1974 Profiles: Larry Estes and Joey Jackson

LARRY ESTES

Defensive End
No. 84
Alcorn A&M
"Estes was acquired in a trade with the Southern California Sun for Dave Williams. The last cut of the Eagles in 1973, he was an eighth-round draft choice of the Saints in 1970. He played 14 games that year, eight the following season and seven in '72.
All-Conference in college his junior and senior years, Larry received the Outstanding Player award in the 1968 Orange Bowl classic as Alcorn A&M beat Florida A&M. He lists his career highlight as being on the field when Tom Dempsey kicked his record setting 63-yard field goal.
An Education major, Larry reached All-Conference status during a four-year career in baseball at Alcorn A&M. A car salesman in the off-season, he enjoys hunting and fishing. His birthplace is Louisville, Mississippi."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

JOEY JACKSON

Defensive End

No. 79

New Mexico State

"Joey Jackson has great strength and is the second fastest player on the squad."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

"A sixth-round draft choice, scouts say 'quick, all the tools, good pursuit.' Jackson played for two years at defensive end and one at defensive tackle for the Aggies. He scored a safety in the Aggies' 32-31 win over North Texas State. Jackson has 4.9 speed and will be looked at both the inside and outside along the line. The coaches feel his best football is still ahead of him.

He's nicknamed 'Mad Mountain' after a local Indian legend. His brother Mike plays football for Central State. Joey is very active in the fellowship of Christian athletes and works with Christian youth camps. He enjoys roller skating. His hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio."

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

1974 Profile: John Elliott

Defensive Tackle
No. 80
Texas

1968

As a rookie in 1967, John left little doubt that he is a cornerstone of the young and aggressive Jet defensive line. His ability to shut down opposing runners impressed opponents throughout the league.

1969

In New York's championship season of 1968, their defensive line proved as punishing as their renowned linebacking corps. One reason was the emergence of John Elliott as an AFL All-Star and both an AP and UPI second-team All-Pro. John proved extremely tough against running plays.

"In only his third pro season, John Elliott led the Jets' small but quick defensive line in getting to the quarterback (15 times). He was most everybody's All-AFL defensive tackle, and Weeb Ewbank and the other Jets were more than a little miffed that John wasn't selected to the combined AFL-NFL All-Pro squad.

Extremely fast, the 6-4, 250-pound Elliott has a knack of nearly always being where the ball is, whether the play is a pass or a run (he was a high school high jumper).

Out of the University of Texas, he was drafted seventh by the Jets in 1967. During his first season with New York he played at end, linebacker and tackle before settling down at tackle. The Jets expect that he and left tackle Steve Thompson could be an All-Conference pair for years to come."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"John played offensive tackle and defensive middle guard for Texas and appeared in the 1965 Orange Bowl, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches' All-America Game. In high school, John set a school record for the high jump with a leap of 6'5".

He has blossomed into a stellar defensive lineman for the Jets. He has the necessary speed to play his position. John played at three positions as a rookie- end, linebacker and tackle. The coaches look for him to be named all-league this year.

John coaches a Pony League baseball team."

-1970 Topps No. 54

"Defensive tackle John Elliott was the only member of the Jets' regular front four to escape serious injury in 1970.

At 6-4 and 250 pounds, Elliott, who once high jumped six feet, five inches in high school, is one of the quickest, most mobile linemen in the game. Sacking the opposing quarterback is his specialty. He has led New York in that category for the past two seasons, getting to the quarterback 15 times in 1969 and 16 times last year.

For his great work, the Jets voted John the team's Most Valuable Player, only the second time in the club's 11-year history that the award has gone to a defensive player. A pro for only four years, Elliott already is acclaimed as one of the super tackles in pro ball."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"Hero in defeat in 1970. Elliott is small in size [6-4, 244]  but not in stature as All-AFC honors attest. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 16 times in a banner year. He was the unanimous MVP of the Jets in a poll by teammates and a Pro Bowl selection. Elliott is coming off his best season in all respects. He went almost 12 full games before missing a play in 1970.

