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To the elder Giant Faithful, it is a familiar lament. To the younger fan, a historical curiosity to which they cannot relate. When, who, or will there ever be: another Homer Jones?

It has now been forty seasons since Homer Jones was the last Giant wide receiver selected to the Pro Bowl. Forty years since his physical presence at split left end on the Giant offense placed opposing defenses in terror of his potential destruction. For Homer Jones was, indeed, just such a player. Truth be stated, over a four year period, Homer was one of only five truly dominant offensive players in the NFL. Players who made opposing defenses adjust to brilliance else they be immediately burned by a long score. Of the five, four (Gayle Sayers, Charlie Taylor, Bob Hayes, and Leroy Kelly) are in the Hall of Fame. Tragically, a career long knee injury cost Homer his career just as he was at the pinnacle of his game. If not, Homer would certainly be among these four greats in Canton.

Yes, Homer Jones was that good. No, not just good, but great. At 6'2" tall, 225 lbs., with world class speed and hands likened to butterfly nets, Homer was as talented a wideout as who ever played the game.  During 1966-1968, Homer had three consecutive seasons of 1000 plus reception yardage. This in an era when such a statistic was as rare as fifty home runs in baseball. (Or at least as rare until baseball's Steroid Era forever tainted this once revered accomplishment.) But it wasn't just what Homer did. It was also how he did it. Big. Very big. Bigger than life. Ruthian, in fact. Yes, that big.

To truly understand Homer Jones' impact, consider the following. He presently hold the NFL career record of 22.3 yards/catch (minimum 200 catches: 224/4986). Yet this statistic does not do Homer's career true justice. For it was in his touchdown production that Homer truly blows all contenders away. Of Homer's 34 career touchdown catches, 29 were for more more than thirty yards, 19 more than fifty yards, and ten for more than seventy yards. Homer gained a total of 1710 yards on these 34 touchdowns, an astounding 47.8 yards/touchdown catch. Although I am unable to locate this all-time statistic, I would be shocked to find any player to average within twenty yards of this accomplishment.