Rutgers Football History - January 3, 1974 and J.J. Jennings

[Source]

The January 3, 1974 Targum reported, “J.J. Jennings became the first Rutgers athlete to lead the nation in a football statistical department… when he took scoring honors with 128 points. Previously, Bill Austin had been second in two departments, total offense in 1957 (1,425 yards) and scoring in 1958 (106 points). Jennings finished his college career at the North-South Shrine Game on December 25, 1973. He carried seven times for 29 yards and had a touchdown called back on a penalty. The South beat the North 27-6.

J.J. Jennings
1974 World Football League Memphis Southmen
1975 World Football League Philadelphia Bell

 

[RU62]

Add in that JJ was the 1974 WFL MVP. His Memphis helmet is also on display in the Pro Football. Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. A lasting tribute to a great Rutgers player.

 

[Source]

Didn't know J.J. Jennings WFL helmet is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Good for him!

Jennings’ Memphis Southmen had the WFL’s best record at 17-3 but his team lost a trip to the World Bowl by losing a semifinal game.

I believe Jennings tried out for the New York Giants after the WFL folded during its 1975 season but was injured in camp.

Interview with J.J. Jennings and a look back at the short-lived WFL:
http://wfl.charlottehornetswfl.com/pages_multimedia/interviews_07.php

Shreveport Steamer helmet and Memphis Southmen helmet worn by JJ Jennings.

 

[WhiteBus]

Great player. Great Rutgers supporter, goes to almost every game home and away. Great person too!

 

[RU62]

Source, I believe he was close to signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. They may have had his draft rights. Great job in getting and posting the picture of his helmet. Is that the MVP Trophy with it?

 

[FELONIOUSMONK]

Rocked one of the great afros of all time. .The pride of Holyoke Massachusetts.

 

[Source]

Source, I believe he was close to signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. They may have had his draft rights. Great job in getting and posting the picture of his helmet. Is that the MVP Trophy with it?

J.J. Jennings was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 9th round in 1974 but never played in the NFL.

After a fast start, Rutgers finished the 1973 season at 6-5 but J.J. Jennings established nine records and was team MVP. The December 12, 1973 Targum reported Jennings, “… received a Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete scholarship, was the nation’s leading scorer with 128 points and also finished sixth among the nation’s leaders in rushing. He had 303 carries for 1,353 yards and 21 touchdowns this fall, all single season Rutgers records. He also set game and career marks in carries, yardage, and touchdowns scored. Coach Frank Burns called him, ‘The best back I have coached... not only was he an outstanding player but an outstanding person.’”

 

[dollarbill]

I had the pleasure of sitting with him at the outdoor wrestling match. He loves Rutgers. $$$$