He's known for a running feud with the Oakland Raiders, particularly offensive guard Gene Upshaw. The Colts showed respect for him by yanking Unitas from a game at the earliest moment because they didn't want Elliott to get to him with bone-crushing tackles. He's a rugged rusher but was called for roughing only once last season.

Elliott was a star of the University of Texas teams along with George Sauer and Pete Lammons. He played offensive tackle and middle guard in college. Drafted No. 7 by the Jets, he took a little time to find a position, then was All-AFL by 1969.

Extremely athletic- a 4.7 sprinter in the 40 and a former 6-foot-5 high jumper- Elliott loves the rodeo and has a desire to compete. He's an outdoorsman and rancher at heart and is married."

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

"John followed up an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in 1970. Named to numerous All-AFC squads including both AP and UPI, he was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John was also named Most Valuable Jet as he led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year with 16 sackings.

He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest defensive linemen in the game. He had an outstanding game against Miami in the 1970 home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. John followed with superb defensive games against the Bills and Giants and led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland before leaving the latter game with a knee injury.

John set a high school record with a high jump of 6' 5". He was an offensive tackle and a defensive middle guard for the Texas Longhorns and played in the 1965 Orange Bowl, the 1967 Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches' All-America Game. During his rookie year with the Jets he played end, linebacker and tackle."

-1971 Topps No. 153

"John followed an outstanding year in 1969 with his greatest ever in the pros in 1970. He he was named to numerous All-AFC squads, including both wire services, and was one of two Jets voted to the AFC's Pro Bowl squad. John also gathered in the NEA Third Down Trophy as the most valuable Jet by a vote of his teammates and was selected as the team's most valuable defensive player by the New York writers and broadcasters.

It's no coincidence that the Jets were the top defensive team in the AFL in 1968 and AFC in 1970 and that Elliott became a starter three years ago. He led the team in dumping the quarterback for the second straight year in 1970 with 16 sackings and was the only member of the Front Four to escape injury, though he was slowed by a sprained knee in the Oakland game on December 6.

The Jet coaching staff is unanimous in the opinion that Elliott is the best in the business. He has been praised by opposing coaches and players as among the quickest, most mobile defensive tackles in the game.

John had an outstanding game against Miami in the home opener, dumping Bob Griese twice. He followed up that one with superb games against Buffalo and the Giants at Shea. He led a strong pass rush against Minnesota and Oakland.

He was drafted 7th in 1967. During his rookie year, Elliott played end, linebacker and tackle.

Elliott set a high school record with a high jump record of 6-5. He enjoys hunting and fishing and works as a rancher in the off-season in Camp Wood, Texas. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

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

"Elliott went a dozen games in 1970 without missing a play. He started all that year and was named MVP by his teammates.

He had played 50 games in a row. Then came 1971 and he was wiped out for almost the whole year. John played only four games but is expected to be back after rigorous off-season rehabilitation sessions. He's a fine athlete with a positive attitude.

A 4.7 man in the 40 and a former 6-5 high jumper, Elliott makes up in athletic ability what he lacks in size. He's one of the smallest tackles in years to earn all-star honors.

John is a rodeo buff, and is a rancher in Texas in the off-season."

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

"Elliott was an offensive tackle and defensive guard for Texas. He played in the 1965 Orange Bowl, 1966 Bluebonnet Bowl and Coaches All-America Game. Elliott was drafted seventh in 1967.

He has been named to numerous All-A.F.C. squads and also to the Pro Bowl. In 1970 he was voted the most valuable Jet and the most valuable defensive player by the New York writers and broadcasters. He has led the team several times in dumping the quarterback."

-1972 Coca-Cola

"Acclaimed as one of the finest defensive tackles in all of football and certainly among the quickest, Elliott was on his way to repeating his outstanding year of 1970 when a knee injury cut him down for the season in the fourth game at New England. He suffered torn ligaments in his right knee and underwent surgery immediately, sidelining him for the year.

