05/19 — This past weekend brought some sad news for old-time fans of the Jets' predecessors. Two of the New York Titans with close ties to the state of Maine left us recently in MLB Roger Ellis and TE Thurlow Cooper.

Ellis, 70, died last Wednesday, as we were informed by Bob Mischak Jr., son of Bob Mischak Sr., the Titans' three-time All-AFL guard.

Ellis, who was born in Boston and played at the University of Maine, was drafted by the Giants in the 14th round (166th overall) of the 1959 draft. But like several players of that era whom the Big Blue picked up but then let go, he began his pro career in 1960 with New York's AFL representative. In fact, he played in all 42 games of the Titans' existence, plus a game in 1963 when the rechristened New York Jets opened for business.

"After football Roger became a U.S. Secret Service agent and ultimately retired from the organization," said Mischak. "He was a true historian of the Titans. He knew everything there was to know about the Blue & Gold and was very proud to have been a part of their three seasons."

Cooper, 74, who died Feb. 14, was born, bred and schooled in Maine. In fact, "Thundering Thurlow" became the first football player from the Pine Tree State to be drafted by the NFL when the Cleveland Browns made him their 16th-round selection (193rd overall) in 1956.

He was a training camp participant with the Browns in '57 and the Giants two years later but his pro career didn't start until the 1960 debut of the AFL and the Titans. He played in 41 of the Titans' 42 games and finished with 36 receptions for 491 yards (13.6-yard average) and eight touchdowns.

In the late Eighties, Cooper was inducted into the sports halls of fame for the University of Maine and the State of Maine. And to this day the Black Bears honor their best first-year players as Thurlow Cooper Rookies of the Year.

Cooper and Ellis, after all, are two of the many for whom last year's Jets wore the Titans' navy and gold uniforms against Philadelphia and at Miami. We solemnly note their passing and send our condolences to their families and friends.