Curley Johnson, Jets Punter From 1960s, Dies
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Curley Johnson, the punter on the Jets' Super Bowl III-winning team, died Sunday, the team announced. He was 80.
Johnson played for the New York Titans/Jets for eight seasons from 1961-69.
He also played running back and tight end and handled kickoffs for the Jets. The Anna, Texas, native was drafted out of the University of Houston by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957, but he didn't make his pro debut until 1960 with the Dallas Texans. He finished his career by playing in five games for the Giants in 1969.
Johnson averaged 42.3 yards per punt for his career. His gross average of 45.3 yards in 1965 set a Jets record that was not broken until Robert Malone averaged 45.8 yards in 2012.
"He was the most spirited leader on the team," linebacker Ralph Baker once said.
Johnson died at his home in Granbury, Texas, a day after he and his wife, Janet, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. The Jets did not disclose the cause of his death.
