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New York Jets: Ranking the top 5 players in franchise history

By Michael Pallas

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts in the third quarter against the New England Patriots during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts in the third quarter against the New England Patriots during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11: Football player Joe Klecko attends Annual Charity Day Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC at BGC Partners, INC on September 11, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 11: Football player Joe Klecko attends Annual Charity Day Hosted by Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC at BGC Partners, INC on September 11, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald) /

3. Joe Klecko

In is heyday, Klecko was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. He was probably one of the most feared as well.

Sacks didn’t become an official stat until 1982 — his sixth year in the NFL. So, to hold onto the fact that he has “only” 24 career sacks is ridiculous. There’s a reason why there’s a Klecko for Canton campaign. He’s not only one of the best in the history of the franchise, but one of the best to ever play this game. One day — even if it’s by the Veteran’s Committee — he will have a bust in Canton. By then, he may be one of five players enshrined. (All are on this list.)

Without Klecko, there isn’t the “New York Sack Exchange.” He helped take up double teams, opening lanes for the others. He also got his own too.

Klecko was a beast, and he played every imaginable defensive line position while playing for Gang Green. He dominated his positions like none in the history of the Jets, and frankly, he was probably a top-20 all-time defensive lineman. So, he’s a must on this list.

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