Friday Reading

Giants

Salomone Giants.com: Giants vs. Bears: 10 things to watch
https://www.giants.com/news/giants-vs-bears-10-things-to-watch

Stapleton The Record: NY Giants: Projecting the 53-man roster before the second preseason game
https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2019/08/16/ny-giants-53-man-roster-projecting-who-stays-and-who-goes/2026018001/

Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton)
8/16/19, 7:43 AM
Been thinking this for a while, but with respect to rookie OT George Asafo-Adjei and others in his situation: NFL should grant roster exemptions for players in concussion protocol. Creates unfair situation re: 53 for player/team
Concussion protocol is set up to protect the player and the team, but creates a disadvantage in terms of roster allocation. These are independent medical situations that shouldn't be subject to cuts until the player is cleared by those docs
Think about it this way: Golden Tate's roster spot is protected because of a suspension, but George Asafo-Adjei's spot is not because he is in concussion protocol

Lombardo NJ.com: Giants standouts: Who will be 2019�s breakout star? Unsung hero? MVP? Biggest disappointment? X-factor?
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/08/giants-superlatives-who-will-be-2019s-breakout-star-unsung-hero-mvp-biggest-disappointment-more.html

Duffy Eagles.com: How do the Giants match up with the Eagles heading into 2019? I caught up with Nick Turchyn on this week's Eagle Eye In The Sky Podcast to discuss the G-Men and the state of their roster heading into the fall
(Audio)
https://nflphiladelphiaeagles.cachefly.net/content/eagles/production/20190814102311-EESP201.mp3

QB

Schwartz NYP: Giants� second preseason game the time for Eli Manning to assert himself
https://nypost.com/2019/08/15/giants-second-preseason-game-the-time-for-eli-manning-to-assert-himself/amp/

Dunleavy NJ.com: An overly optimistic prediction for Giants season from Eli Manning�s Super Bowl teammate
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/08/an-overly-optimistic-prediction-for-giants-season-from-eli-mannings-super-bowl-teammate.html

Serby NYP: Daniel Jones� encore comes with big expectations
https://nypost.com/2019/08/15/daniel-jones-encore-comes-with-big-expectations/amp/

Eisen Giants.com: QB Daniel Jones looks to take next step vs. Bears
https://www.giants.com/news/qb-daniel-jones-looks-to-take-next-step-vs-bears

Traina Football Maven: Daniel Jones cautious not to let complacency set in after preseason debut
https://mavensports.io/nygiants/news/daniel-jones-cautious-not-to-let-complacency-set-in-after-preseason-debut-8wrO5tr-DECcnoovcqtN3g/

WR

Garafolo NFL.com/Yahoo Sports: Mike Garafolo: Sterling Shepard broken thumb injury update - 'unlikely to play in preseason' (Video)
https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/nfl-networks-mike-garafolo-york-203157471.html

Dunleavy NJ.com: Without Golden Tate, Giants need 3 WRs to act like Nate Burleson: Here�s how they rewrite the script, get paid!
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/08/without-golden-tate-giants-need-3-wrs-to-act-like-nate-burleson-heres-how-they-rewrite-the-script-get-paid.html

Traina Football Maven: T.J. Jones hopes to reinforce Giants receivers corps
https://mavensports.io/nygiants/news/t-j-jones-hopes-to-reinforce-giants-receivers-corps-4xw2ge-InkK5e7ko63brIA/

NT/DE

Schwartz NYP: Giants will finally get to see what they have in Dexter Lawrence
https://nypost.com/2019/08/16/giants-will-finally-get-to-see-what-they-have-in-dexter-lawrence/

Slater NJ.com: Dexter Lawrence wants �multiple Super Bowl wins,' after 2 titles at Clemson: Why his winning background is perfect for rebuilding Giants
https://www.nj.com/giants/2019/08/dexter-lawrence-wants-multiple-super-bowl-wins-after-2-titles-at-clemson-why-his-winning-background-is-perfect-for-rebuilding-giants.html

DB

Pflum BBV: Film Study: Giants secondary, part 2 � the backups
How did the Giants� backup defensive backs fare against the Jets?
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/8/16/20802085/2019-pre-season-film-study-ny-giants-secondary-backups-ballentine-love-jets

CB

Giants.com: Must Watch: Janoris Jenkins mic'd up at Giants Camp
Janoris Jenkins has a lot to say on the practice field. Watch (and listen) as Jackrabbit gets wired for sound at Giants Camp (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/must-watch-janoris-jenkins-wired-for-sound-at-giants-camp

Traina Locked on Giants Podcast: My interview with DeAndre Baker highlights the latest LockedOn Giants podcast episode (Audio)
http://dcs.megaphone.fm/LKN6898011873.mp3?key=b5691e62b0e32f208552afcaef1b5729

NFL

NFL.com: What we learned from Thursday's preseason tilts
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001041789/article/what-we-learned-from-thursdays-preseason-games?

Tynes The Ringer: NFL teams are in search of the next offensive mastermind, but where are they looking? For many black coaches, this year�s coaching cycle felt like another instance of the league moving the goalposts.
https://www.theringer.com/nfl-preview/2019/8/16/20807654/nfl-black-coaches-forgotten

ARIZONA
Fitzgerald AZ Republic: False start: Kyler Murray, Cardinals starters struggle in loss to Raiders
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2019/08/15/kyler-murray-arizona-cardinals-starters-struggle-vs-oakland-raiders/2025239001/

ATLANTA
McFadden Falcons.com: Ito Smith continues to have a strong preseason for Falcons
https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/ito-smith-continues-to-have-a-strong-preseason-for-falcons

BALTIMORE
Ginsburg AP Baltimore: Jackson sharp, Rodgers sits and Ravens beat Packers 26-13
https://madison.com/sports/football/professional/jackson-sharp-rodgers-sits-and-ravens-beat-packers/article_a96cf395-ccde-55ea-a0d9-4b1c1b36626e.amp.html

Han Baltimore Sun: Ravens rookie Justice Hill standing out in crowded backfield: �He really made some runs, didn�t he?�
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-hill-20190816-6qsqoygpbjecxepi2sr4yo4dri-story.html

Baltimore Sun: Ravens cornerback Tavon Young could miss season with neck injury, John Harbaugh says
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-tavon-young-injury-20190816-ocd3p6u3jrdqvkxplqywe3avz4-story.html

Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats)
3/14/19, 2:01 PM
When new Ravens safety Earl Thomas is on the field, opposing QBs avoid the deep middle of the field.