Elliott had a banner year in 1970 when he was named to numerous All-AFC squads (including both wire services), to the Pro Bowl and as the Jets' NEA Third Down winner, emblematic of the MVP as selected by his teammates. He was also tabbed as the Jets' most valuable defensive stalwart by New York writers and broadcasters.

It's no coincidence that the Jets led the AFL in defense for two of the three years after Elliott became a starter. He led the team in dumping the quarterback in 1970 with 16 sackings and was the only member of the Front Four to escape injury that year. He has drawn consistent praise from opponents and NFL coaches.

During his rookie year he played end, linebacker and tackle. He was drafted seventh in 1967.

Elliott set a high school high jump record with a jump of 6-5. He enjoys hunting and fishing, and works as a rancher in the off-season. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

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

"A top-flight tackle who has been having his troubles in the past couple of seasons because of injuries. Elliott played in only four games in 1971 and missed another in 1972.

'The good lord gave me five good years in the pros,' he says. 'I figure now I've got to start paying for them. But I hope I can play another five or six years.' A tough guy from the Texas farm country who was earning money by carrying 100-pound sacks of feed at age 12, he returns to his ranch in the off-season.

Elliott was criticized for clobbering Houston's Dan Pastorini. But he says it wasn't intentional: 'I don't want to hurt anyone. I've had two or three operations myself so I know what they're like."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"One of the premier defensive linemen in pro football, Elliott began to show his original form late last season. He spent the preseason and the early games of the regular season fighting his way back from knee surgery in 1971. He finally has regained his full mobility and his ability as a 'chaser' of quarterbacks. John had an outstanding year in 1970, but he suffered torn ligaments in his right knee in the fourth game of 1971 at New England and underwent surgery immediately.

In 1970 he was named to numerous All-AFC squads, to the Pro Bowl and was voted the NEA Third Down Award by his teammates as the Jets' most valuable player. It's no coincidence that the Jets led the AFL in defense for two of the three years after Elliott became a starter. He led the team in sacking quarterbacks in 1970 with 16 dumps.

Elliott draws consistent praise from his opponents and from coaches for his speed and 'active' nature on the line. He was drafted seventh in 1967.

John enjoys hunting and fishing, and works as a rancher during the off-season. His hometown is Warren, Texas."

-The New York Jets Official 1973 Yearbook

"Elliott comes to the Stars at the height of his career. He's a tough defensive tackle who wreaked havoc on the offense for seven years with the Jets. He was chosen for numerous All-AFC squads and for the Pro Bowl and was selected as MVP by his Jet teammates in 1970 when he led the Jets in quarterback sacks with 16.
After that outstanding year, he was sidelined by torn ligaments in his right knee in October 1971 and underwent surgery immediately. He spent most of 1972 regaining his mobility and speed. Last year he was the original 'Big Bad John.'
Elliott was a Jet starter since his last three rookie season games. In two of the three years after he became a starter, the Jets led the league in defense. Elliott anchored the Jets' stingy defensive line in the 1968 Super Bowl season and led Jet rushers with 15 sacks the next year. Versatile, he played linebacker, defensive end and defensive tackle in his first year.
John was a 7th-round draft choice. He played in the 1965 Orange Bowl with Stars wide receiver George Sauer and in 1967 was in the Bluebonnet Bowl and the Coaches All-America Game. John was tri-captain of the Longhorns. In high school, he excelled in the high jump with a 6'5" record.
Elliott rejoins Jet Super Bowl teammates Sauer, Babe Parilli, Gerry Philbin, Randy Beverly and Joe Walton on the Stars.
John relaxes by hunting and fishing, and between seasons works his ranch. His birthplace is Warren, Texas."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

1974 Profiles: Randy Beverly and John Dockery

RANDY BEVERLY

Free Safety
No. 42
Colorado

1969

Randy truly rose to the occasion with two interceptions in Super Bowl III. With the Colts threatening on the Jet 10-yard line in the first half, he intercepted an Earl Morrall pass in the end zone. When Unitas led Baltimore to the Jet 25 in the second half, Randy intercepted Johnny's pass in the end zone.

