Thursday Reading

Giants

RV SNY: A way-too-early prediction for Giants' 2019 season: Is this the change Big Blue needed?
https://www.sny.tv/giants/news/a-way-too-early-prediction-for-giants-2019-season-is-this-the-change-big-blue-needed/308930554

Dunleavy NJ.com: Will the real Giants please stand up? 7 veterans whose play could go 1 way or total opposite in 2019
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/will-the-real-giants-please-stand-up-7-jekyll-hyde-players-who-could-go-1-way-or-total-opposite-in-2019.html

Traina Forbes.com: Giants Training Camp Preview: Ten Potential Bubble Candidates
https://www.forbes.com/sites/patriciatraina/2019/07/11/giants-training-camp-preview-ten-potential-bubble-candidates/amp/

Schneier 247 Sports: The 10 biggest 2019 salary cap bargains on the Giants roster
https://247sports.com/nfl/new-york-giants/LongFormArticle/Giants-salary-cap-2019-roster-bargains-values-133561551/Amp/

Salomone Giants.com: 30 Questions in 30 Days: Undrafted rookies to watch
https://www.giants.com/news/30-questions-in-30-days-undrafted-rookies-to-watch

Leonard NYDN: Big Blue 2018 Kool-Aid Rewind: Chapter Two

“The Daily News’ Big Blue Kool-Aid Rewind continues with film review of Week 2 of the 2018 NFL (and college) seasons, highlighting the positive of Duke’s Daniel Jones, Georgia’s Deandre Baker, and the Giants’ Saquon Barkley, B.J. Hill, Lorenzo Carter and Cody Latimer.
The Giants fell to 0-2 with a 20-13 loss at Dallas, but there were signs that could foreshadow success for the 2019 season — both in the Giants’ defeat and in NCAA victories of their eventual draft picks.”

https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-daniel-jones-cody-latimer-daniel-jones-20190711-vmq5rr6qgfby5boz3xfnrf6hey-story.html

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: On today's LockedOn Giants podcast, Luke Braun checks in with a preview of the Minnesota Vikings
http://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN2012132223.mp3?key=707c453d6b314f9ed4610dd8bffbf922

RB

Dunleavy NJ.com: Unique way of looking at Giants’ Saquon Barkley’s dominance compared to peers
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/07/unique-way-of-looking-at-giants-saquon-barkleys-dominance-compared-to-peers.html

Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar)
7/10/19, 1:32 PM
Saquon Barkley is an absolute technician against fronts designed to stop him. Vision, anticipation, acceleration, power through the tackle. A master class

Traina Football Maven: Training Camp Roster Preview: Paul Perkins
https://footballmaven.io/nygiants/api/amp/nygiants/news/training-camp-roster-preview-paul-perkins-QkG-J1Bc1EWG-yExaS7MVw/

DB

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants training camp preview: Breaking down the secondary
https://amp.northjersey.com/amp/1627242001

NFL

Freeman B/R: Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Rob Gronkowski's NFL Retirement May Be Brief
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2844840-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-rob-gronkowskis-nfl-retirement-may-be-brief.amp.html

Corry CBS Sports: Agent's Take: Tyreek Hill situation among unfinished NFL business that needs attention as camps get set to begin
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-tyreek-hill-situation-among-unfinished-nfl-business-that-needs-attention-as-camps-get-set-to-begin/

Orr MMQB: After Kingsbury: What to Look for in the Next Wave of NFL Coaching Hires
https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/07/10/life-after-kingsbury-three-hot-coaching-categories-next-wave-hirings

Colangelo Touchdownwire USA Today: One reason why getting rid of the franchise tag would be good for the NFL and its owners
https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/10/nfl-nba-free-agency-franchise-tag-tv-coverage-owners-players-cba/amp/

Bhanpuri NFL.com: Ranking all 32 offensive triplets in NFL

28 NEW YORK GIANTS (47 pts)

Quarterback: Eli Manning -- Rank: 30th (One game: 29th | 2019 prod.: 31st)
Running back: Saquon Barkley -- Rank: 2nd
Pass catcher: Sterling Shepard -- Rank: 26th

