Tag Archives: N.F.L
Ventan Yablonski
Ventan Yablonski (College football. Born, Worcester, MA, Mar. 4, 1923; died, Naperville, IL, March 1, 2008.) A sophomore quarterback at Fordham in 1942, Ventan Constantine Yablonski became a star halfback and placekicker at Columbia after World War II. Yablonski, a stocky 5’8”, 190 pounds, gained 637 yards rushing in two seasons (149 carries, 4.3 average) […]
Paul Tagliabue
Paul Tagliabue (Pro football. Born, Jersey City, NJ, Nov. 24, 1940.) When Pete Rozelle (q.v.) announced his retirement as N.F.L. commissioner in Mar. 1989, a search was begun for the successor to the man widely hailed as a visionary sports leader. Paul John Tagliabue, a graduate of N.Y.U. School of Law, was the resultant choice. […]
Kyle Rote
Kyle Rote (Pro football. Born, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 27, 1927; died, Baltimore, MD, Aug. 14, 2002.) During his 11-year career with the Giants (1951-61), William Kyle Rote was one of the team’s most popular players. Rote, a star at Southern Methodist U., came to the Giants as a bonus choice in the N.F.L. draft, […]
Andy Robustelli
Andy Robustelli (Pro football. Born, Stamford, CT, Dec. 6, 1925; died, Stamford, CT, May 31, 2011.) Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in 1956, Andrew Richard Robustelli was a standout defensive end on six Giants division champions and helped the team win the 1956 N.F.L. title. In 1962, while still playing every game at defensive […]
Bruiser Kinard
Bruiser Kinard (Pro football. Born, Pelahatchie, MS, Oct. 23, 1914; died, Jackson, MS, Sept. 7, 1985.) Best of a Mississippi football-playing family, Frank Kinard was an all-N.F.L. tackle four times in his seven seasons (1938-44) with Brooklyn. Kinard was a linebacker who helped form the core of the Dodgers defense in addition to playing tackle […]
Jim Kensil
Jim Kensil (Pro football. Born, Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 19, 1930; died, Massapequa, NY, Jan. 16, 1997.) A sportswriter-cum-football executive, James Kensil served just over 11 years as president of the Jets. A Penn man, Kensil was a sportswriter from 1954-61, primarily with the Columbus (O.) Dispatch and The Associated Press. He then served as publicity […]
Shipwreck Kelly
Shipwreck Kelly (Pro football. Born, Simmstown, NY, July 8, 1910; died, Lighthouse Point, FL, Aug. 17, 1986.) A star running back at Kentucky, John Simms Kelly played for the Football Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, of which he was a part-owner for a time. Kelly appeared in five games with the Giants in 1932 but was […]
Woody Johnson
Woody Johnson (Football. Born, East Brunswick, NJ, Apr. 12, 1953.) Scion of the family that founded Johnson & Johnson, the worldwide health care company, Robert Wood Johnson IV emerged as a major force in the New York sports community Jan. 11, 2000, when he became the new owner of the Jets. Johnson was unanimously approved […]
Dave Jennings
Dave Jennings (Pro football. Born, New York, NY, June 8, 1952.) A top punter who played for the Giants (1974-84) and Jets (1985-87), David Tuthill Jennings then became an outstanding radio color commentator for both teams. Jennings, who played collegiately at St. Lawrence (Canton, N.Y.), twice led the N.F.L. in punt yardage while with the […]
Jim Katcavage
Jim Katcavage (Pro football. Born, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Oct. 28, 1934; died, Maple Glen, PA, Feb. 22, 1995.) Drafted out of Dayton as the Giants’ fourth pick in 1956, James R. Katcavage became a standout defensive left end. Katcavage was an all-N.F.L. choice three straight years (1961-63) and was a Pro Bowl selection in both 1963 […]