Over the last 3 seasons, opponents targeted the deep middle (10+ air yards, between the numbers) on only 12% of attempts with Earl Thomas on the field (18% without him)

BUFFALO
Maiorana Rochester Democrat: One player from each position group who needs to step up for Buffalo Bills
https://amp.democratandchronicle.com/amp/2017580001

CHICAGO
Kane Chicago Tribune: 4 things to watch in tonight�s Bears-Giants preseason game � including rookies and kickers
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-bears-giants-what-to-watch-for-20190816-e2nhjk7xwre23iy2hnmuxhr52y-story.html

Wiederer Chicago Tribune: Allen Robinson brought his A-game to the Bears� biggest game last season. And that sets the stage for a big 2019: �The ball is going to 12.�
https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-bears-allen-robinson-eagles-matt-nagy-20190814-qe4zfu2ddbba5lccpp5kg2mkjm-story.html

CINCINNATI
Dragon Cincinnati Enquirer: What we learned from the Cincinnati Bengals' 23-13 win over the Washington Redskins
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/2027670001

john sheeran (@John__Sheeran)
8/16/19, 9:46 AM
kerry wynn pressure and the hold andrew brown drew.

wynn's 6-5 so anytime he gets his hands inside and at eye level it's a good rep. makes the swim off the bull rush more feasible.

can't really see brown but the leg drive he has is immense. guard opens the window too much

CLEVELAND
Labbe Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Browns joint practice report: Things get heated as fights break out
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/08/cleveland-browns-joint-practice-report-things-get-heated-as-fights-break-out.html

Cabot Cleveland Plain Dealer: Odell Beckham says he�ll be ready Sept. 8, downplays hip and �I don�t want to let� Baker Mayfield down
https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/08/odell-beckham-says-hell-be-ready-sept-8-the-hip-is-nothing-and-i-dont-want-to-let-baker-mayfield-down.html

Browns.com: Browns player press conferences - Odell Beckham, Kareem Hunt
https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-player-press-conferences-odell-beckham-kareem-hunt

DALLAS
Engel Fort Worth Star Telegram: Ivy league school doesn�t tackle in practice and wins. Would Cowboys every try this?
https://amp.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article234043847.html

DENVER
Palmer NFL.com: Why Bradley Chubb deserves more hype
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001041458/article/why-bradley-chubbs-lack-of-national-attention-wont-last-long?

DETROIT
Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL)
8/15/19, 5:15 PM
5 thoughts off the Lions' second joint practice with the Texans (and the final day of camp):

1. Tough day for the offense. Couldn't block J.J. Watt (who can?) and struggled in the passing game. Doubt it means more time for Stafford in the game Saturday, but ... not great

2. One highlight: Jonathan Duhart made a great leaping TD grab during a 7-on-7 drill, with Josh Johnson at QB. Probably too much in front of him for Duhart to threaten a roster spot. He'd be a quality practice-squad option, though. Size is intriguing

3. Between Jalen Reeves-Maybin's steady improvement and Miles Killebrew's play, the Lions have to feel a lot better about their off-ball LB depth. Killebrew made a nice play in the backfield Thursday, shooting a gap and notching a tackle for loss

4. Johnathan Alston had a good couple of days down here. Can't say I knew much about him before Detroit signed him, but he used his size well against Houston's receivers. Was one of their better defenders on Wednesday

5. Devon Kennard could be primed for some big things once this D-line is healthy and together. He won a couple more 1-on-1 reps Thursday, as he's been doing on a consistent basis. Should see a lot of those when offenses have to account for Flowers, Daniels, Harrison, etc

Monarrez Detroit Free Press: Three Detroit Lions position groups that must play better in preseason Game 2
https://amp.freep.com/amp/2015850001

Meinke Michigan Live: Ty Johnson, timed as fast as 4.26, might already be Lions� quickest player
https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/08/ty-johnson-timed-as-fast-as-426-might-already-be-lions-fastest-player.html

Birkett Detroit Free Press: Brotherly love: Moore twins back together at Lions-Texans joint practices
https://amp.freep.com/amp/2024277001#click=https://t.co/KYWQeBI5Zt

HOUSTON
Wilson Houston Chronicle: Texans camp: Day 15 updates
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texas-sports-nation/texans/amp/Texans-camp-Day-15-updates-14306447.php

Wilson Houston Chronicle: Zach Fulton gives Texans a versatile hand on offensive line
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/amp/Zach-Fulton-gives-Texans-a-versatile-hand-on-14308419.php

INDIANAPOLIS
Mortensen ESPN: Sources: Colts have 'guarded optimism' on Luck
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27396267/colts-guarded-optimism-luck?

JACKSONVILLE
Long AP Jacksonville: Eagles lose another backup QB, beat Jags 24-10 in preseason
https://www.timesunion.com/sports/amp/Eagles-lose-another-backup-QB-beat-Jags-24-10-in-14308647.php

Smits Florida Times Union: Minshew-to-McBride connection highlights Jaguars offense
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190815/minshew-to-mcbride-connection-highlights-jaguars-offense?

Frenette Florida Times Union: Jaguars Up-Down Drill: Minshew the biggest highlight
https://www.jacksonville.com/sports/20190815/jaguars-up-down-drill-minshew-biggest-highlight?

DiRocco ESPN Jacksonville: Rash of tight end injuries 'just part of it' for Jaguars
https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/299181/rash-of-tight-end-injuries-just-part-of-it-for-jaguars?

