Joseph Coleman Zeno Jr. (born November 18, 1946) is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver in 1971 for the New York Giants.
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| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||||||
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| Born: | November 18, 1946 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Died: | December 27, 2016 | ||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Marrero (LA) Lincoln | ||||||||||
| College: | Grambling State | ||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 1971 / round: 17 / pick: 434 | ||||||||||
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Zeno played football and ran track at Grambling State.[1][2] He was selected by the New York Giants in the 17th round of the 1971 NFL draft.[3][4] Zeno caught three touchdowns in the preseason and earned a place on the practice squad, where he spent seven weeks focusing on learning the routes.[1]
Zeno was elevated to the main roster in November 1971 after the Giants were left with just two receivers.[1] He made his NFL debut against the San Diego Chargers, recording four receptions for 90 yards, and even caught a touchdown pass which was called back due to a penalty.[2][5] "I was nervous," he said, "I knew I'd play, but not this much."[2] Giants quarterback Fran Tarkenton opined that Zeno had "as much big play potential as Homer Jones."[6] Zeno earned the start the following week against the Atlanta Falcons and recorded one reception for seven yards. However, he broke his left arm in a collision with Bennie McRae during practice on November 17, ending his season.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b c Miller, Norm (November 5, 1971). "Giants Activate Speedy Zeno in Receiver Shortage". New York Daily News. p. C22. Retrieved August 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Evans, Zeno Played Hero Roles in Giants' Triumph". The Home News. November 8, 1971. p. 13. Retrieved August 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Harvin, Al (July 17, 1971). "Grambling Ace Shows Heels for Giants". The New York Times. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Williams, Don (July 27, 1971). "Zeno's Catching Attracts Giants". The Jersey Journal. p. 19. Retrieved August 20, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Izenberg, Jerry (November 8, 1971). "Sun Finally Shines On Coleman Zeno". The Jersey Journal. p. 23. Retrieved August 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Kurland, Bob (November 8, 1971). "Zeno Has Potential, But... Another Homer Jones?". The Record. p. 30. Retrieved August 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Giants' Coleman Zeno Breaks His Left Arm". Asbury Park Press. November 18, 1971. p. 43. Retrieved August 21, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
External links
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