In a September game against Boston, Randy's 68-yard interception for a touchdown was the AFL's fourth-longest interception return of 1968.

"Randy was with the Jets from 1967 through 1969 and the Patriots in 1970 and 1971. He excelled in the Jets' Super Bowl III triumph over the Colts, with two interceptions.
Originally signed by the Jets as a free agent in 1966, Randy has a career interception total of 12 thefts for 237 yards and a touchdown. His interception-return average is 19.8. While at Colorado he once returned a kickoff 99 yards. He had a 68-yard touchdown return against Boston in the Jets' '68 championship season. Randy has also played cornerback.
A Junior College All-America at Trinidad J.C., Randy rejoins Jet Super Bowl teammates Babe Parilli, John Elliott, George Sauer, Gerry Philbin and Sam Walton on the Stars.
Randy was a high school state champion in the long jump. His high school team won three championships during his years at Wildwood (New Jersey) High. His birthplace is Wildwood, New Jersey."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

JOHN DOCKERY

Cornerback

No. 43

Harvard

1970

Taking over as a starting cornerback five games into the 1969 season, John proved a pleasant surprise for an injury-riddled Jet defensive secondary. Capable of running stride for stride with any receiver, his five interceptions tied for ninth in the AFL.

Signed as a free agent out of Harvard (Boston, Mass), John is a graduate of Brooklyn Preparatory High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball.

"Dockery was the Jets' top reserve at either cornerback in 1970 after being the starting left corner for the '69 campaign. He filled in for Earlie Thomas on the right side four times. He played three quarters when Thomas injured his ankle at Pittsburgh and again against Boston. Dockery saw a lot of playing time at Miami and Baltimore in the final two games of the year when Thomas was idled by an elbow injury.

He tied for the club lead in interceptions in 1969 with five. One of the few players to go both ways in the pros, John caught a six-yard pass against Denver in the second game of the '69 season. He also had a 41-yard catch against the College All-Stars.

John came up to the active roster of the Jets for the final three games of 1968 and played in the AFL Championship game and the Super Bowl. He signed as a free agent in 1967 and played for the Bridgeport Jets. He played a year of minor league baseball with Pittsfield (Mass).

He enjoys art and music. He's working on his thesis in urban planning at Columbia's Graduate School of Architecture. John's hometown is Brooklyn, N.Y."

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

"Dockery started at left cornerback the final seven games of the year and did an outstanding job on the corner as he had done in 1969 as a regular. A great athlete in general, he also worked at right corner when Earlie Thomas was injured. John had two interceptions, both against Buffalo.

He also worked in practice as a wide receiver and is one of the few players in the pros to go both ways. He caught a six-yard pass against Denver in 1969 and also hauled in a 41-yarder in the College All-Star Game.

Dockery tied for the club lead in interceptions with five in 1969. He came up to the active roster of the Jets for the final three games of 1968 and played in the AFL Championship game and the Super Bowl. He has good speed.

He signed as a free agent in 1967 and played for the Bridgeport Jets. He played a year of minor league baseball with Pittsfield (Massachusetts) and was director of the Joe Namath football camp in New England.

John enjoys art and music. He's working on his thesis in urban planning at Columbia's Graduate School of Architecture. His hometown is Brooklyn, New York."

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

1974 Profile: Bert Askson

Tight End
No. 83
Texas Southern
"Askson played with the Steelers in 1971. He was in camp with the Steelers in 1970 (14th round draft choice) and with the Saints in 1973. He has played defensive end in the pros and played defensive end and linebacker at Texas Southern. He does the 40 in 4.6.
A physical education major, Bert is the cousin of former Ram running back Ben Wilson. He enjoys sports and music. His birthplace is Houston, Texas."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

