Linebacker
No. 50
Missouri
"Johnson appeared in 13 games last year, mostly on special teams. He started the San Diego game (November 21) at defensive end when injuries had wiped out two Bills starters. Mark was credited with 14 tackles last year. He saw action in 11 games in 1975, starting twice at outside linebacker. A strong, vicious tackler, he's a leader on the special units.
He earned All-Big Eight honorable mention honors in 1974 after recovering from spring knee surgery. He led Missouri in total tackles in 1973 and 1974, totaling 198 tackles in two years, and had 16 quarterback sacks plus a fumble recovery in 1974. Mark played in the 1975 Hula Bowl.
Mark is a physical education major who enjoys horseback riding, basketball and movies. He's nicknamed 'Country.'"
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Yearbook
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
1977 Profile: Dan Jilek
Linebacker
No. 51
Michigan
"This guy makes you wonder about the Bills' scouting department. The Bills have blown some first- and second-round draft choices on linebacking mistakes the past few years, but got a good one when they stumbled onto Jilek in the fourth round a year ago. Buffalo's most pleasant surprise of 1976, he made the mistakes you would expect from a rookie linebacker, but could become an excellent one. He's an opportunistic player, although more weight would help.
A defensive end at Michigan and twice an All-Big Ten choice, Jilek still has a lot to learn about his new position. He was the second-busiest Bill defender last year with 60 tackles and 39 assists and intercepted two passes.
Jilek was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His father is a high school football coach in Detroit."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Jilek started all 14 games at outside linebacker in 1976 and earned a berth on the NFL All-Rookie team. He was the second leading tackler on the squad with 60 solos and 39 assists, and had two pass interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack. Dan moved into the starting lineup midway through training camp and continued to improve all year.
He has excellent reactions with an instinct for the ball and could develop into a top NFL linebacker.
Jilek was a two-time All-Big Ten selection of both AP and UPI at defensive end. An honorable mention All-America, he played in the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl and was a candidate for Academic All-America honors. Dan ranked sixth on the Michigan squad last year with 99 tackles, including 70 solo stops, and also had a pass interception. He was involved in 80 tackles as a junior, including 10 for losses of 53 yards.
A speech and political science major, Dan's father is the football and basketball coach at Henry Ford High School in Detroit."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Guide
No. 51
Michigan
"This guy makes you wonder about the Bills' scouting department. The Bills have blown some first- and second-round draft choices on linebacking mistakes the past few years, but got a good one when they stumbled onto Jilek in the fourth round a year ago. Buffalo's most pleasant surprise of 1976, he made the mistakes you would expect from a rookie linebacker, but could become an excellent one. He's an opportunistic player, although more weight would help.
A defensive end at Michigan and twice an All-Big Ten choice, Jilek still has a lot to learn about his new position. He was the second-busiest Bill defender last year with 60 tackles and 39 assists and intercepted two passes.
Jilek was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His father is a high school football coach in Detroit."
-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition
"Jilek started all 14 games at outside linebacker in 1976 and earned a berth on the NFL All-Rookie team. He was the second leading tackler on the squad with 60 solos and 39 assists, and had two pass interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a sack. Dan moved into the starting lineup midway through training camp and continued to improve all year.
He has excellent reactions with an instinct for the ball and could develop into a top NFL linebacker.
Jilek was a two-time All-Big Ten selection of both AP and UPI at defensive end. An honorable mention All-America, he played in the Hula Bowl and the Japan Bowl and was a candidate for Academic All-America honors. Dan ranked sixth on the Michigan squad last year with 99 tackles, including 70 solo stops, and also had a pass interception. He was involved in 80 tackles as a junior, including 10 for losses of 53 yards.
A speech and political science major, Dan's father is the football and basketball coach at Henry Ford High School in Detroit."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Guide
Thursday, June 23, 2016
1977 Profile: Robert James
Cornerback
No. 20
Fisk
"A knee injury suffered in a preseason game against Los Angeles in 1975 has kept him out of action for two full seasons. Robert's slow rehabilitation process finally made significant gains over the winter and he has now has hopes for a comeback in 1977. His return would be a big plus in the defensive secondary.
Robert was a unanimous All-NFL choice at cornerback in 1973 and 1974, and a consensus All-AFC selection and member of the AFC Pro Bowl squad in 1972, 1973 and 1974. He shares with O.J. Simpson the distinction of being the senior member of the Bills. Robert was originally signed as a free agent out of Fisk University. He won a starting role at cornerback in 1970 after playing mainly on special teams. He wears contact lenses on the field.
