New York Jets: Ranking the 5 best quarterbacks in team history

3. Vinny Testaverde (1998-2003, 2005)

A former first-overall selection by Tampa Bay in the 1987 NFL Draft, Testaverde came to the Jets at the ripe old age of 35 in 1998 and enjoyed one of the finest seasons any quarterback has ever had in a Jets uniform. The Brooklyn, NY native tossed 29 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions. His passer rating was a stellar 101.6.

Testaverde’s effort landed him in the Pro Bowl that season as he guided Gang Green to a 12-4 record and the AFC East crown. The Jets lost a bitter 23-10 contest to Denver in the AFC championship game, a game in which they led 10-0 at halftime. Led by head coach Bill Parcells, I really thought the Jets were going to the Super Bowl that year. It was one of their best teams ever.

The bubble burst quickly for Testaverde the following season. In the season opener at home against New England, he turned to hand the ball off to Curtis Martin and crumpled to the ground with a ruptured Achilles tendon. I was at that game and you could hear a pin drop when that devastating injury occurred. Testaverde was lost for the season and the Jets struggled to an 8-8 mark behind backup Ray Lucas.

Blessed with one of the strongest arms of any Jets quarterback, Testaverde would play five more seasons in New York and finish with the fifth most passing yards in team history (12,497). He’ll always be remembered though for that magical 1998 campaign that brought Gang Green to the brink of the Super Bowl.