Dave Herman

This article is about the professional football player. For the mixed martial artist, see Dave Herman (fighter). For the actor and comedian, see David Herman.

Dave Herman
Date of birth	September 3, 1941 (1941-09-03)
Place of birth	Bryan, Ohio
Position(s)	Tackle
College	Michigan State
Jersey Number	67
Career highlights
AFL All-Star	1968,1969
Honors	World Champion, 1968
Stats
Statistics	Pro Football Reference DatabaseFootball
Teams
1964-1969 1970-1973	AFL New York Jets NFL New York Jets

Dave Herman (September 3, 1941 in [Bryan, Ohio) is a former American collegiate and professional football offensive guard. He played collegiately for Michigan State University and began his professional career with the American Football League's New York Jets, for whom he played from 1964 through 1969 and for the same team in the National Football League post-merger from 1970 through 1973.

1968 season

Dave Herman was the starting right guard for the New York Jets during the 1968 season. His fellow starting offensive linemen that year included left tackle Winston Hill, left guard Randy Rasmussen, center John Schmidt, and right tackle Sam Walton.

In preparation for Super Bowl III, Jets coach Weeb Ewbank moved Dave Herman from right guard to right tackle to defend against Baltimore Colts' defensive lineman Bubba Smith. Bob Talamini replaced Herman at right guard and Sam Walton, a rookie, was benched.

Herman's ability to neutralize the pass rush of Bubba Smith enabled Joe Namath to enjoy a solid game passing, hitting on 17 of 28 passes. It also helped open the running lanes for Jet fullback Matt Snell, who rushed for 121 yards as the Jets beat the heavily favored Colts 16-7.

While Joe Namath is known for "guaranteeing" the Jets' Super Bowl III victory, Dave Herman's performance against Bubba Smith and others on the Colts' defensive line helped make the cocky quarterback's pregame boast a reality. The Jets' offensive line play was a deciding factor in the team's Super Bowl III victory.

See also

• Other American Football League players
• 1968 Jet statistics during the regular season