Jon Giesler

Last updated

Jon Giesler
No. 79
Position: Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1956-12-23) December 23, 1956 (age 67)
Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:262 lb (119 kg)
Career information
High school: Woodmore (Elmore, OH)
College: Michigan
NFL draft: 1979  / round: 1 / pick: 24
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games:126
Games started:105
Fumble recoveries:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jon William Giesler (born December 23, 1956) is an American former professional football player for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played 10 seasons, principally at the offensive left tackle position, for the Dolphins from 1979 to 1988. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1975 to 1978.

Contents

Early life

Giesler was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1956. [1] He grew up in Woodville, Ohio, a town of approximately 2,000 people, located 30 minutes southeast of Toledo. He attended Woodmore High School in Elmore, Ohio. [1] [2] He played for the football and track teams and won the Ohio state championship in the shot put. [3]

University of Michigan

In 1975, Giesler enrolled at the University of Michigan where he played college football for head coach Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1975 to 1978. [4] [5] Giesler began his career as a defensive tackle but was converted to an offensive tackle as a junior. [4] During his junior year, Giesler was a backup to Mike Kenn at the offensive left tackle position and started two games for the 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team. [6]

As a senior, Giesler started all 12 games at left tackle for the 1978 Michigan Wolverines football team that compiled a 10–1 regular season record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and lost to USC in the 1979 Rose Bowl. [7] Led by Giesler and John Arbeznik, Michigan's 1978 offensive line led the way for Harlan Huckleby, Russell Davis, Rick Leach and others to tally 3,241 rushing yards (294.6 yards per game). [8] At the end of the 1978 season, Giesler was selected as a first-team offensive tackle on the 1978 All-Big Ten Conference football team. [7] [9]

Professional football

Giesler was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round as the 24th overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft. [1] As a rookie during the 1979 NFL season, Giesler did not start any games for the Dolphins, played on special teams and was also a backup to veteran linemen Bob Kuechenberg and Mike Current. [10]

When Current retired after the 1979 season, [11] Giesler became a starter for the Dolphins at the left tackle position during the 1980 NFL season. Between 1980 and 1988, Giesler appeared in 110 games for the Dolphins, 105 of them as the starting left tackle. In June 1984, Giesler rejected an offer to play for the Michigan Panthers in the United States Football League (USFL) for a reported $900,000 over three years. [12] During the 1984 season, Giesler played on the best pass-blocking line in the NFL, and Dolphins' coach Don Shula rated Giesler as "his steadiest offensive lineman." [13] In 1986, Giesler missed the first six games of the season after undergoing knee surgery and then injured the knee again late in the season, limiting his playing time to a career-low seven games during the 1986 NFL season. [14] Giesler considered retiring prior to the 1988 season and conducted a two-month holdout before signing a two-year contract with the Dolphins for a reported $657,500. [15]

In 10 seasons with the Dolphins from 1979 to 1988, Giesler played in two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XIX) and was twice selected by the United Press International (UPI) as a second-team All-AFC player. He appeared in a total of 126 regular season NFL games. [1]

Later years

Following his retirement from the NFL at the conclusion of the 1988 season, Giesler remained in Florida where he owns a chain of restaurants.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Long</span> American football player (born 1985)

Jake Edward Long is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, twice earning consensus All-American honors. Long was selected with the first overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2008 NFL draft. He also played for the St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Carter (American football)</span> American football player (born 1960)

Anthony “AC” Carter is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 years in the United States Football League (USFL) and National Football League (NFL). He made three-consecutive Pro Bowls for the Minnesota Vikings and was honored by Minnesota as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings of all time. Carter played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, finishing his career as a three-time All-American, and a two-time unanimous All-American selection. He is currently third all-time in receiving yards, and second all-time in receiving touchdowns for the University of Michigan.

John Stuart "Jumbo" Elliott is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle for 14 years in the National Football League (NFL) with the New York Giants from 1988 to 1995 and the New York Jets from 1996 to 2000 and 2002. He appeared in 197 NFL games, including 156 as a starter. He was a key player on the 1990 New York Giants team that won Super Bowl XXV, received All-Madden honors in 1990 and 1991, and was selected to play in the 1993 Pro Bowl. His signature moment came in October 2000 when he caught the game-tying touchdown pass in the game known as the "Monday Night Miracle".

Michael Lee Kenn is an American former professional football player who spent his entire 17-year career as an offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) from 1978 to 1994. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 1978 NFL draft with the 13th overall pick. Standing 6'7" and 277 lb, Kenn started all 251 NFL games in which he played. He holds the Falcons' franchise record for games started and games played. He was selected as a first-team All-Pro player in 1980, 1983 and 1991 and was invited to play in the Pro Bowl five consecutive years from 1980 to 1984.

Erick Scott Anderson is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Volk</span> American football player (born 1945)

Richard Robert Volk is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Baltimore Colts, New York Giants, and Miami Dolphins. He retired with 38 career interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries, and totaled 574 yards on interception returns and 548 yards on punt returns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Mandich</span> American football player (1948–2011)

James Michael Mandich, also known as "Mad Dog", was an American professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Mandich played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1967 to 1969 and was recognized as a consensus first-team tight end on the 1969 College Football All-America Team. A second-round pick in the 1970 NFL draft, he played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins (1970-1977) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1978). After his playing career ended, he worked as the color commentator for the Miami Dolphins and also hosted a sports talk show on local AM radio in Miami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albert Bentley</span> American football player (born 1960)

Albert Timothy Bentley is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). Bentley began his professional career in the USFL with the Michigan Panthers and Oakland Invaders from 1984 to 1985. After the USFL folded, he played for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers from 1985 to 1992. Bentley played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

Steven Michael Everitt is an American former professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1989 to 1992. He played professional football as a center and offensive guard in the NFL for seven seasons, including 46 games for the Cleveland Browns from 1993 to 1995 and 45 games for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1997 to 1999.