A linebacker and defensive end for Fisk and an All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference choice, Robert is the first Fisk University product to gain prominence in pro ball. He was Fisk's most valuable gridder in 1968, and also conference champion in the 60-yard high hurdles and the 120-yard intermediate hurdles. His top collegiate hurdle times were 7.5 in the 60's and 14.5 in the 120's.
Robert earned his Bachelor's degree in physical education. He's active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was once saluted by his hometown in 'Robert James Day' ceremonies. He would like to pursue a teaching career following his playing days."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide
No. 20
Fisk
"A knee injury suffered in a preseason game against Los Angeles in 1975 has kept him out of action for two full seasons. Robert's slow rehabilitation process finally made significant gains over the winter and he has now has hopes for a comeback in 1977. His return would be a big plus in the defensive secondary.
Robert was a unanimous All-NFL choice at cornerback in 1973 and 1974, and a consensus All-AFC selection and member of the AFC Pro Bowl squad in 1972, 1973 and 1974. He shares with O.J. Simpson the distinction of being the senior member of the Bills. Robert was originally signed as a free agent out of Fisk University. He won a starting role at cornerback in 1970 after playing mainly on special teams. He wears contact lenses on the field.
A linebacker and defensive end for Fisk and an All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference choice, Robert is the first Fisk University product to gain prominence in pro ball. He was Fisk's most valuable gridder in 1968, and also conference champion in the 60-yard high hurdles and the 120-yard intermediate hurdles. His top collegiate hurdle times were 7.5 in the 60's and 14.5 in the 120's.
Robert earned his Bachelor's degree in physical education. He's active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was once saluted by his hometown in 'Robert James Day' ceremonies. He would like to pursue a teaching career following his playing days."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
1977 Profile: George Jakowenko
Place Kicker
No. 5
Syracuse
"George was the Bills' kicker for 11 games last year, finishing with the highest field goal percentage in Buffalo history (12-for-17, .706). He now has a string of four straight field goals, and needs one more to tie the Bills mark for consecutive successful field goals.
He finished third in the AFC kicker rankings. His longest field goal was 49 yards and he hit 4-for-4 inside the 30, 4-for-6 from 30-40 and 4-for-7 from 40 on out.
In 1974 Jakowenko played in six regular season and two playoff games with the Oakland Raiders. He began his professional career as a free agent with St. Louis in 1971.
Jakowenko scored 129 points in his three-year career at Syracuse. He connected of 21 of 51 field goals and 66 of 76 extra points. His career field goals and extra points are both records at Syracuse.
He has a B.S. degree in management data systems and worked for an accounting firm in the off-season. George migrated to the U.S. from Belgium in 1955. He speaks Russian, French and Dutch."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Guide
No. 5
Syracuse
"George was the Bills' kicker for 11 games last year, finishing with the highest field goal percentage in Buffalo history (12-for-17, .706). He now has a string of four straight field goals, and needs one more to tie the Bills mark for consecutive successful field goals.
He finished third in the AFC kicker rankings. His longest field goal was 49 yards and he hit 4-for-4 inside the 30, 4-for-6 from 30-40 and 4-for-7 from 40 on out.
In 1974 Jakowenko played in six regular season and two playoff games with the Oakland Raiders. He began his professional career as a free agent with St. Louis in 1971.
Jakowenko scored 129 points in his three-year career at Syracuse. He connected of 21 of 51 field goals and 66 of 76 extra points. His career field goals and extra points are both records at Syracuse.
He has a B.S. degree in management data systems and worked for an accounting firm in the off-season. George migrated to the U.S. from Belgium in 1955. He speaks Russian, French and Dutch."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-TV-Radio Guide
Friday, June 17, 2016
1977 Profile: Roland Hooks
Running Back
No. 25
North Carolina State
"A competent backup for O.J. Simpson and valuable kick return man, Roland was a versatile performer for the Bills last year. He was second in both kickoff and punt returns and was the squad's fourth leading rusher. Roland had the longest kickoff return of the year, a 79-yarder against Miami. His best rushing day was against New England when he carried 18 times for 80 yards after O.J. was ejected for fighting. He also caught six passes last year. Roland's combined offensive yardage last year was 754 yards. He missed the entire 1975 season with illness and injury.
Roland was a versatile performer at North Carolina State where he established a record for average yards per rush (5.6 yards, 1,368 yards on 246 carries). He led the Wolfpack with 850 yards and a 6.3-yard average in 1974 while scoring 17 touchdowns. He also holds the N.C. State record of 981 kickoff return yards. In his first varsity game he returned a kickoff 80 yards.