“As good as Barkley is (and he's awesome!), he can only do so much to help the Giants overcome their deficiencies and uncertainties in other offensive areas. As of now, New York will open the 2019 campaign with two WR2s (but no WR1) and a legitimate QB battle between Manning and Daniel Jones. How many teams in the past decade have started a season with a competition under center and still made the playoffs? I'll wait. Third-year tight end Evan Engram is perhaps deserving of the team's top pass-catcher honor after a strong finish to last season, but he's been inconsistent and hampered by injury (14 drops in 26 total games) for chunks of his young career. Not sold on either the 38-year-old Manning or the rookie out of Duke to be a positive difference-maker for this team in 2019, so it might not matter who receives the majority of snaps under center this season.”

https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035106/article/2019-nfl-triplets-rankings-saints-chargers-browns-top-the-list?

Werner Touchdownwire USA Today: Ranking the NFL's best QB-receiver combos for all 32 teams

“24. Eli Manning-Golden Tate
Wily veterans figure to find a good beat and rhythm in New York. The key will be if Manning remains the Giants’ No. 1 quarterback. It will be a challenge if they turn the team over to Daniel Jones for all receivers. And that is simply because he is a rookie, no insult.”

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/10/ranking-the-nfls-best-qb-receiver-combos-for-all-32-teams/amp/#click=https://t.co/dj0MsOJ4sW

Wagner-McGough CBS Sports.com: Top 10 linebackers in the NFL: Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner in a tight race for first place
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/top-10-linebackers-in-the-nfl-luke-kuechly-bobby-wagner-in-a-tight-race-for-first-place/

Benjamin CBS Sports.com: Top 10 cornerbacks, safeties in NFL: Stephon Gilmore, Derwin James sit atop DB lists
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/top-10-cornerbacks-safeties-in-nfl-stephon-gilmore-derwin-james-sit-atop-db-lists/amp/

ARIZONA
Odegard Cardinals.com: Cardinals Position Overview: Defensive Line
https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-position-overview-defensive-line

Fitzgerald AZ Republic: NFL supplemental draft: Arizona Cardinals take Washington State safety Jalen Thompson
https://amp.azcentral.com/amp/1696539001

Trapasso CBS Sports.com: 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft: Grade for Cardinals' pick of safety Jalen Thompson
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-supplemental-draft-grade-for-cardinals-pick-of-safety-jalen-thompson/amp/

BALTIMORE
Schiller Ravens.com: Late for Work 7/10: Matthew Judon Believes Ravens' Defense Can Be 'Legendary
https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/late-for-work-7-10-matthew-judon-believes-ravens-defense-can-be-legendary

CAROLINA
Marks Charlotte Observer: Analysis: Panthers’ pass-catchers could be the most talented of Cam Newton’s career
https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article232478882.html

CINCINNATI
LaPlaca Bengals.com: Taking Small Steps, Cox Looks To Make A Leap
https://www.bengals.com/news/taking-small-steps-cox-looks-to-make-a-leap

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Browns running back Dontrell Hilliard is fearless in his pursuit of a role in NFL
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/7bbacc08ad142/browns-running-back-dontrell-hilliard-is-fearless-in-his-pursuit-of-a-role-in-nfl.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: The goal line fade will be key part of Browns' red zone success in 2019 -- Film Room
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/dc9f6c0fa19038/the-goal-line-fade-will-be-key-part-of-browns-red-zone-success-in-2019-film-room.html

Burns Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns 2019 offensive preview: Antonio Callaway and the use of the slant route
https://expo.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/07/4c13ba05493616/cleveland-browns-2019-offensive-preview-antonio-callaway-and-the-use-of-the-slant-route.html

DALLAS
Rank NFL.com: State of the Franchise: High stakes for 'Boys in '19
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001035461/article/state-of-the-franchise-high-stakes-for-titlecaliber-cowboys?