1974 New York Star Coaches

STEW BARBER (Offensive Line)
"Barber played nine years as an offensive tackle with the Buffalo Bills (1961-69) and was elected All-Pro at his position five times (1962-66). He anchored the Bills line during the '64 and '65 AFL championship seasons. Selected to play in the 1961 College All-Star Game against the Eagles, Stew played many times against Star Head Coach Babe Parilli in the old AFL days. He scouted for the Bills after his retirement.
A graduate of Penn State, Stew was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania and resides in Erie Pennsylvania."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide


GEORGE BOUTSELIS (Defensive Backfield)
"Boutselis joins the Stars after he was defensive coordinator last year at Virginia. A 1963 graduate of North Carolina, he played quarterback for the Tarheels.
George began his coaching career at UNC in '63 and moved to the University of Cincinnati (1967-68) as defensive secondary coach. He was defensive coordinator at Maryland (1969-71) and coached Iowa State's defensive line in '72.
George was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he resides."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide


LAMAR LEACHMAN (Defensive Line)
"Leachman joins the Stars from the University of South Carolina. An Honorable Mention All-American at Tennessee as a center and a linebacker, he began his sideline career as head coach (1957-64) at Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia. He moved to the University of Richmond as offensive line coach (1965-67), held the same position at Georgia Tech (1968-69), then took on defensive coordinator duties at Tech (1970-71). He was defensive coordinator at Memphis State in '72 and held the same position last year at South Carolina.
Lamar was born in Cartersville, Georgia and resides in Columbia, South Carolina."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide


TOM MOORE (Offensive Backfield)
"Moore joins the Stars from the University of Minnesota. A graduate of Iowa, he played three years under Forest Evashevski and became Hawkeye freshman coach in 1962. He then coached in the Army in Korea for two years.
Tom resumed his college coaching career at Dayton (1965-68), became offensive backfield coach at Wake Forest (1969) and held the same spot at Georgia Tech (1970-71). He finished his college coaching career under Cal Stoll at Minnesota.
Tom was born in Owatonna, Minnesota and resides in Bloomington, Minnesota."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide


DICK CONNORS (Linebackers)
"The defensive coordinator of the Bridgeport Jets last year, Connors was an outstanding Connecticut area athlete. He had trials with the Giants, Patriots and Dolphins and was an All-League linebacker in the Continental League in 1967.
Dick began his coaching career as a player-coach with the Westchester Bulls in 1969. He continued as either linebacker coach or defensive coordinator with several minor league clubs through 1971. He joined the Bridgeport Jets in '72.
Dick was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and resides in Westport, Connecticut."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide

1974 Profile: Babe Parilli

Head Coach
"Parilli is an outstanding quarterback and passer who's still looking for that 'big season' in his sixth year. He is a good runner and punter.
He was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania."

-Pro Football Handbook 1959

"One of the cagiest quarterbacks in the AFL, Babe came to the Patriots in a big off-season trade with Oakland. His ball-handling and faking are deceptive."

-1961 Topps No. 175

"Vito Parilli goes it alone in 1962 after a '61 season of sharing responsibilities with Butch Songin. Now 32, the 'Babe' has had locker space in Green Bay, Cleveland and Oakland (1960) and has the mobility and knowledge to frighten away all quarterback challengers. He was the most accurate aerialist in '61, carding a [league leading] 52.5 passing average while completing 104 for 198 to gain 1,314 yards. As a runner he moved 183 yards on 38 carries, a respectable 4.8 average gain."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"The veteran quarterback did well calling the signals for the Patriots last year. Babe ranked fifth in the league in passing in 1961, completing 104 of 198 aerials for 1,314 yards and 13 touchdowns. A fine runner, he gained 183 yards on the ground on the ground on 38 rushes, good for a 4.8 average. He scored five touchdowns himself and raced over the goal line for an additional two points after a touchdown for a total of 32 points.
Babe was acquired in a trade from Oakland."