Walt Downing is an American former professional football player. He played professional football as an offensive guard for the San Francisco 49ers from 1978 to 1983. He played for Bill Walsh and was a member of the 1981 San Francisco 49ers team that won the franchise's first Super Bowl. He also played for the Denver Gold in the USFL. Downing played college football for the Michigan Wolverines under head coach Bo Schembechler from 1975 to 1977. He was a co-captain of their 1977 team and was selected that year as a first-team All-American.

Ronald Bernard Simpkins is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1976 to 1979. He became Michigan's all-time career tackle leader in 1979 and was a consensus first-team selection for the 1979 College Football All-America Team. He later played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers (1988).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1969 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1969 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1969 Big Ten Conference football season. In their first year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled an 8–3 record, played in the 1970 Rose Bowl, and finished the season ranked No. 9 in the final AP poll and No. 8 in the final UPI poll.

David Elmer "Bo" Rather was an American professional football player. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1970 to 1972 and as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Miami Dolphins in 1973 and 1978 and for the Chicago Bears from 1974 to 1978. In six years of playing in the NFL, Rather appeared in 64 games and had 92 receptions for 1,467 yards and seven touchdowns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1979 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1979 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1979 Big Ten Conference football season. In its 100th season of intercollegiate football, the 11th under head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan compiled an 8–4 record, lost to North Carolina in the 1979 Gator Bowl, was ranked No. 18 in the final AP Poll, and outscored opponents by a total of 312 to 151.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1978 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1978 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1978 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 10th season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record, tied for the Big Ten championship, outscored opponents by a total of 372 to 105, and were ranked No. 5 in the final AP and UPI polls. The defense allowed only 94.6 passing yards per game and ranked second in the country in scoring defense, allowing an average of only 8.75 points per game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1977 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1977 Big Ten Conference football season. In its ninth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the team compiled a 10–2 record, tied with Ohio State for the Big Ten Conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 353 to 124. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll midway through the season but were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. In the final game of the regular season, Michigan beat No. 4 Ohio State but lost to No. 13 Washington in the 1978 Rose Bowl. In the final AP and UPI polls, Michigan was ranked No. 9 and No. 8, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1976 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1976 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1976 Big Ten Conference football season. In their eighth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines finished the season with a 10–2 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and played in the 1977 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines outscored their opponents 432 to 95 and ranked first in the country in total offense, scoring offense, and scoring defense. In the final AP and UPI Polls, Michigan was ranked #3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1974 Michigan Wolverines football team</span> American college football season

The 1974 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1974 Big Ten Conference football season. In their sixth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1 record, outscored opponents 324 to 75, and were ranked #3 in final AP Poll. Michigan won the first ten games of the 1974 season in convincing fashion, including blowout victories over Colorado (31-0), Navy (52-0), Minnesota (49-0), and Purdue (51-0). In the final game of the season, #2 Michigan faced #3 Ohio State. The Wolverines lost by a score of 12-10, as place-kicker Mike Lantry missed a last-minute field goal that would have given Michigan a victory.

Thomas Emmett Hendricks III is a former American football player. He played college football as a defensive back for the University of Michigan from 1996 to 1999 and was a member of the undefeated 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team that was ranked #1 in the final AP Poll. He later played professional football as a backup linebacker and special teams player in the National Football League (NFL) for the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2003 and the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2004 season.

Bennett Lee Needham is a former American football linebacker. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1978 to 1979 and in 1981 and professional football in the United States Football League (USFL) for the Boston/New Orleans/Portland Breakers from 1983 to 1985. He was selected by the Sporting News as a first-team USFL All-League player in 1983.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Jon Giesler". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Native sons put Ohio behind Miami". The Palm Beach Post. January 27, 1983. p. D3.[ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ Bill Brubaker (November 16, 1979). "Giesler returns to scene of the crime". The Miami News. p. 9C.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. 1 2 "All-Time Football Roster Database". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  5. ↑ Stan Bradbury (September 13, 1979). "Giesler right back to familiar bench". The Michigan Daily.
  6. ↑ "1977 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  7. 1 2 "1978 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page". University of Michigan. Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved March 30, 2015.(to retrieve information for a particular season, go to "Games & Totals by Season" and select the year for which statistics are to be retrieved)
  9. ↑ "Michigan, Michigan State Dominate All-Big Ten Team". The Hour, Norwalk, Connecticut. November 29, 1978. p. 27.
  10. ↑ Stan Bradbury (September 13, 1979). "Giesler right back to familiar bench". The Michigan Daily. p. 9.
  11. ↑ "Rumors irritate Giesler". The Palm Beach Post. July 19, 1980. p. D1.[ permanent dead link ]
  12. ↑ "USFL Offer Is Rejected By Giesler". The Palm Beach Post. June 5, 1984. p. D6.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. ↑ "Count Giesler Among Marino Fans". Toledo Blade. January 18, 1985. p. 15.
  14. ↑ "Injury Report". The Palm Beach Post. December 8, 1986. p. 7C.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ "Dolphins' Giesler considered retirement". Gainesville Sun. September 14, 1988. p. 2C.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.