Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and New York Jets nice Don Maynard, who was the game’s all-time main receiver when he retired, died Monday at age 86, the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame introduced.
The Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame confirmed Maynard’s dying on Monday by way of his household.
Maynard performed 15 seasons mixed within the American and Nationwide Soccer Leagues between 1958 and 1973 with one season within the Canadian Soccer League. In his AFL-NFL profession, he had 633 receptions for 11,834 yards, averaging 18.7 yards per catch with 88 touchdowns.
Upon his retirement, Maynard was considered one of solely three gamers to have greater than 50 receptions and greater than 1,000 receiving yards in 5 completely different seasons. He was inducted into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1987.
“Don Maynard is as important to the historical past of the New York Jets as anybody. He got here to this franchise at our inception and left a Tremendous Bowl champion,” the Jets mentioned in an announcement. “On the sphere, he cemented himself as many issues: file holder, Corridor of Famer, and eternally our No. 13. Off the sphere, he was unflinchingly himself — a household man who stayed true to his roots, bringing a Texas cowboy to New York.
“His passing is particularly troublesome as he remained shut with the Jets all through his life. Our ideas immediately are together with his household and family members. We’ll all miss him.”
Donald Rogers Maynard was born on Jan. 25, 1935, in Crosbyton, Texas. His father was a cotton gin supervisor, which meant the household moved typically. Maynard attended 5 excessive faculties in Texas and New Mexico.
“We stored transferring round, and I by no means did play soccer once more till I used to be a senior in highschool at Colorado Metropolis,” Maynard mentioned in a 2003 interview with The Coffin Nook’s Jim Sargent. “Below Texas guidelines, I by no means was eligible for soccer as a sophomore and a junior. You needed to stay someplace for a yr. However I performed basketball and ran observe.”
After highschool, Maynard attended Rice College however transferred after one semester to Texas Western, now referred to as the College of Texas at El Paso. After redshirting his sophomore season, Maynard compiled 2,283 all-purpose yards as a halfback and kick returner. He additionally performed security on protection.
In 1957, the yr Maynard would have initially graduated, he was chosen by the New York Giants within the ninth spherical (109 total) of the league’s draft. Maynard stayed at school earlier than turning professional in 1958.
The Texan got here to New York sporting lengthy sideburns, cowboy boots and blue denims. Superstitious, he requested for and acquired the No. 13 jersey, the identical as he had in school.
Maynard by no means wore a chin strap throughout his profession as a result of he didn’t like the way it felt. He had specifically designed cheek pads put in his helmet so he wouldn’t want to make use of the strap.
Maynard performed one season with the Giants as a halfback and punt returner, primarily as a backup, together with New York’s 23-17 additional time loss within the NFL championship to the Colts, referred to as The Biggest Recreation Ever Performed. Maynard was lower the next yr and spent the following season enjoying within the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
In 1960, Maynard grew to become the primary participant signed by the New York Titans (now Jets) of the newly shaped AFL and finally was moved to the flanker place. He had 72 receptions for 1,265 yards that season.
In 1965, the Jets signed future Corridor of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, and Maynard led the AFL with 14 landing receptions. “Joe was an incredible listener,” Maynard mentioned to writer Jackson Michael in his ebook “The Recreation Earlier than the Cash: Voices of the Males Who Constructed the NFL.” “I informed him I’d assist him be a greater quarterback and he was going to assist me be an incredible receiver as a result of we had been going to speak on each play forward of time in exercises.
“I taught Namath one thing that no coach, even in immediately’s sport, has ever taught a quarterback to do: learn the defender! No matter he does, do the alternative.” In 1972, Maynard had a then-franchise-record 1,434 receiving yards and was voted the staff’s MVP.
Maynard was named to the All-Time AFL Workforce in 1969 and was a four-time AFL All-Star. The Jets positioned him of their Ring of Honor in 2010 whereas additionally retiring his No. 13 jersey.
“I don’t actually take a look at it like I’m the best receiver,” Maynard mentioned on his induction into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. “After you play some time, anyone can break sure data. Longevity is the important thing. The file I’m proudest of is being the primary man to get 10,000 yards in receptions. Others might do it, however I’m the primary, and just one man may be the primary.”
After his enjoying profession, Maynard labored as a monetary planner and ran his personal consulting agency. Maynard was predeceased by his spouse, Marilyn, whom he married whereas in school. They’ve two youngsters Terry and Scott.
Corridor of Fame speech
Source: CITIZEN FREE PRESS
