http://www.todayspigskin.com/pigskin-news/former-rams-de-gary-jeter-passes-away/
Former Rams DE Gary Jeter passes away
By
Jon Schlosser
A Cleveland native, Jeter went to Cathedral Latin School and then played his college ball at USC. He got his first start as a freshman in just his third game, and he never gave the spot back, starting until he left USC after playing in the 1977 Rose Bowl. He helped the Trojans win the National Title in 1974.
Jeter was then drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He made the All-Rookie team in 1977, recording three sacks for the Giants. He got progressively better, getting three sacks in 1978 and four in 1979. It’s clear that 1980 was his first year as a star, though, as he put up 10 sacks—the most on the team—and was a Pro Bowl alternate.
In 1985, after being traded to the Los Angeles Rams and dealing with back issues, he put up 11 sacks and won the Comeback Player of the Year award. It was in Los Angeles that he was turned into a designated pass rusher, used specifically to go after quarterbacks, and some of his most productive years were with the Rams.
Though back issues eventually caused him to retire from the league, he had a prolific career, ending it with a total of 52.0 sacks. He played in 168 games and was a significant participant, despite not always being designated as a starter, because of the niche role that was crafted for him.
Jeter leaves behind four daughters.