Frenette Florida Times Union: Jaguars' D-line has talent, makeup to set NFL standard
https://www.fltimes.com/sports/national/gene-frenette-jaguars-d-line-has-talent-makeup-to-set/article_0d5defd1-b8c2-571c-b10e-12c1149e9810.html

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Miller LA Times: Anthony Lynn hopes the 2019 Chargers can be as resilient and as focused as 2018 team
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2019-08-15/anthony-lynn-resilient-chargers?

Hernandez LA Times: Holdout is a battle the Chargers� Melvin Gordon can�t win; just hope he finds peace
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2019-08-15/holdout-is-a-battle-thchargers-melvin-gordon-cant-win-just-hope-e-chargers-melvin-gordon-cant-win-just-hope-he-finds-peace?

LOS ANGELES RAMS
DaSilva Ramswire USA Today: Todd Gurley running 21 mph in practice, hitting speeds as fast as ever
https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/15/nfl-rams-todd-gurley-speed-21-mph-knee/amp/#click=https://t.co/XQiv5C0qks

Klein LA Times: Revitalized Mike Thomas hopes to catch on with Rams receiving corps
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-08-15/revitalized-mike-thomas-hopes-to-grab-opportunity-to-catch-on-with-rams-receiving-corps?

MIAMI
Beasley Miami Herald: Dolphins QB battle could be decided Friday. Why the fundamentals haven�t changed much
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article234025837.html

Poupart Dolphins.com: Kalen Ballage Turning Heads In Tampa, Ready For His Opportunity
https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/kalen-ballage-turning-heads-in-tampa-ready-for-his-opportunity

Salguero Miami Herald: Some Dolphins pass-catchers show significant improvement, but there is a notable exception
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article234029282.html

Jackson Miami Herald: Why some Dolphins linebackers could be in a for surprise. Flores makes change from Gase
https://amp.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article233945117.html

MINNESOTA
Cronin ESPN Minn: Offseason Zim: Vikings coach finds solace on his sprawling ranch
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27380695/vikings-coach-finds-solace-sprawling-ranch?

Tomasson Twincities.com: Will Vikings� Dalvin Cook again sit out a preseason game on new turf? Mike Zimmer isn�t saying
https://www.twincities.com/2019/08/15/will-vikings-dalvin-cook-again-sit-out-a-preseason-game-on-new-turf-mike-zimmer-isnt-saying/amp/

Tomasson Twincities.com: Rookie tight end Irv Smith showing Vikings he can block, too
https://www.twincities.com/2019/08/15/rookie-te-irv-smith-surprising-vikings-with-blocking-ability/amp/

NEW ORLEANS
Teope Nola.com: Saints embrace practicing against highly competitive Chargers in ideal weather conditions
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_6b1ac592-bfb8-11e9-bbf8-e3d2e6967685.amp.html

Just Nola.com: Saints QB Drew Brees understands new helmet rule, even if it looks like he's 'going to Mars'
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_72a11a9e-bfa1-11e9-801b-c7baea31b356.amp.html

Just Nola.com: Saints WR Keith Kirkwood 'doing well' as he slowly returns to practice
https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_2cac5f68-bfb4-11e9-8107-3bd39818f1d1.amp.html

NEW YORK JETS
Costello NYP: Jets alarm bells sound even as one area shines in uneven win
https://nypost.com/2019/08/15/jets-alarm-bells-sound-in-uneven-win/

Vaccaro NYP: Sam Darnold continues to look deserving of all the Jets� hope
https://nypost.com/2019/08/16/sam-darnold-continues-to-look-deserving-of-all-the-jets-hope/

Rich Cimini (@RichCimini)
8/16/19, 9:38 AM
This illustrates Sam Darnold�s accuracy last night: He was 5-for-7 and not one of his targets had more than 3 yards separation when the pass arrived, per NFL Next Gen Stats. A receiver is considered �open� if the sep is greater than 3 yards, per NGS

Costello NYP: Jets� kicker issue isn�t going away: �Just got to do a better job�
https://nypost.com/2019/08/16/jets-kicker-issue-isnt-going-away-just-got-to-do-a-better-job/amp/#click=https://t.co/MZmfPJly8G

OAKLAND
Kawahara SF Chronicle: Raiders� starters sharp in 33-26 preseason win at Arizona
https://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/amp/Raiders-starters-sharp-in-33-26-preseason-win-14308724.php

Gehlken LV Review Journal: Raiders starters set tone in 33-26 win over Cardinalso
https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/raiders-starters-set-tone-in-33-26-win-over-cardinals-1827548/

Waldman RSP: RSP Film And Data: Dwain McFarland and Mark Schofield on QB Derek Carr�Does the Film And Data Align?
https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2019/08/14/rsp-film-and-data-dwain-mcfarland-and-mark-schofield-on-qb-derek-carr-does-the-film-and-data-align/

Bair NBC Bay Area: Antonio Brown has 'beautiful career,' wasn't going to quit over helmet
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/raiders/antonio-brown-has-beautiful-career-wasnt-going-quit-over-helmet

PHILADELPHIA
Benoit MMQB: DeSean Jackson Adds Value to the Eagles' Downfield Passing Attack
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/15/philadelphia-eagles-preview-carson-wentz-sidney-jones-desean-jackson

McLane Phil.com: There were enough glimmers of what the Eagles can be in the preseason win over the Jaguars
https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/eagles-carson-wentz-jaguars-20190816.html

PITTSBURGH
Dulac Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Mason Rudolph gets his chance to start as Steelers backup QB battle continues
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/08/15/pittsburgh-steelers-mason-rudolph-josh-dobbs-preseason-week-two/stories/201908150118

Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Ben Roethlisberger on Steelers QB Devlin Hodges: Duck is �fun to watch�
https://triblive.com/sports/ben-roethlisberger-on-steelers-no-4-qb-devlin-hodges-duck-is-fun-to-watch/

Batko Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Steelers WR Ryan Switzer: Darryl Drake 'always called us his sons'
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/08/15/darryl-drake-steelers-receivers-ryan-switzer-pittsburgh-nfl-training-camp/stories/201908150121

Adamski Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Diontae Johnson impressing Steelers with his skills, frustrating them with his injuries
https://triblive.com/sports/diontae-johnson-impressing-steelers-with-his-skills-frustrating-them-with-his-injuries/

SAN FRANCISCO
Branch SF Chronicle: 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne keeps boogying, even while on the bubble
https://www.sfchronicle.com/49ers/amp/49ers-WR-Kendrick-Bourne-keeps-boogying-even-14308186.php

SEATTLE
Babb Washington Post: Pete Carroll is the NFL�s oldest head coach. You wouldn�t know it by watching him
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/15/pete-carroll-is-nfls-oldest-head-coach-you-wouldnt-know-it-by-watching-him/?

