Gary Jeter, American football player, Died at 61

Gary Michael Jeter was born on January 24, 1955, and died on March 10, 2016.

He was a professional American football defensive end in the National Football League.

He attended the University of Southern California in 1976, Gary Jeter was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round (fifth overall) in the 1977 NFL Draft.

Following his graduation from Cathedral Latin School in Cleveland, Ohio, he started every game at Defensive End for USC from his 3rd game in 1974 until his final game in the Rose Bowl in 1977 and was a member of 1974 National Championship team.

During 1976 First-team All-American and during his at USC he started in three Rose Bowls in 1974, 1975, and 1977.

Gary Jeter was a three-time All-Conference First-team in the year 1974, 1975, 1976 and was the winner of the USC’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1975.

He has played in 13 NFL seasons from 1977 to 1989 for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots.

Over the times of his professional career, Jeter amassed 79 sacks.

Gary Jeter was a starter with the Giants through the 1981 season and was a back-up in 1982.

Whilst he was still a rookie in 1977 he was an All-Rookie selection and recorded 3 sacks, a number he matched in 1978.

Jeter had 4 sacks, in 1979.

Gary Jeter had led the Giants with 10 sacks and was an alternate to the Pro Bowl, in 1980.

During 1981 Gary had 7 sacks as the resurgent Giants defense led by Lawrence Taylor, made the play-offs for the first time in Jeter’s career.

During 1982, He was slowed down by a left-knee injury and by the player’s strike, Gary played only four games and did not record a sack.

He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the 1983 season, on April 9, 1983.

Gary Jeter played that season as a backup and as a designated pass rusher, who would come in to rush the quarterback on likely passing downs.

Jeter had recorded 6½ sacks in that role.

Durin 1984, he had back trouble and missed most of the season.

In 1985, Gary came back healthy and resumed the “designated” role for the Rams totalling 11 sacks, which again was second on the team.

He was voted a Comeback Player of the Year after the 1985 season.

He lived in Plainsboro, New Jersey, before his death.