-1962 Fleer No. 4

"Ask them in Boston how come the Patriots blew the Eastern title in 1962 and they'll cry of the broken right collarbone suffered by Vito (Babe) Parilli in the closing weeks of the season. The ex-Packer quarterback was on a magnificent tear and had sparked the Pats to the top of the circuit when disaster struck in the game against Houston.
Now 33, he's also been a pro at Green Bay, Cleveland, Oakland and Canada. He passed for 1,988 yards last year, clicked for 18 touchdowns, had fewer passes intercepted (8) than any other quarterback and was the No. 2 aerialist in the AFL.
The greatest quarterback in the history of the University of Kentucky, Parilli played in the Orange, Sugar and Cotton Bowls- which could be a unique record."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

"The Patriots virtually saw their title hopes come crashing down when the Babe landed on his shoulder after a Houston tackler crashed into him on November 18, 1962. Up to that time, he had piloted the Pats into the Eastern Division lead. Babe was the AFL's No. 2 pitcher last year with a 55.3 completion percentage and had 18 touchdown heaves in 10 games.
The Babe has achieved the stature expected of him when he finished at Kentucky, acclaimed as one of the best college passers ever."

-1963 Fleer No. 2

"Boston fans were either mad or wild about Vito Parilli in 1963 and at one time their boos were so loud that the ancient quarterback was about to check in his pads for keeps. Nobody was neutral about his feeling for the 34-year-old Kentucky ace who's been active with the Browns, Packers, Canadian League and Raiders. Parilli hit on 153 passes for 2,335 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, and his skilled play-calling was a major factor in getting Boston to the top in the East.
He sparkled in 1962 and the Patriot comeback fell short when he broke his collarbone in the 10th game."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Now in his 11th pro season, Vito (Babe) Parilli is the key man of the Patriot attack. The old-pro quarterback completed 153 of 337 passes for 2,335 yards and 13 touchdowns last season despite early-season injury problems.
A former All-American at the Univerisity of Kentucky, Parilli bounced around the NFL with the Browns and Packers before moving to Canada and then to the Oakland Raiders before the Pats got him in a big trade. After alternating with Butch Songin, he took over as the regular quarterback late in the 1961 season.
He's a florist equipment salesman."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"The veteran quarterback recovered from his injuries just in time to star in the 1963 AFL playoff game. He completed 14 passes for 300 yards. Babe also received the honor of opening as the starting quarterback in the All-Star game at San Diego.
Despite a broken collar bone in the 10th game of the 1962 season, Babe declares that season as his peak AFL campaign."

-1964 Topps No. 17

"Age seems only to improve Vito (Babe) Parilli, who at 35 had the finest season of his professional career. The one-time 'Sweet Kentucky Babe' heaved the ball 3,441 yards last year for the third highest total ever in professional football. Only Sonny Jurgensen and John Unitas have passed for more yardage in a single season. Babe also racked more touchdown passes than any other pro quarterback, with 31.
A pro since 1952, when he broke in with Green Bay, in the NFL, he also put in hitches with the Browns, Canadian football and the Oakland Raiders before coming to Boston in 1961."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"A well experienced veteran, Babe has weathered many campaigns in pro football. A real take-charge guy, he is the leader of the Patriots offensive attack.
Many feel that 1964 was Babe's best year. He completed 31 touchdown passes, which led all pro leagues.
Babe led Kentucky to victories in the Orange, Sugar and Cotton Bowls."

-1965 Topps No. 17

"On and on flows the 'Kentucky Babe,' Vitio Parilli. The Patriot quarterback is beginning his 13th pro season- on a new two-year contract. For several seasons now, Babe, 36, has shown signs of fraying at the seams. Last year, he completed only 173 passes on 426 attempts and had 26 intercepted. This year, one of Babe's jobs will be to break in his successor, Johnny Huarte.
Actually, Parilli has never been a great passer. But he is a clever faker and a smart play-selector who has watched better arms come and go."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"A veteran of 13 professional seasons, Babe ranks among the best in pro football. In his college days, Babe led Kentucky to victories in the Orange, Cotton and Sugar Bowls.
With a rifle arm, he pinpoints his receivers. Babe led all the pro leagues with 31 touchdown tosses in 1964."