Condotta Seattle Times: Seahawks practice report: Defensive backs get the best of DK Metcalf, receiving corps
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-practice-at-a-glance-defensive-backs-take-their-turn-to-shine/?

Condotta Seattle Times: What we learned at Seahawks practice: More blitzing in 2019? K.J. Wright thinks � and hopes � so
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/what-we-learned-at-seahawks-practice-will-seattle-blitz-more-in-2019-k-j-wright-thinks-and-hopes-so/

AP Seattle: Seahawks hope Carson, Penny can form potent running duo
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/39966553

Bell News Tribune: Jazz Ferguson, dropout who catered to pay for 2nd school, finds redeeming Seahawks summer
https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article234066357.html

TAMPA BAY
Stroud TB Times: Bucs rookie hopes to respond to Bruce Arians� cutting question
https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2019/08/15/stage-too-big-in-first-nfl-preseason-game-for-some-bucs-rookies/?

Ruiz Orlando Sentinel: Bucs rookie D�Cota Dixon left impact beyond football in Wisconsin
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/tampa-bay-buccaneers/os-sp-dcota-dixon-tampa-bay-bucs-20190815-iektwitvrbdttmzjmdsf5uhzvy-story.html

TENNESSEE
Davenport ESPN Nashville: Mike Vrabel's practice philosophy naturally mirrors the Patriot way
https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/28488/mike-vrabels-practice-philosophy-naturally-mirrors-the-patriot-way?

Skribina The Tennessean: With unique name, Titans tight end MyCole Pruitt tries to prove he has game to stay in NFL
https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/1990124001

Princiotti Boston Globe: From Super Bowl hero to zero, Malcolm Butler can joke about benching with Patriots now
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2019/08/15/from-super-bowl-hero-zero-malcolm-butler-jokes-about-benching-with-patriots/9vK2ghKra1RoqvpMfSR7IO/story.html

WASHINGTON
Allen Washington Post: Redskins-Bengals takeaways: Dwayne Haskins, defense stand out but special teams need work
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/15/redskins-vs-bengals-preseason/?

Carpenter Washington Post: Dwayne Haskins makes one great throw and a few mistakes in Redskins� loss to Bengals
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/dwayne-haskins-makes-one-great-throw-and-a-few-mistakes-in-redskins-loss-to-bengals/2019/08/15/76a9c6fe-bfce-11e9-a5c6-1e74f7ec4a93_story.html

Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL)
8/15/19, 8:57 PM
Best part of the Haskins TD throw for me though? Look at him point to the nickel corner blitz pre-snap, made sure his OL was aware of it and picked it up. Spotting blitzes was something he was very good at in college

Paras Washington Times: Plug and play? Old hat for Redskins
http://amp.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/aug/15/redskins-embrace-instability-along-offensive-line/

Copeland Washington Post: Redskins� first-team defense is unleashed for impressive effort against the Bengals
https://beta.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins-first-team-defense-is-unleashed-for-impressive-effort-against-the-bengals/2019/08/16/808e2c38-bf73-11e9-a5c6-1e74f7ec4a93_story.html

John Keim (@john_keim)
8/16/19, 10:20 AM
Can�t say enough about Allen and Payne. Both kept making plays. Payne had terrific 1st series. Gets off doubles bec knows how to turn his body to maintain power; if he�s doubled Allen 1-1. Advantage Allen. These 2 will be formidable this year

Colleges/Draft

Pflum BBV: College Football is coming ... Five prospects to keep an eye on for the Giants
https://www.bigblueview.com/platform/amp/2019/8/15/20807020/college-football-ny-giants-prospects-draft-jeudy-wirfs-epenesa-delpit-news

DeArdo CBS Sports.com: Big Ten Preview of the 2020 NFL Draft: Buckeyes continue to churn out first-round talent post-Urban Meyer
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-ten-preview-of-the-2020-nfl-draft-buckeyes-continue-to-churn-out-first-round-talent-post-urban-meyer/amp/

QB
Jeremiah NFL.com: Ranking top college QB prospects entering '19
https://amp.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001041492/article/cluster-busters-ranking-top-college-qb-prospects-entering-2019?

History

Vaccaro NYP: Birth of Giants-Jets rivalry still carries some bitterness 50 years later
https://nypost.com/2019/08/16/birth-of-giants-jets-rivalry-still-carries-some-bitterness-50-years-later/

New York Amsterdam News: NY Giants great running back Ron Johnson
http://m.amsterdamnews.com/news/2019/aug/15/ny-giants-great-running-back-ron-johnson/

Giants Birthdays 8-16

Ron Hornsby MLB/OLB D3-Louisiana 1971 NYG 1971-1974 8-16-1949

�1974 Profile: Ron Hornsby

Middle Linebacker
No. 67
Southeast Louisiana
"The Giants' No. 3 draft choice for 1971, Hornsby stepped into a starting role at middle linebacker and was outstanding in his rookie year, being named to the NFC's All-Rookie team. A sure and deadly tackler, he improved with each game and has vast potential at middle linebacker. He had a big game in the 21-17 victory over Atlanta, making nine solo tackles and assisting on five others and also sacked the passer for a seven-yard loss.
Ron was the middle linebacker in 1972, but was switched to the outside last season. He's also performed with distinction on special teams.
Hornsby earned four letters at Southeast Louisiana and was selected all-conference three years in succession. He was twice the conference's MVP on defense, captain of the team his senior year and was named to the Kodak All-American team. Ron played in the Senior Bowl, where he was named defensive captain, and scored a touchdown in that game on a 46-yard interception return.
Ron was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana but grew up in Greensburg, Louisiana where he starred at Greensburg High School."

