Ernie threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to help Miami surprise nationally-ranked Purdue in a game voted the Major Upset of the 1962 college season.
Ernie earned his college degree in health and physical education, and general business was his minor. He once taught school during the off-season but now works as a manufacturer's representative. Ernie enjoys Broadway musicals and golf."
-Buffalo Bills 1974 Yearbook
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