Teope NO Advocate: Former LSU star, current Cowboys RT La’el Collins enjoys giving back to community
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_7b1a7956-a348-11e9-9c26-23cdac3f427b.amp.html

DENVER
O’Halloran Denver Post: Broncos Position Preview: Same faces, maybe different roles for defensive linemen
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/07/10/broncos-position-preview-2019-defensive-linemen/amp/

DETROIT
Twentyman Lions.com: 2019 training camp preview: Running back
https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2019-training-camp-preview-running-back

GREEN BAY
Spofford Packers.com: Countdown to Camp: Backup QB battle one to watch
https://www.packers.com/news/countdown-to-camp-backup-qb-battle-one-to-watch

HOUSTON
Schefter ESPN: Sources: Texans won't hire full-time GM for '19
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27163412/texans-hire-full-gm-19?

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans intrigued by potential of healthy receiving corps
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/Texans-intrigued-by-potential-of-healthy-14085379.php

JACKSONVILLE
Tom Pelissero@TomPelissero
Source: The Jaguars are signing former West Virginia WR Marcus Simms, pending a physical tomorrow. Had several offers after today's supplemental draft ended. One to watch in camp.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
Breech CBS Sports.com: Todd Gurley gives update on injured knee, explains why he 'won' after Rams' Super Bowl loss
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/todd-gurley-gives-update-on-injured-knee-explains-why-he-won-after-rams-super-bowl-loss/amp/

Simmons Rams.com: Countdown to Camp: Rams will have at least one new starter at ILB in 2019 
https://www.therams.com/news/countdown-to-camp-rams-one-new-starter-at-ilb

MINNESOTA
Schwab Yahoo Sports: 2019 NFL preview: Vikings couldn't beat anyone good, and it's not all Kirk Cousins' fault
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/2019-nfl-preview-vikings-couldnt-beat-anyone-good-and-its-not-all-kirk-cousins-fault-122248028.html

NEW ENGLAND
O’Malley Mass Live: Sony Michel injury news: Patriots RB’s goal is to be ready for training camp (report)
https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2019/07/sony-michel-injury-news-patriots-rbs-goal-is-to-be-ready-for-training-camp-report.html

Scalavino Patriots.com: Patriots Position Snapshot: Wide Receivers
https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-position-snapshot-wide-receivers

NEW ORLEANS
Walker Nola.com: All 7 officials from Saints' controversial NFC championship loss back in NFL this season
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_48b3ead4-a356-11e9-a015-8ffc8805224c.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Florio PFT: Has Davis Webb passed Trevor Siemian on the Jets’ depth chart?
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/07/10/has-davis-webb-passed-trevor-siemian-on-the-jets-depth-chart/amp/

Mehta NYDN: Mehta’s Top 20 Jets Countdown: No. 7 TE Chris Herndon
https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-chris-herndon-tight-end-sam-darnold-20190711-epv57cgr45ge5joctjfuszyshy-story.html

Costello NYP: How Avery Williamson’s Jets role will change with C.J. Mosley signing
https://nypost.com/2019/07/10/how-avery-williamsons-jets-role-will-change-with-c-j-mosley-signing/amp/

OAKLAND
Paskal Raiders.com: 2019 Position Battle: Defensive Line
https://www.raiders.com/news/2019-position-battle-defensive-line

PHILADELPHIA
Kempski Phillyvoice: Eagles training camp preview: Wide receiver
https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-training-camp-preview-wide-receiver-2019/amp/

SAN FRANCISCO
Fann 49ers.com: Solomon Thomas, a ‘Dark Hole’ and a Shot at Redemption
https://www.49ers.com/news/solomon-thomas-a-dark-hole-and-a-shot-at-redemption

Inman SJ Mercury News: Robbie Gould’s future with 49ers in limbo as deadline nears
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/07/10/robbie-goulds-future-with-49ers-in-limbo-as-deadline-nears/amp/

