James (Larry) Grantham - #60 - LB - Mississippi - Profile

PRO: Played the best football of his long, distinguished career in 1971 ... was acclaimed for his outstanding performances by being elected the Jets Most Valuable Player by his teammates, only the third defensive player to win the honor ... calls the defensive signals and is considered by Weeb Ewbank to be another coach on the field ... was a stabilizing link in the injury-wracked defensive unit in '71, as he and Mark Lomas were the only regulars to play in every game ... suffered a broken cheek bone in the third quarter of the last game of the year to spoil his injury-free campaign ... played well against the running attack to his side, closing down consistently has played in 45 regular season games in a row played in the middle against Kansas City as the Jets went to a four-linebacker formation ... had outstanding games against Buffalo, Miami, San Diego and the Chiefs ... was named the most valuable defensive player against the Dolphins ... picked off his 24th career interception against Buffalo ... is a master of calling blitzes ... has earned praise of O.J . .Simpson after each encounter with the' Bills ... named Pro Athlete of the Year in Mississippi in '67 ... drafted by Jets and Baltimore in 1960.

PERSONAL: Married ... wife, Linda daughter, LeAnne, 11; son, James Larry III, 10 vice-president in loan department of the First National Bank of Jackson, Miss .... likes to spend free time golfing or fishing ... is a 5-handicap golfer ...

Hometown: Crystal Springs, Miss .