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Ernie Koy Signs Contract with Giants of NFL

Jan. 26, 1965 - Ernie Koy (pictured), a powerful running back from the University of Texas, signed a contract today with the New York Giants.

Koy was the leading scorer for the Longhorns last season and had been sought by the Houston Oilers of the AFL. He was Houston’s third-round choice and 11th on the Giant list.

Allie Sherman, the Giants’ coach, said: “We’re delighted to get Koy. He fits perfectly into our pattern. This adds to what I consider the greatest draft in Giant history.”

At a news conference in Houston today, Koy explained that his choice evolved into one between the two leagues plus the opportunity to come to the “big city.”

“The NFL is a more stable league and has better benefits,” the 6-3 220-pounder said. “Also, my daddy played baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and I’ve always wanted to follow him into New York. I’ve always followed the Giants — football, that is — and I consider it a real challenge to get a chance to play with them.”

Koy’s father, also named Ernie, was at the signing session along with Frank (Pop) Ivy, a Giant scout from the Southwest and a former coach of the Oilers. The father was a fullback for the Longhorns 30 years ago and was a National League outfielder for Brooklyn, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia, playing from 1938 through 1942.

Young Koy was a tailback in the Texas wing formation. He was a star in the Orange Bowl in Miami on Jan. 1 when Texas beat Alabama, whose quarterback, Joe Namath, has signed with the New York Jets of the rival league.

The addition of Koy brings to the Giant rookie roster added power and strength to what coach Sherman believes is the “finest backfield talent on paper” in the league.

The Giant rookies include Tucker Frederickson, Auburn; Henry Carr, Arizona State; Willie Williams, Grambling; Ben Crenshaw, Jackson (Miss.) State; and Smith Reed of Alcorn, Miss.

These rookies in Sherman’s plans will build around such accredited Giants as Ernie Wheelwright and Steve Thurlow.



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© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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