1974 New York Giants Media Guide

In Memoriam

Bob Garner T UDFA-1945 NYG 1945 Born 8-16-1923 Died 12-09-1972

Frank Gifford HB/FL/DH/K D1-USC 1952 NYG 1952-1960, 1962-1964 Born 8-16-1930 Died 8-09-2015

Giants Chronicles: Giants Chronicles: Frank Gifford
Giants Chronicles explores the life and career of former Giants RB Frank Gifford (Video)
https://www.giants.com/video/giants-chronicles-frank-gifford-17734953

�New York Giant Hall of Famer Frank Gifford grew up in Los Angeles and spoke of his off-season routine, �You know, I wasn�t even going to play pro football. I mean I could have made more money working as an extra and doing stunt work in the movies, which I did while I was at USC.�

http://eephusmag.com/los-angeles-1953-hollywoods-rams/

1952

On September 10 with a exhibition against the Bears looming, the NYT published an article which contained the information that the Giants' starting left halfback position was a battle between Kyle Rote the Giants number one draft selection in 1951 and Frank Gifford the Giants number one selection in 1952.

Both were vying to replace retired backs Forrest Griffith and Bosh Pitchard.

After the game with the Bears Giants' head coach Steve Owen would announce who would start in the Giants charity exhibition against the World Champion LA Rams on September 18.

Rote was exhibiting no after effects of a knee injury that limited him during his rookie season in 1951. He had been the number one overall selection in the 1951 draft out of SMU after the Giants won the 1951 version of the annual NFL draft lottery for the first overall draft slot.

The threat of being drafted in the 1951 military call kept some collegiate players from being drafted early in favor of those presumably safe. The Giants having won the bonus draw selected first and chose Kyle Rote "Southern Methodists fine married halfback" and a ex-serviceman. The papers listed the picks with their draft and married status.

Rote was initially undecided if he would play pro football, and had to check with his business interests in Dallas to see what could be done for his family.

Now Rote was in a competition with Gifford who was a triple threat star at USC, but had been working at left halfback in practice. Gifford's first mention in the NYT came in October of 1949 when he was listed as one of three USC quarterbacks who performed in a memorable 13-13 tie with Ohio State. It was Gifford's first miss that season of a PAT that proved critical. The next week it was Gifford's kicking that helped give USC a 10-7 lead over California with four minutes left. However on the ensuing kickoff the Bears Frank Brunk returned the kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. With seconds to play California got a safety as the Trojans tried a desperation pass out of their end zone and the USC suffered the upset loss 16-10.

By 1951 Gifford was a star and invited to appear in all the post collegiate season all star games. He played LH and scored a touchdown as part of a West backfield in the East West game that featured Hugh McElhenny and Ollie Matson. Other big names in that game were Vic Janowicz, Dick Kazmaier, Les Richter, Gino Marchetti, and Billy Howton. In the Senior Bowl playing RH he caught a touchdown pass in the North's 20-6 win. There he was joined in the backfield by Maryland's Ed Modzelewski (brother of future teammate Dick Modzelewski).

On January 18, 1952 one year to the day after the Giants selected Rote, Gifford became the Giants first round draft selection. The Giants had interest in Harry Agganis of Boston College as their "sleeper selection"...but when their turn came the Giants selected Gifford, adaptable to both the single wing and the "T", the twelfth leading rusher in college football with 839 yards, a triple threat on offense who could also play defense as he played all sixty minutes in the East West and Senior Bowl all-star games. The only mystery was how Gifford lasted until the 11th overall pick, however it was a draft full of star power, two big name quarterbacks in Billy Wade (first overall as the Rams won the lottery), Babe Parilli, and future HOF's Richter, Matson, and McElhenny were all drafted before Gifford.

He signed with the Giants on a May 25, 1952. Initially it was his pass catching that was the talk of training camp, as the Giants utilized him little in the running game. But he won the start over Rote in the hyped exhibition vs the Rams. The backfield that day featured Charlie Conerly, Gifford, Joe Scott, and Eddie Price as the Giants battled the stars of the Rams backfield Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin. The Giants won the exhibition 30-17 behind three touchdown passes from Conerly.

Early on Gifford alone in the end zone caught a 23 yard pass from Conerly to give the Giants the lead. After the Rams kicked a field goal, Gifford took a Conerly handoff and raced sixty yards to the Rams 17 setting up the second Giants touchdown. The versatile Gifford was now on his way to what would be a Hall of Fame career.

From the 1952 draft preview...

T formation passing stars
Babe Parilli Kentucky, Bill Wade of Vanderbilt, Larry Isbell Baylor, Don Klosterman of Loyola (LA) and Ed Brown of San Francisco.
RB's
Hugh McElhenney of Washington, Ollie Matson of San Francisco, Ed Modzelewski of Maryland, Frank Gifford of USC, and Bill Reichardt of Iowa.
Standout lineman
Jim Weatherwall of Oklahoma, Bill McColl of Stanford, Bob Carey of Michigan State, Bob Toneff of Notre Dame, Dick Hightower of SMU, and Les Richter of California.