SEATTLE
Bell News Tribune: Vacation? Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf look in Seahawks regular-season form training in L.A.
https://amp.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article232485967.html

TAMPA BAY
Bassinger TB Times: The Buccaneers will spend more than $200M in 2019. Here are the highest-paid players
https://www.tampabay.com/data/2019/07/11/the-buccaneers-will-spend-more-than-200m-in-2019-here-are-the-highest-paid-players/

Vitali Buccaneers.com: How Bucs TE O.J. Howard Stacks Up Against the NFC South
https://www.buccaneers.com/news/how-bucs-te-o-j-howard-stacks-up-against-the-nfc-south

Kolakowski TB Times: Bucs’ Ryan Smith suspended for performance enhancers
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/07/10/bucs-ryan-smith-suspended-for-performance-enhancers/?

Greg Auman (@gregauman)
7/10/19, 4:48 PM
Sorry, it's actually seven straight years in which Bucs have had a player suspended -- Dashon Goldson missed one game in 2013, Jorvorskie Lane missed two in 2014, then Alexander in 2015, Martin in 2016-17, Mike Evans in 2017, Winston in 2018, now Ryan Smith in 2019.

Greg Auman (@gregauman)
7/10/19, 11:15 PM
Don’t look for the Bucs to do anything in response to today’s news of Ryan Smith’s suspension. They’ve known about it since before the draft and have already done things knowing it was coming. This is news to us, but not to them.

TENNESSEE
Melo SB Nation: Titans WR Kalif Raymond interview
https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/platform/amp/2019/7/10/19868604/kalif-raymond-interview-titans

WASHINGTON
Luckenbaugh 108.7 The Fan DC: Sources: Almost 40 employees have left Redskins since Lafemina firing
https://thefandc.radio.com/redskins-40-employees-have-left-since-brian-lafemina-firing-chris-russell

Colleges/Draft

Marino The Draft Network: When considering core roster construction for the 2019 NFL season, the hay is in the barn.
With that in mind, this week's 6-Pack Thursday is focused on analyzing some of the biggest questions remaining as the season approaches.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/6-pack-thursday--unanswered-questions

WR
Kahler MMQB: Why the 2020 NFL Draft Class of Wide Receivers Is Worthy of Your Attention
https://amp.si.com/nfl/2019/07/10/nfl-draft-2020-top-wide-receivers-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault

OL
Tuls The Draft Network: BUILDING THE PERFECT NFL INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/building-the-perfect-nfl-interior-offensive-lineman

DL
Sikkema The Draft Network: 5-PLAY PROSPECT: ALABAMA DL RAEKWON DAVIS
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/5-play-prospect--alabama-dl-raekwon-davis

Former Giants News

Cincinnati Enquirer: Mourners attend UK, New York Giants, Highlands football star Jared Lorenzen's funeral

“New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, center, and owner John Mara, far right, leave after the visitation of former Highlands, University of Kentucky and New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who had been hospitalized since June 28 with an infection plus heart and kidney issues, Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Edgewood, Ky.”

https://www.cincinnati.com/picture-gallery/sports/high-school/high-school-sports/2019/07/10/images-football-star-jared-lorenzens-kentucky-funeral-july-10/1696853001/

History

Tucker 7220 Sports.com: THE BROKEN WARRIOR Conrad Dobler
https://www.7220sports.com/conrad-dobler-wyoming-nfl/

Wilkie Fox Carolina: Former Clemson All-American offensive tackle, Wayne Mass, passes away at the age of 73

“Mass was drafted in the fourth round of the 1968 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears. He played with the organization for two years, then played with the Miami Dolphins for the 1971 season. 
His talents took him to the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles before he retired in 1972. “

https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/former-clemson-all-american-offensive-tackle-wayne-mass-passes-away/article_744b7f28-a1c5-11e9-a21d-4b2fde22578e.html

