Jan. 9, 1965 - The New York Jets, who have been accumulating quarterbacks as if there weren’t 21 other positions on a pro football team, added another heralded passer to their 1965 stockpile today.
He is John Huarte (pictured), the slender Californian who was voted the Heisman Trophy as the outstanding college player of 1964 for leading Notre Dame out of nowhere to the brink of the national championship.
How many Jet-green dollars Huarte received was not disclosed, nor was the length of the contract.
Just last week, the Jets signed Joe Namath of Alabama, another quarterback, for about $400,000. Previously, they were reported to have delivered lesser six-figure packages for the signatures of Bob Schweickert of Virginia Tech, also a quarterback, and Cosmo Iacavazzi, Princeton’s fullback.
Today, Huarte said he had decided to sign with the Jets in the face of a “comparable offer” from the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles mainly because he liked the idea of playing in New York.
In addition to the quarterback newcomers, the Jets have Dick Wood, the 1964 regular; Mike Taliaferro and Pete Liske, bonus signees of a year ago who saw some 1964 action; and Jim Turner, a place-kicking specialist whose playing position was quarterback.
The Jets also said today they had signed Cornell Gordon of North Carolina A. and T., yet another quarterback.
This seeming glut at the passer position is lessened by the Jets’ primary evaluation of Schweickert as a running back, Gordon as a defensive back, and Turner as a kicker.
Huarte (who pronounces his name “Hue-art”) was asked how he felt about plunging into such a highly competitive situation.
“This is a highly competitive game and a highly competitive world,” he replied. “Competition is the name of the game. I thrive on it.”
Said Jets coach Weeb Ewbank: “The number of quarterbacks we have is a problem I’m not at all concerned about. Among other things, quarterbacks are fine athletes — or they wouldn’t be quarterbacks. And there’s always a place on a football squad for a really fine athlete.
“At this time, we’re not committed to play any one at quarterback. The fellow, old or new, who does the best job will be our 1965 regular.
“Without prejudice to anyone, we’re glad to have Huarte — just as we’re glad to have Namath — because they have been winners in college, and we feel they can be winners as pros.”
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