-1966 Topps No. 12

"Retirement is a word Babe Parilli has dodged as artfully as he does a blitzing linebacker. The 37-year-old maestro has been written off more times than an unemployed brother-in-law and still, he comes back.
Last year, riding the crest of a hot streak over the second half of the season, Babe completed 181 passes out of 382 attempts for 2,721 yards and 20 touchdowns. It was a performance that earned him the Comeback of the Year award. He had experienced a disappointing season in 1965 when he completed only 40 per cent of his passes.
His is a career that dates back to his All-America years at Kentucky in 1950 and '51; then he entered the pros with Green Bay. He didn't reach Boston until 1961, and he's been at the controls ever since. In 1964, he threw for 31 touchdowns and 3,441 yards, third highest total in the history of pro football."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"One of the pro world's top ball handlers, Babe's best year was in 1964 when he threw for 31 touchdowns and 3,441 yards. The Patriots have turned down tempting trade bids for this exceptional quarterback."

-1967 Topps No. 2

"Let's see now, Babe Parilli is 38 years old and is playing in his 15th professional season.
He didn't come to the Patriots until 1961 and since then he has rolled up 17,750 yards in passing to rank third among all AFL quarterbacks. In 1964 he was the All-League quarterback when he threw 31 touchdown passes for 3,441 yards- third highest total in professional football history. In 1966, he won the Comeback of the Year award, and last year he ranked sixth in the league in passing with 161 completions for a 46.8 percentage, 2,317 yards and 19 touchdowns. What hurt him was his 24 interceptions.
The Babe's career dates back to 1952 when he broke in with Green Bay."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"'He's like a coach on the field,' Weeb Ewbank once said of Vito 'Babe' Parilli. Well, now Babe Parilli- after throwing enough passes and touchdowns in his 16 years as a professional quarterback to become the game's 12th all-time leading passer- becomes a head coach off the field, as leader of the 1974 New York Stars.
In 1948 Babe came out of Rochester, Pennsylvania and went south to begin his football career under the incomparable Bear Bryant at the University of Kentucky. He became a legend down south and acquired one of his nicknames: 'The Kentucky Babe.' He became Kentucky's first unanimous All-American, winning the honor two years in a row, as he led the Wildcats to the Orange, Cotton and Sugar Bowls during his college career. In the 1952 draft, Babe was the first-round selection of the Green Bay Packers. That July he quarterbacked the College All-Stars and was voted the game's Most Valuable Player.
Parilli spent the first two years of his pro career in Green Bay, then moved on to the Cleveland Browns, the Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL, and the Oakland Raiders of the AFL. Then, with the Boston Patriots, Parilli threw to superstardom. He led the Pats to their 1963 AFL Eastern Division title. He was a unanimous choice for All-AFL quarterback the next year. He set almost all the present-day Patriot passing records: most yards lifetime (16,747), season (3,465), game (422); most touchdowns lifetime (132), season (31), game (5); and fewest interceptions in a season (8). He was chosen for the 1963, '64 and '66 AFL All-Star teams, and was voted MVP of the league's 1967 All-Star Game.
After his outstanding career in New England, Parilli was brought down to New York by the Jets as insurance for the oft-injured Joe Namath. In several games during the team's 1968 Championship season, Parilli stepped in to secure Jet victories. Parilli's backing up of Namath and place kick-holding for record-setting Jim Turner were irreplaceable ingredients in the Jets' Super Bowl season.
Babe took to the sidelines in 1971 with the Pittsburgh Steelers as quarterback coach. For the next three seasons, he pumped his 16 years of quarterbacking experience into Terry Bradshaw and Terry Hanratty. Today they are one of the top tandems in pro football.
Seven years ago Babe Parilli came down from Boston to help lead a New York team to a title. Last January he was hired as head coach of the Boston Bulls. In March the team moved to New York. History ... and New York ... are ready for the Babe again."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide

1974 Profile: Dusty Rhodes

Assistant General Manager
"It's strange to find a woman executive in pro football, but Dusty Rhodes is really no stranger to the game. Her uncle is Charlie Gauer, former coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and she spent 1970 through '72 working for the New England Patriots as Executive Secretary to Head Coach John Mazur. Last year, Dusty helped famed sports attorney Bob Woolf in the management of Woolf's professional stable of football, baseball, basketball and hockey athletes.
Ms. Rhodes, 25, is a graduate of Penn State, with sociology and education degrees."