Giants Birthdays 7-11

Nordly Capi LB W-ARI 2017 NYG 2017 7-11-1992

Darrell Dess LG/RG TR-WAS 1959, TR-WAS 1966 NYG 1959-1964, 1966-1969 7-11-1935

1962

Giants Pace East Team for Pro Bowl LOS ANGELES (UPI) - “An eightman delegation from the New York Giants will bulwark the Eastern Conference All - Stars against a team from the Western Division in the 13th annual National Football League's Pro Bowl here Jan. 13... The top signal-calling spot went to the veteran Y.A. title of the Giants who will have his favorite passing target, Del Shofner, to receive his throws. Other Giants on the Eastern team were tackle Roosevelt Brown, center Ray Wietecha and guard Darrell Dess on" the offensive unit. Giants on the defensive squad were Jim Katcavage, Erich Barnes and Jim Patton.”

1964

NYT: “Darrell Dess, the unsung but much appreciated left guard of the New York Giants, is in St. Vincent's Hospital here trying to get a kink out of his back. “I'm in traction and it doesn't feel very good,” said Dess over the phone yesterday.
The incapacity of this skilled linesman, a 29& #8208;year& #8208;old 245pounder, comes at a bad tlme for the Giants. Wlth Mickey Walker out because of a fractured elbow, the team is down to two healthy guards, Ken Byers and Bookie Bolin.
“We're in a bind,” said Coach Al Sherman.
Dess ranks with Ken Gray of St. Louis, Jerry Kramer of Green Bay and Jim Parker of Baltimore as the premier guards in the National Football League. Darrell has been out of action for 10 days, waiting for an aching back to get well, and when it did not by late Wednesday, the decision was made to send Dess to the hospital.
Said Y. A. Tittle, the star quarterback and one of Dess's strongest boosters, “I sure hope Darrell gets well soon. We need him.”

https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/04/archives/dess-giants-guard-is-hospitalized-linemans-back-put-in-traction.html

1965

Giants Trade For Morrall
NEW YORK (UPI) “The New York Giants wheeled and dealed Monday and came up with Earl Morrall. whom they hope is an ace in the Y. A. Tittle tradition. The Giants, shuffling with the skill of a card shark, dealt away guard Darrell Dess and defensive back Erich Barnes and were thrown quarterback Morrall and a future draft choice by the Detroit Lions. But the deal was more complicated and also involved the Cleveland Browns, who peddled linebacker Mike Lucci and a future draft pick to the Giants in exchange for Barnes. New York then discarded Lucci, Dess and a future draft selection to Detroit for Morrall. The Giants, who finished last in the National Football League’s Eastern Division in 1964, have been stumbling through the exhibition season thus far, suffering from a lack of quarterback experience and relying on youth without the guidance of a veteran signal-caller. But the acquisition of Morrall, a nine-year campaigner, casts the shadow of Tittle across the NFL. The Giants, with the retirement of Charley Conerly imminent, secured Tittle from the San Francisco Forty Niners in 1962 rather than risk depending on the development of younger players. Tittle led New York to two Eastern Division titles before age caught up with him last season.”

1966

WASHINGTON (AP) - “The New York Giants traded halfback Steve Thurlow and linebacker Jim Carroll to the Washington Redskins today tor Veteran guard Darrell Dess, a former Giant. Dess, 6-foot, 245 pounds, had been traded to Detroit for quarterback Earl Morrall last year In.a three-way deal with Cleveland, that also involved defensive back Erich Barnes of the Giants and linebacker Mike Lucci of the Browns. Washington acquired Dess last Septmber in a trade with Detroit for guard Ted Karras. This will be Dess' ninth year in pro ball. Thurlow, 6-3, 215, draftee 1 in the second round by the Giants for the 1964 season, playad briefly as a rookie. However, the former Stanford star be- tame a regular in the Giants' Baby Bulls offense of 1965. Carroll, 6-1, 230, No. 12 draft pick for the 1965 season after he finished his career at Notre Dame, was the Giants' regular left side linebacker last year. But he has been replaced by rookie Jeff Smith of Southern California this season.”