Roland is a history major who enjoys handball."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide
No. 25
North Carolina State
"A competent backup for O.J. Simpson and valuable kick return man, Roland was a versatile performer for the Bills last year. He was second in both kickoff and punt returns and was the squad's fourth leading rusher. Roland had the longest kickoff return of the year, a 79-yarder against Miami. His best rushing day was against New England when he carried 18 times for 80 yards after O.J. was ejected for fighting. He also caught six passes last year. Roland's combined offensive yardage last year was 754 yards. He missed the entire 1975 season with illness and injury.
Roland was a versatile performer at North Carolina State where he established a record for average yards per rush (5.6 yards, 1,368 yards on 246 carries). He led the Wolfpack with 850 yards and a 6.3-yard average in 1974 while scoring 17 touchdowns. He also holds the N.C. State record of 981 kickoff return yards. In his first varsity game he returned a kickoff 80 yards.
Roland is a history major who enjoys handball."
-Buffalo Bills 1977 Press-Radio-TV Guide
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
1977 Profile: Ron Holliday
Wide Receiver
No. 82
Pittsburgh
"Ron injured his knee in the first preseason game last year and missed the entire season. He played 11 games with the San Diego Chargers in 1973, catching 14 passes for 182 yards.
In 1974 and 1975 Ron played in the World Football League with the Philadelphia Bell. Prior to joining the Chargers he had stints with Montreal in the CFL and with the Pennsylvania Firebirds and Norfolk Neptunes in the Atlantic Coast League.
Ron did not play football in college. He was a marketing major at Pittsburgh where he excelled in baseball; at one time he was in the New York Yankees' farm system. Ron's hobby is riding motorcycles."
-1977 Buffalo Bills Press-Radio-TV Guide
No. 82
Pittsburgh
"Ron injured his knee in the first preseason game last year and missed the entire season. He played 11 games with the San Diego Chargers in 1973, catching 14 passes for 182 yards.
In 1974 and 1975 Ron played in the World Football League with the Philadelphia Bell. Prior to joining the Chargers he had stints with Montreal in the CFL and with the Pennsylvania Firebirds and Norfolk Neptunes in the Atlantic Coast League.
Ron did not play football in college. He was a marketing major at Pittsburgh where he excelled in baseball; at one time he was in the New York Yankees' farm system. Ron's hobby is riding motorcycles."
-1977 Buffalo Bills Press-Radio-TV Guide
Monday, June 13, 2016
1977 Profile: John Holland
Wide Receiver
No. 80
Tennessee State
"Holland had a big yardage day as a Buffalo receiver in 1976 when he caught two Joe Ferguson touchdown passes in the Monday Night opener against Miami. The passes were 58 and 53 yards, and his 111-yard total was the biggest day for a Bill last year. He finished the season with 15 catches for 299 yards. Holland also scored a touchdown in the San Diego game when he recovered a Charger bad punt snap in the end zone.
He appeared in 13 games last year, eight as a starting wide receiver. John's biggest day as a pro came in 1975 when he stepped in for the injured Bob Chandler against the Colts and caught six passes for 121 yards, including a 63-yard hookup with Ferguson. He appeared in 12 games in 1975 and saw duty as a kickoff and punt return man. A second round draft choice of the Vikings in 1974, the Bills took him off the waiver wire.
John set a Tennessee State record as a senior with 53 catches for 739 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named a Little All-America. He also played baseball and was drafted by Philadelphia.
John lived in Buffalo during the off-season and played on the Bills' basketball team."
-1977 Buffalo Bills Press-Radio-TV Guide
No. 80
Tennessee State
"Holland had a big yardage day as a Buffalo receiver in 1976 when he caught two Joe Ferguson touchdown passes in the Monday Night opener against Miami. The passes were 58 and 53 yards, and his 111-yard total was the biggest day for a Bill last year. He finished the season with 15 catches for 299 yards. Holland also scored a touchdown in the San Diego game when he recovered a Charger bad punt snap in the end zone.
He appeared in 13 games last year, eight as a starting wide receiver. John's biggest day as a pro came in 1975 when he stepped in for the injured Bob Chandler against the Colts and caught six passes for 121 yards, including a 63-yard hookup with Ferguson. He appeared in 12 games in 1975 and saw duty as a kickoff and punt return man. A second round draft choice of the Vikings in 1974, the Bills took him off the waiver wire.
John set a Tennessee State record as a senior with 53 catches for 739 yards and 11 touchdowns and was named a Little All-America. He also played baseball and was drafted by Philadelphia.
John lived in Buffalo during the off-season and played on the Bills' basketball team."
-1977 Buffalo Bills Press-Radio-TV Guide
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