Code:

How did the first round go down... 1 LA Rams (bonus) QB Billy Wade Vanderbilt 2 Dallas Texans LB Les Richter California HOF 3 Chicago Cards RB Ollie Matson San Francisco HOF 4 Green Bay QB Babe Parilli Kentucky 5 Philadelphia B Johnny Bright Drake 6 Pittsburgh FB Ed Modzelewski Maryland 7 Washington QB Larry Isbell Baylor (Redskins draft a QB from Baylor) 8 Chicago Bears B Jim Dooley Miami 9 San Francisco RB Hugh McElhenney Washington HOF 10 Cleveland (from Detroit) DB Bert Rechichar Tennessee 11 NY Giants RB Frank Gifford USC HOF 12 Cleveland QB Harry Aganis Boston University 13 LA Rams E Bob Carey Michigan State Other notable picks 2-14 Dallas DE Gino Marchetti San Francisco HOF 3-34 Detroit DB Yale Lary Texas A& M HOF 3-35 NY Giants QB Don Heinrich Washington 4-45 Detroit DE Pat Summerall Arkansas

Troup PFR: Frank Gifford and the 1952 New York Giants

�Rookie left halfback Frank Gifford is in and out of the line-up. He carries the ball 32 times for 104 yards the first five games of the year, but only has 6 carries for 12 yards in the final five games of the year. Gifford is not called upon as a receiver very much during the campaign, but his first attempt at a half-back option pass resulted in a touchdown. Though he has talent, no one knows just how much since he contributes little and is injured twice during the year. Gifford fills in some at right corner, and right safety the first half of the year, but in the final game of the season he plays left corner against Cleveland and shows he can handle the challenge of the this demanding position as he intercepts�(first time in league history that three future Hall of Famers intercept in the same game), and is a strong tackler.�

http://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2015/08/frank-gifford-and-1952-new-york-giants.html

1953

Giants.com: �Gifford was named to the Pro Bowl as a defensive back in 1953 and as an offensive back the following year - a first in NFL history.�

�That was the thing about the NFL in 1953. With only 33 roster spots up for grabs, versatility was a necessity for most players. The more you could do, the better your chances of making the squad. Plenty of guys, after all, were still playing both ways � including Giants legend Frank Gifford.�(Or as the team�s media guide called him, �Francis.�) Gifford scored five different ways that season (2 rushing touchdowns, 4 receiving TDs, 1 interception-return TD, 1 field goal, 2 extra points) and threw a touchdown pass.�

https://profootballdaly.com/a-soccer-style-kicker-for-the-giants-in-1953/

NYP:

�At the end of 1953, we went 3-9 and I didn�t come out of the last seven games,�� Gifford , who died Sunday at the age of 84, told The Post in an interview several years ago. �I was making $8,000 a year and I was making twice that much working in the movie studios in California. Pro football wasn�t that big a deal, and I was just getting killed playing in the Polo Grounds. I just said �The hell with it.� ��

One phone call changed Gifford�s thinking, however, and paved the way for the stardom that followed. Owner Wellington Mara pleaded with him to return and promised changes, among them Jim Lee Howell replacing Steve Owen as head coach.
�Without Wellington Mara I never would have come back,�� Gifford said. �I had no one else to talk to. He�s the only reason I stuck around.��

https://nypost.com/2015/08/10/when-frank-gifford-nearly-quit-brutal-nfl-to-work-in-hollywood/amp/

1954

�Vince Lombardi,� says Frank Gifford, �is responsible for my success.�
During his first two seasons, the ill& #8208;American from the University of Southern California had been used mostly on defense as a cornerback and safety, occasionally on offense as a halfback. He also kicked off and ran back kickoffs. �I hardly,� he recalls, �ever came out of the game.� But when Jim Lee Howell replaced Steve Owen as the Giants' coach in 1954, he hired Vince Lombardi as his offensive coach. The day Gifford reported to training camp, Lombardi was waiting for him.
�You're my halfback,� Lombardi announced.

�Vince always wanted his halfback to do a lot of things,� Gifford says. �He gave you a lot of confidence. I really loved that man. But we also made a coach out of him. He'd accept things we offered him and he'd learn to realize what we didn't like.�

Lombardi, Who had been on Red Blaik's staff at Army, put an option series and a belly series in the Giants playbook.
�We'd come off the field during the exhibition games that first year,� Gifford remembers, �and Vince would ask, �Why isn't Charlie [Conerly] using the option?� and somebody would say, �I don't think Charlie likes it.� We knew it might have worked at Army, but not in the N.F.L. because guys like Ed Sprinkle, Norm Willey and Tom Scott didn't just hit the quarterback, they demolished him. Charlie didn't want to be demolished and Vince gradually got the idea.�

https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/18/archives/frank-gifford-remembers-lombardi.html

�When [Lombardi] was with us, he was a friend. He was a buddy, actually,� Gifford said. �The relationship between a head coach and a player is different than that of an assistant coach and a player. Most assistants are good friends with the players. If you�re not, then the players don�t really pay attention to you.�
Gifford, an NFL Hall of Fame running back who was an eight-time All-Pro and the 1956 NFL MVP, says Lombardi wasn�t always the gruff taskmaster.

�When he first game to the Giants, he tried to be very strict with his West Point coaching background and we liked him, but that didn�t last very long,� said Gifford, 79. �He came up to us in training camp about the third week in Salem, Oregon, and the guys had been paying no attention to him. He�d been ranting and raving and screaming, but we�d just look at him.
�He asked us �Hey guys, what am I doing wrong?� Charlie Conerly, who was a Marine in World War II, was there and I told him �Vinnie, you�re talking to guys who�ve fought in places like Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.� He changed dramatically after that.�

https://bangordailynews.com/2009/09/04/sports/1959-bangor-game-was-dawn-of-lombardi-era/

1956

�When the Giants won the National Football League championship in 1956, Frank Gifford won the most valuable player award. He rushed for 819 yards and caught 51 passes for 603 yards. His career yardage was 3,609 rushing and 5,434 on 367 receptions.

�On offense, Lombardi honed his version of the T-Formation sweep. The Giants had a rugged and battle-tested offensive line, led by All-Pro Roosevelt Brown at left tackle, that emphasized athletic ability and coordination. New York�s philosophy was ball control and their bread-and-butter plays were 47 Power, which featured right halfback Frank Gifford, and 26 Power, which featured left halfback Alex Webster. They were essentially the same play directed to opposite sides of the line. On occasion, fullback Mel Triplett plunged straight into the line.