1967

“During a balmy Sunday game at Soldier Field in 1967, New York Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton was being taken down near the goal line.
He looked behind him, where offensive guard Darrell Dess stood. Dess played guard and tackle for 12 years in the NFL. At 6 feet tall and 243 pounds with a flattop, Dess was not a physical luminary of his time. He was a lineman, one good enough to make two Pro Bowls.
Tarkenton lateraled to Dess, who lumbered into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown. Not surprisingly, it was the first and last of Dess’ career.”
http://amp.theolympian.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article25324771.html

1968

"One of Allie Sherman's chief reclamation projects last year was Darrell Dess. Traded away in 1965 after six seasons as a starter with the Giants, he returned a year later to New York, where he had always been a big favorite among his teammates and with the fans.
But he was slow regaining his old form and became discouraged. Then last summer, he walked out of training camp. He returned a short while later, however, and reached a new understanding with the coaches. Then he proceeded to win the starting job at right guard (he had always played the left side previously), and he was solid as a rock all year. He led the interference on runs to the strong side, and he provided solid protection for Fran Tarkenton.
Now in his eleventh NFL season, he played college ball at North Carolina State."
Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

New Castle PA 9-09-1969

NEW YORK, N Y. - “Darrell Dess is a man of few words. But there are over 1,500 people who listened to the New Castle area native here Sunday night who will give you a good argument on that. Dess, a standout offensive guard with the New York football Giants, was honored by the Section 5 Club at the 35th annual Sportsman Award Dinner Dance at the Hotel Americana. Dess and Aaron Thomas, an offensive end for the Giants, received the awards this year “for their intense emulation of effort and excellence in ability and sportsmanship in the world of sports.” Dess, who has often, during his 12 years of professional football, been called “the quiet man” of the Giants, and who was nicknamed “Gabby" by his teammates because he isn’t often heard from, dominated the program. He captivated his audience and had them rolling with laughter at his jokes, but he was serious when he had to be. It’s hard for a New Castle resident to believe, until he sees it, just how much Darrell Dess is loved in New York City. The 1,500 present is just one indication, and the five-minute standing ovation he received following his speech was another.”

Derek Engler C UDFA-Wisconsin 1997 NYG 1997-2000 7-11-1974

John Jenkins NT W-CHI 2018 NYG 2018 7-11-1989

Ed McGlasson C W-LA RAMS 1981 NYG 1981 7-11-1956

Youngstown State HOF

“A native of Potomac MD, Ed McGlasson tutored under head coach Bill Narduzzi for four years, then refined his skills which earned him a three year stay in the National Football League. He was one of the first recruits ever linked by Narduzzi as they both began their careers at YSU in 1975, both watching the program become a Division II grid power. A center and long snapper for the Penguins throughout his career, he was a four year letter winner for the Penguins from 1975 to 1978. The team evolved with its coach and what a super power they became during his four years at YSU. He became a starter during spring drills of his sophomore campaign and his steady consistent play earned him the respect of not only his teammates, but his opponents as well. As a junior and senior, he was a Kodak Second Team All America, copping Churchmen's Second Team All America honors the same two seasons. Overall, the Penguins were 27-15-0 during his career, making it to the semi finals of the NCAA/ Division II play offs in 1978. A pre-med major, he was the team's "Most Valuable Player" as a senior, was the team's offensive "Lineman of the Year", was a first team Mid Continent Conference selection as well as the MCC "Offensive Lineman of the Year". While a scholastic star at Bullis high school, he earned six prep letters in both football and wrestling, the latter sport one of his athletic loves and a sport that he participated in at YSU during the 1975 and 1976 seasons. It was as a senior on the scholastic level that he was the Heavyweight State Champion in Maryland. He comes from an athletic bloodline, his grandfather a quarterback at the University of Nebraska and his father playing collegiately at Tulane University. Upon completing his eligibility at YSU, he was drafted and played professionally with the New York Jets' cross-town rivals, the New York Giants. He is currently senior pastor of Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Garden Grove, CA.”

