New England Patriots cards

Russ Francis's 1976 card: "An outstanding pitcher, he was 9th selection of Kansas City Royals in 1974 Baseball draft. Russ also threw javelin and played basketball ..." "One of Russ' hobbies is mountain climbing," says his 1981 card. "Considered by many as the NFL's best tight end, Russ is a superb blocker and has great speed for his size."

Steve Grogan was a part-time punter for two years at Kansas State, according to his 1976 card. And he's "an avid tennis player," says his 1981 card.

Sam Adams is an offseason accounting student, says his 1981 card.

"Ranked as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL, Ray (Hamilton) is considered as Patriots' best pass-rusher since Bob Dee and Larry Eisenhauer," says his 1976 card. "Nicknamed 'Sugar Bear' since his teenage years, he moved into nose tackle spot in 1974 as Patriots switched to 3-man front and had a great season. Regarded as the kingpin of the Oklahoma pass rush, he settled at defensive tackle after playing 5 different positions in college." New England selected him in the 14th round of the 1973 draft. "An accredited pro tennis official," says his 1981 card.

Andy Johnson quarterbacked Georgia to a 17-16 win over Maryland in 1974 Peach Bowl and then became the Patriots' fifth-round draft choice. "Blossomed into a full-time running back in mid-season, 1975, starting final 9 games of the campaign," says his 1977 card. "A versatile performer, he runs back punts and kickoffs and could also fill in as an emergency quarterback." "Follows his blocks well," says his 1981 card.

John Hannah's 1977 card: "A 2-time All-American choice (at Alabama), he won every award available during final season with the Crimson Tide. ... The Patriots' first of 3 1st round choices in 1973 College Draft, he had excellent showing against the Miami dolphins in 1973 College All-Star Game. He dispelled all fears about his ability to make switch from straight ahead blocking required in Wishbone to dropback and pulling required in pros. ... Developed greatly in 1974 and he was a key factor in protecting quarterback and helping Patriots' running game to over 2000 yards for the first time." Adds the 1981 card: "John is considered to be one of the greatest offensive linemen ever to paly pro football. ... John owns a chicken & cattle farm."

A first-round draft choice in 1976, Tim Fox "was defensive co-captain of 1975 Buckeye squad which earned 11-0 regular season mark," says his 1977 card. "As a senior at Ohio State he led Big Ten in punt returns with 22 for 256 yards and one touchdown for season. Named First Team All-American in 1975, his career statistics include 5 interceptions for 45 yards & one touchdown and 24 punt returns." He's a water-skiier, says his 1982 card.

Matt Cavanaugh, says his 1982 card, "hit 60% of his passes in 1980 to set Patriots' club record. The former mark of 55.3% had been held by Babe Parilli, club's QB coach. Matt has a quick release." Cavanaugh started the second half of the 1980 season, his 1981 card said, adding, "Matt works in a bank during the off-season."

Richard Bishop, the Patriots' outstanding lineman of 1978, is a writer, says his 1981 card.

Steve Nelson's 1981 card labels him "the nucleus of Patriots' defense." He's a woodcutter.

Julius "The Jewel" Adams, a second-round draft choice in 1971, "was tested at linebacker at one point during his first pro season," says his 1975 card. "He earned AP Defensive Lineman of Week honors for play vs. Dolphins, 12-5-71."

"One of pro football's greatest deep threats, Stanley (Morgan) was an All-Pro selection in 1980 and played in the Pro Bowl Game for the 2nd consecutive season. Led Patriots in receiving," says his 1981 card.

Jim Plunkett's 1975 card says he "enjoyed one of best games in pro football with 348-yard passing game vs. Packers in 1973. The 1970 Heisman Trophy winner, he was hero of Stanford's sensational 27-17 Rose Bowl win vs. Ohio State, 1971."

Raymond Clayborn, a two-time track MVP at Texas and the Patriots' first-round draft choice in 1977, returned three kickoffs for touchdown as a rookie.

Says Tom Owen's 1977 card ... The 49ers selected him in the 13th round of the 1974 draft out of Wichita State, where he once rallied the Shockers to a 14-12 win over Arkansas with two touchdown throws in the final two minutes. As a rookie, Owen played in five games, and San Francisco won four of those. Pro Football Weekly named Owen to its all-rookie team for 1974.

The Bills drafted Don Calhoun in the 10th round in 1974 out of Kansas State. According to his 1977 card, Calhoun played in all 14 games as a rookie with Buffalo and the first five of the 1975 season. He rejoined his old college quarterback, Steve Grogan, and the Patriots on Nov. 22, 1975, with five games to go. Making his first start with New England on Dec. 7, 1975, Calhoun rushed for 103 yards on 15 carries against the Jets.

Harold Jackson's 1981 card said he appeared in "several" movies.

Bill Lenkaitis's 1981 card: "One of the Patriots' elder statesmen, Bill has played in 141 games with the club, more than any other active player. ... Bill is the Patriots' team dentist." He captained his Penn State squad as a senior.

Depicted as a suit-wearing man standing next to a refrigerator-sized panel of lights and buttons, Vagas Ferguson's 1981 card says he "is interested in computer programming. ... As Notre Dame's all-time leading rusher he holds several school records. Vagas rushed for 255 yards in a game and he scored 17 TD's in a season."

Chuck Foreman, acquired by the Patriots in a 1980 trade with Minnesota, "operates a chain of Nautilus centers," his 1981 card. "Chuck has 17 100-yard games to his credit."

Don Hasselbeck's 1981 card: "Don is an accomplished metal sculptor. A back-up tight end for the Patriots, Don is one of club's specialty teams leaders. He blocks effectively and has the speed to beat defenders deep for the long pass downfield."

John Smith "works in the food business during the off-season," according to his 1981 card.