When the ball was in the air, the primary targets were end Ken McAfee and flanker Kyle Rote, who were backed up by former starter Bob Schnelker. Occasionally the passes came from the arm of Gifford, who was deadly with the option pass. Gifford spent time under center during camp. According to Coach Howell, �He�s practicing strictly for experience. He does too much at halfback to change now.� Exhibiting his seemingly unbounded ability, Gifford also started the season as the Giants place kicker on field goals and point-afters. Strong-legged rookie punter Don Chandler handled the kickoff duties.�

https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/18/archives/frank-gifford-remembers-lombardi.html

Giants.com: Frank Gifford: 1956
https://www.giants.com/video/frank-gifford-1956

1958

�Some people say it was the greatest game ever played, but it may have been my worst,� said Frank Gifford, the Giants� Hall of Fame halfback. �I fumbled twice and we lost. If I don�t fumble, we win the game. I try to laugh about it now, but it�s not easy.�

On a third-and-4 with 2:30 left in the game and the Giants leading 17-10, Gifford took a handoff at the Giants 40. He moved upfield and was met by end Gino Marchetti, linebacker Don Shinnick and tackle Gene �Big Daddy� Lipscomb, who fell on Marchetti, breaking the Hall of Famer�s right leg. �We ran a 47 Power on third-and-4,� Gifford said. �A running back knows when he gets a first down. I didn�t even look to the sidelines, I just knew I had it. Then I heard someone yell. It was a frightening yell--you knew someone was badly hurt. It was Marchetti. Turned out he broke his leg. They had to stop the game and carry him off the field. The official didn�t pay attention to where he marked the ball. When they measured, we were short. I was stunned.
�I wanted to go for it. We had a good defense. Vince Lombardi, our offensive coach, wanted us to go for it,� Gifford said. �But our head coach, Jim Lee Howell, the tough old ex-Marine, wouldn�t budge.�

�We weren�t trying to create history. It just happened,� Gifford said. �What I remember most is that I felt terrible in the locker room afterwards. I had flown my dad in from the Alaska oil fields--he worked in the oil fields all his life. He felt so bad for me; I felt so bad and was all beat up. Then Lombardi came over, put his arms around me and whispered, �Don�t feel bad about it. We wouldn�t have gotten here without you.� I�ll always remember that. It made it a lot easier to live with.�

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-27-sp-57946-story.html

1959

Maule SI:

�Most of the All-Stars began their postgraduate football studies a couple of days after the game, as rookies on the various teams in the National Football League. Grosscup, who belongs to the New York Giants, flew out of Chicago Saturday morning to Hershey, Pa., where he watched the Giants lose their first exhibition game to the Philadelphia Eagles 21-17.
"I got to start all over," he said before he left. "The Giants use different terminology and a different cadence and I'll be just about starting from scratch."
Saturday's game must have been an interesting one for Grosscup, one of five candidates for the quarterback's job on the Giant team. Coach Jim Lee Howell tested all four of the other candidates�Frank Gifford, who wants to convert from halfback; George Shaw, recent acquisition from the Colts; Don Heinrich, No. 2 behind Charley Conerly for several years, and Conerly himself.
Howell opened the game with Gifford, who was surprisingly capable, mixing short and long passes with keeper plays in which he ran the ball well. Gifford completed three of six passes, Shaw three of 10, Conerly two of four and Heinrich two of six. Probably the most effective of the quartet, though, was Conerly. The aging (38) Giant quarterback marched his team 65 yards in 11 plays in the third quarter for a touchdown and apparently has lost none of the cunning and poise which have made him the Giants' top quarterback for 11 years.
Grosscup, handicapped by his late start, may have a tough time breaking into the Giant lineup. But he is probably the best passer of the five quarterbacks and he is a cool operator under pressure, as he showed abundantly in the time he played against the Colts. He has gained some 20 pounds in the last couple of years, mostly through working with barbells, and, as Otto Graham pointed out after working with Lee in the All-Star camp, he is smart.
He has the additional advantage of being the youngest of the aspirants. Gifford, who would certainly return to his halfback post should he fail in the bid for a quarterback job, is 29; Heinrich, Conerly's well-used understudy, is 28. Shaw, probably the best second-string quarterback in football during the time he watched Unitas play from the Colt bench, is 26.
Howell has said that he will carry only two quarterbacks; and Gifford, before the training camp began, said, "I will have to be good enough to be the No. 1 quarterback or else I will be back at halfback."
Seldom has a pro coach been so pleasantly embarrassed by riches at this position. Regardless of which two quarterbacks he keeps, Howell will have prime trading material in the ones he decides to let go.�

https://www.si.com/vault/1959/08/24/606056/nice-boys-but-no-match

1960

�The nightmare is over for Chuck Bednarik. The New York Giants have given him his honor back, and the Eagles� big all-around guy is grateful for their sportsmanship.

�But I don�t see how I can ever have any respect for Charley Conerly again,� Bednarik admitted.

Conerly started the nightmare after Bednarik caused the Giants� Frank Gifford to fumble a completed pass Sunday on what Chuck described as �the hardest tackle I ever made.� It was in the closing minutes of the Eagles� dramatic 17-10 upset victory and it shut off the Giants� last chance to get back in the game. Although Bednarik insists he didn�t realize it at the time, Gifford was knocked unconscious on the play. Later, the New York halfback was carried to St. Elizabeth�s Hospital, still unconscious. His injury was diagnosed as a concussion.

�As soon as I saw Frank fumble, I turned to follow the ball,� Chuck explained. �When I saw Charley Weber recover for us, I starting jumping up and down and yelling, �We got it! We got it! It�s our ballgame.� I remember waving my fist as a victory signal. I always do that on a play that means the game.�

The next thing Bednarik knew, Conerly was standing on the sidelines, hands cupped to his mouth, shouting, �Bednarik, you lousy cheap-shot artist.� In the idiom of the NFL, a �cheap shot� artist is one who piles on, racks a ball carrier when he�s hung up or tries in other ways to inflict physical damage after the play.