Geoff Schwartz LG/RG/RT FA-KC 2014 NYG 2014-2015 7-11-1986

Brandon Short MLB/LLB D4-Penn State 2000, W- 2006 NYG 2000-2003, 2006 7-11-1977

Craig Walendy FB UDFA-UCLA 2000 NYG 2000 7-11-1977

In Memoriam

Ray Mallouf QB TR-CHI CARDS 1949 NYG 1949 Born 7-11-1918 Died 6-06-2008

Hybl: Remembering the NFL on December 7, 1941

“On the final Sunday of the NFL season, December 7, 1941, there were only three games on tap and the games were not preceded by hours of pre-game shows and wall-to-wall television coverage.
Instead, they were available only to those fortunate enough to have a ticket for the games in Chicago, New York or Washington or for those listening to one of the broadcasts on radio.
Of the three games, only one, the city rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cardinals, had implications on the upcoming post season. The other two games, the New York Giants (who had already clinched a spot in the league championship game) against the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Washington Redskins, were about pride and finishing the season on a positive note...”

“Ray Mallouf: Early in the fourth period, the Cardinals regained the lead when rookie quarterback Ray Mallouf connected with Bert Johnson on a 26-yard touchdown pass.
A 10th round draft pick in 1941 out of SMU, Mallouf moved into the lineup for the Cardinals midway through his rookie season and completed 50% of his passes for 725 yards and two touchdowns.
Mallouf joined the U.S. Navy following Pearl Harbor and did not return to the NFL until the 1946 season.
He served as the punter and backup quarterback for the Cardinals in 1946 and 1947 as the team won the 1947 NFL Championship. In 1948 he was the starting quarterback for much of the season as the Cardinals went 11-1 and reached a second straight NFL Championship Game.
Mallouf passed for a career-high 1,160 during the season, but in a snowy blizzard in Philadelphia could complete only 3-of-7 passes for 35 yards as the Cardinals lost to the Eagles 7-0.
That was the final game for Mallouf with the Cardinals as he spent the 1949 season as the punter and backup quarterback with the New York Giants.
He passed away in 2008 at the age of 89.”

http://sportsthenandnow.com/2011/12/06/remembering-the-nfl-on-december-7-1941/#more-10623

PFR: Elmer Angsman:
A Hero of the Last Chicago Cardinal Football Champions

“But as Angsman pointed out, many of the veteran players got old together:
“In three years, on war-weary legs, they got old overnight, and they got fat. Some of those guys ate themselves out of the league. They came out of the service lean and mean. They put on a few pounds to play, and the next thing you knew, they put on 40 or 50 pounds. You try to go both ways with that weight on you, and you can’t do it. Your legs give out.
“Christman went from an overarm passer to a sidearm passer. We didn’t get Bobby Layne in the draft, remember that. Ray Mallouf was Christman’s backup. Ray was a helluva guy. Ray won the championship for us, because Christman had three broken ribs and was out for three weeks. Mallouf stepped in and won all those games as a second-string string quarterback in 1948. But in 1949 Ray was traded to the Giants.”

http://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/23-04-899.pdf

Joe Ramona G D28-Santa Clara 1953 NYG 1953 Born 7-11-1931 Died 8-17-2017

G D28 out of Santa Clara by the Giants in 1953, and played for the NYG in 1953. The 1953 draft is the same that produced Giants great Rosey Brown in the 27th round. Ramona was released after the exhibition season but added to the roster on October 16, 1953. He entered the army after the 1953 season and was listed on the all-army team of NFL players currently playing club football in the military while based at Fort Still in 1955.

Santa Clara HOF

“Ramona was a stellar guard for the Santa Clara Broncos. The Bay Area native came to Santa Clara from Lincoln High School. Ramona dominated the line on the football field. After graduation he played his rookie year with the New York Giants. Joe then served two years as an Officer in the United States Army. In 1997, Joe Ramona was inducted into the Santa Clara Hall of Fame for his contributions to Santa Clara’s Football program.”