-1974 New York Stars Press/TV/Radio Guide

1974 Profile: Tom Beer

Director of Player Personnel
"Tom Beer comes to pro football's front office after spending six years on its playing fields. A tight end for the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots from 1967 to '72, Beer has a first-hand knowledge of what it takes to make a first-class pro. Tom was a second round draft choice of the Broncos in 1967, made the AFL Rookie Team, and went on to compile a 15.7-yard career pass catching average. Tom, 29, has authored a book on his pro football experiences entitled 'Sunday's Fools.'"

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

1974 Profile: Bob Keating

Executive Vice-President and General Manager
"Bob Keating knows what it takes to build a championship pro football team. Last year, as Vice-President and General Manager of the New England Colonials, Bob put together a club that rampaged to the championship of the Atlantic Coast Football League with a 13-1 record. Many of the players Bob signed for the Colonials have gone on to sign major league contracts with WFL teams.
But Bob's football background goes even deeper than minor league ball. In 1970 he founded and was Commissioner of the Eastern College Club Football Conference, an organization which brought the game back to many football-starved campuses.
Keating, a graduate of Boston University, spent three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Mediterranean. After leaving the service he became an executive in the trucking business and was subsequently appointed Public Relations Director of the Schaefer Brewing Company of New York. In that capacity, Keating was instrumental in the development and coordination of Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., one of the country's most modern and most profitable stadia. In 1971 Bob was named Director of Schaefer Stadium."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

1974 Profile: Howard Baldwin

PRESIDENT
"Getting involved in a professional sports franchise is not a new experience for Howard Baldwin. The 32-year-old President of the New York Stars is also President and Trustee of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.
As President of the Whalers, Baldwin was named Executive of the Year by Hockey Spectator Magazine for the WHA's initial 1972-73 season. The Whalers were considered the most successful franchise in the WHA during their first season, and credit for the development of the organization belonged to the club's young President.
Baldwin is a native New Yorker. He is a graduate of the Harvey School in Katonah, New York and the Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut, where he captained the hockey team for two years. He later attended Boston University.
From 1967 to 1970, Howard was Ticket Manager and Sales Manager for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League. Previously, he served as Business Manager for the Jersey Devils in the Eastern Hockey league."

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide

1974 Profile: Bob Schmertz

Chief Executive Officer
"'You have to be a sports fan to own a professional team today,' Bob Schmertz once said. And that's exactly what Bob Schmertz is- a fan!
He owns the Boston Celtics, 1974 Champions of the National Basketball Association. He's majority owner of the New England Whalers, 1973-74 playoff participants in the World Hockey Association. And now he owns the brand-new New York Stars of the brand-new World Football League. He heads these teams mainly because of the sport involved- not the money. That he's already made, as President and chairman of the Board of Leisure Technology Corporation, the country's leading developer of retirement communities.
In 1952, Bob Schmertz, an ex-used car salesman, borrowed $2,500 to build some one-family homes in Lakewood, New Jersey. Today, after building thousands of private homes, condominiums, industrial and public buildings, Bob Schmertz heads a company big enough to be listed on the American Stock Exchange and has built homes, it has been estimated, for one out of every seven people in Ocean County, New Jersey. Leisure Village on Long Island, New York, and Leisure Towne in Burlington County, New Jersey house over 3,500 retirement citizens. Leisure Technology has also built retirement communities in California, Florida and Illinois, with more planned for Maryland and Massachusetts.
But Bob himself is far from retiring. He's got a new team and a new league to root for. His feeling about the Stars? A typical fan-first reaction: 'Anybody can make money,' says Bob, 'but not everybody can own a team.'"

-1974 New York Stars Press/Radio/TV Guide