�How could Conerly call me that?� Bednarik demanded. �I was the only man in on� the tackle and I bounced right off after the fumble to follow the ball.�

�At the time, I figured Conerly was just letting his disappointment run away with him,� Chuck added. �I didn�t realize till later that he�d be so vindictive.�

Later was when someone called Bednarik�s attention to Conerly�s weekly post-game column in a New York newspaper. The veteran Giants� quarterback prefaced his technical analysis by stating he was �shocked by Chuck Bednarik�s antics after he hurt Frank Gifford in the final quarter.

�He stood on the field pointing at Giff and laughing,� Conerly wrote of Bednarik�s jubilation over the fumble recovery. �It was a disgraceful performance by a guy who�s supposed to be an old pro. In this game, you don�t injure a man seriously and then laugh at him. For my dough, Bednarik�s a poor endorsement for our league and the game of football.�

But apparently, Conerly�s was strictly a one-man vendetta. In the same newspaper, Gifford was quoted as telling his wife in the hospital room, �He didn�t mean it, Honey...He had to make the play...But it was clean.� Maxine Gifford felt justifiable pride in her husband�s sportsmanlike attitude. �He was wonderful,� she said. �Bednarik was his first thought. Frank instinctively knew Chuck would be charged with a premeditated bloodthirsty deed.�

Giants end Kyle Rote also demonstrated old pro class when he showed the game film at the Pro Football Quarterback�s Club in New York. The film clearly showed Bednarik throwing a legitimate shoulder tackle at Gifford after the pass completion. �It was just one of those unfortunate things that happen in the rough, tough game of football,� Rote commented.�

https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/eagles/When_Chuck_Bednarik_knocked_out_Frank_Gifford.html

1962 Giants Profiles:

FRANK GIFFORD
Flanker
No. 16
USC
"Frank Gifford, the glamor-boy of the pro ranks, returns after taking a year off to recover completely from a brain concussion. The Bakersfield, California native has been the busiest of all Giants since starting in 1952. He's acquired All-Pro status as both an offensive and defensive halfback, and none could execute the pass-option as capably. Tremendous as a runner and receiver, Frank is good as a passer and all alone as an inspirational leader.
He leaves lucrative advertising and radio-TV duties to attempt to win a 1962 job as a flanker-back."

-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook

"Frank returns to the active ranks in 1962. He is the all-time Giant point scorer."

1963 Profile: Frank Gifford

Flanker
No. 16
USC
"From 1952 through 1960, Frank Gifford gained more than four miles rushing and passing for the Giants. He retired in 1961 to be a sportscaster but couldn't stay away. Last year he returned in a new role - flanker back. Now that he has learned the job, beware! Handsome Frank (he's been a leading man in the movies and TV) knows just what the pass defenders will do. He averaged 20.4 yards a catch in 1962.
Born in Bakersfield, California, Frank was a triple-threat All-American at USC. He was the League MVP in 1956."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963

1964 Profile: Frank Gifford

Flanker
No. 16
USC
"Starting the third season of his 'second career' following his brief retirement during the 1961 season, Frank Gifford continues to sparkle at flanker-back. Last season he caught 42 passes for 657 yards and seven touchdowns. His one-handed catch in the season finale against the Steelers is regarded as the turning point of the game which saw the Giants clinch the Eastern title.
Born August 16, 1930, he was a triple-threat tailback at USC before joining the Giants in 1952. He then established himself as an All-NFL running back before suffering a serious head injury in 1960.
Frank is a model and a sportscaster in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964

"A bone-jarring tackle thrown by 230-pound Chuck Bednarik of the Philadelphia Eagles sent Frank Gifford to the hospital with a concussion in 1960 and seemed to spell the end of his brilliant pro career.
'Frank took his eye off me for just a second,' Bednarik explained. 'He should have ducked but he was watching another back coming up. That was one of the hardest tackles I ever made. I was awfully sorry he was hurt.'
Gifford missed the remainder of the 1960 season and spent the following year as a New York scout. Then in 1962, at the age of 32, Frank announced he was attempting a comeback.
'I still have a desire to play football,' he said, 'and I know I can play well enough to help the Giants win.'
If some skeptics thought otherwise, Gifford quickly dispelled all doubts. Moving from halfback to flanker back, he caught 39 passes for 796 yards and seven touchdowns as the Giants won the Eastern Conference title. Last year Frank grabbed 42 passes for 657 yards, good for seven touchdowns. Once again, New York took the Eastern crown.
'It's hard to measure Frank's value to this club,' says Allie Sherman. 'It can't be done statistically. The number of passes he caught is not important. The big thing is that he inspired others.'
Born August 16, 1930 in Santa Monica, California, Gifford won All-America honors at Southern California, rushing for 841 yards and completing 32 out of 61 passes in 1951, his senior year. The top draft choice of the Giants in 1952, Frank hit his peak in 1956 when he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player aug/15/ny-giants-great-running-back-ron-and led the team to the championship. Gifford's running (819 yards) and pass receiving (51 receptions) were nothing short of sensational that season. A six-time All-Pro, Gifford holds several all-time team offense records - scoring, touchdowns and pass receptions. But as coach Sherman says: 'I guess the real value of Gifford to the Giants is his winning habit.' "

-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac

"Back again is the Giants' old standby at flanker back, Frank Gifford, who doubles as sports director of New York television station WCBS-TV. The 1963 campaign was one of Giff's best, which greatly influenced the veteran's decision to return in '64. Playing the flanker position for only the second season, Frank snared 42 aerials for 657 yards, second only to Del Shofner on the club. His sparkling one-handed catch against the Steelers proved the turning point and decisive play in the Giants' final victory which nailed down the Eastern title.
Gifford joined the Giants in 1952, being their top draft pick. Throughout his career, he has been an outstanding running back, defensive ace as well as top-notch receiver. He returned to active duty in 1962 after a year in retirement. Frank holds numerous all-time Giant marks."

-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants