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Story
September 4, 1959
Minneapolis Spokesman
Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
Preview of the New York Giants' upcoming NFL season, focusing on their black players like Roosevelt Grier, Roosevelt Brown, and Mel Triplett, as they aim to repeat as division champions after a close loss to the Baltimore Colts in December 1958.
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Editor's Note: This is another in the series of stories on National Football League teams and their Negro players.
BY BILL BROWER
Chicago (ANP)—Runnerup to the Baltimore Colts in that spine-tingling finale last December at Polo Grounds, the New York Giants, eastern division kings of the National Football League, are a good bet for another shot at the title this year.
Of course, as always, the Giants will have to overcome the Cleveland Browns, but Coach Jim Lee Howell believes he has the personnel, including top-notch tan talent, not only to repeat as division champions, but to take all the marbles.
Count On Tan Stars
The Giants are counting on Roosevelt Grier to bulwark the defensive line, and Roosevelt Brown to lead the charge on offense.
Powerful fullbacking should again be provided by Mel Triplett.
Newcomers who might make the team, now in training at Winooski Park, Vt., include Howard Glenn, defensive end; Ellison Kelly, offensive guard, Harry Jefferson and George Scott, offensive halfbacks, and Sid Williams, defensive halfback.
Grier, now a fourth year performer, was a sensation on defense in his rookie season and starred in the Giants' title drive in 1956. He was in the service in 1957 and returned to action last year. He is from Penn State.
Triplett's Key Man
Brown, strong and as fast as any lineman in the league, is considered the NFL best downfield blocker. He also reinforces the defense on goal-line stands. He was an unknown when he was drafted from Morgan State in 1953.
Triplett, former University of Toledo captain, is not only a dangerous runner but is a valuable blocker for other runners and passers. With the Giants stressing the passing game more this year, his value is likely to increase proportionately. In four seasons, Triplett has gained 1,365 yards, an average of almost four yards a crack.
Glenn, signed as a free agent after writing and requesting a tryout, played football for Linfield College in Oregon. He is trying to stick as the third defensive end.
Jefferson Seeks Regular Job
Jefferson, a former Illini star was also signed as a free agent after starring in service football. A versatile performer in the college ranks, Jefferson is seeking a place as an offensive halfback.
Kelly, drafted No.5 last season from Michigan State, is rated highly and has size and speed. He was a regular guard for the Spartans three seasons. Proving his durability, Kelly played 281 minutes in 1958.
Scott, 180-pounder from Miami (Ohio) University, was 19th on the Giants' draft list this year. He was voted the outstanding back for the Redskins last season.
With Em Tunnell traded to the Green Bay Packers, a place is open in the Giants' famed defensive backfield. That spot could well go to Sid Williams, former Wisconsin quarterback. At Wisconsin, the talented Williams played also at lefthalfback and defensive halfback.
Williams, by the way, is a chemical engineer, and at Wisconsin was president of the Wisconsin
BY BILL BROWER
Chicago (ANP)—Runnerup to the Baltimore Colts in that spine-tingling finale last December at Polo Grounds, the New York Giants, eastern division kings of the National Football League, are a good bet for another shot at the title this year.
Of course, as always, the Giants will have to overcome the Cleveland Browns, but Coach Jim Lee Howell believes he has the personnel, including top-notch tan talent, not only to repeat as division champions, but to take all the marbles.
Count On Tan Stars
The Giants are counting on Roosevelt Grier to bulwark the defensive line, and Roosevelt Brown to lead the charge on offense.
Powerful fullbacking should again be provided by Mel Triplett.
Newcomers who might make the team, now in training at Winooski Park, Vt., include Howard Glenn, defensive end; Ellison Kelly, offensive guard, Harry Jefferson and George Scott, offensive halfbacks, and Sid Williams, defensive halfback.
Grier, now a fourth year performer, was a sensation on defense in his rookie season and starred in the Giants' title drive in 1956. He was in the service in 1957 and returned to action last year. He is from Penn State.
Triplett's Key Man
Brown, strong and as fast as any lineman in the league, is considered the NFL best downfield blocker. He also reinforces the defense on goal-line stands. He was an unknown when he was drafted from Morgan State in 1953.
Triplett, former University of Toledo captain, is not only a dangerous runner but is a valuable blocker for other runners and passers. With the Giants stressing the passing game more this year, his value is likely to increase proportionately. In four seasons, Triplett has gained 1,365 yards, an average of almost four yards a crack.
Glenn, signed as a free agent after writing and requesting a tryout, played football for Linfield College in Oregon. He is trying to stick as the third defensive end.
Jefferson Seeks Regular Job
Jefferson, a former Illini star was also signed as a free agent after starring in service football. A versatile performer in the college ranks, Jefferson is seeking a place as an offensive halfback.
Kelly, drafted No.5 last season from Michigan State, is rated highly and has size and speed. He was a regular guard for the Spartans three seasons. Proving his durability, Kelly played 281 minutes in 1958.
Scott, 180-pounder from Miami (Ohio) University, was 19th on the Giants' draft list this year. He was voted the outstanding back for the Redskins last season.
With Em Tunnell traded to the Green Bay Packers, a place is open in the Giants' famed defensive backfield. That spot could well go to Sid Williams, former Wisconsin quarterback. At Wisconsin, the talented Williams played also at lefthalfback and defensive halfback.
Williams, by the way, is a chemical engineer, and at Wisconsin was president of the Wisconsin
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Historical Event
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Fortune Reversal
What keywords are associated?
New York Giants
Nfl
Negro Players
Roosevelt Grier
Roosevelt Brown
Mel Triplett
Training Camp
Baltimore Colts
What entities or persons were involved?
Roosevelt Grier
Roosevelt Brown
Mel Triplett
Howard Glenn
Ellison Kelly
Harry Jefferson
George Scott
Sid Williams
Jim Lee Howell
Em Tunnell
Where did it happen?
Winooski Park, Vt.
Story Details
Key Persons
Roosevelt Grier
Roosevelt Brown
Mel Triplett
Howard Glenn
Ellison Kelly
Harry Jefferson
George Scott
Sid Williams
Jim Lee Howell
Em Tunnell
Location
Winooski Park, Vt.
Event Date
1959
Story Details
The New York Giants, runners-up in the 1958 NFL championship, rely on black players like defensive star Roosevelt Grier, offensive lineman Roosevelt Brown, and fullback Mel Triplett to challenge for the title again, with promising newcomers in training.