New York Jets: Who are the greatest players in team history?
With New York Jets training camp about to start, it’s a good time to take a look at the top five players in club history. Who is ranked No. 1?
With the recent announcement that Darrelle Revis is retiring from the NFL, it’s a great time to consider who are the top five New York Jets in team history. It certainly is a topic that can create a great deal of debate as we draw closer to the start of training camp. In fact, fellow NFL Spin Zone contributor Michael Pallas has already offered his take on the matter.
Where does the 11-year veteran land in this elite grouping?
Without any further adieu, here are my top five players in the history of the green and white (years with the Jets are in parentheses):
5. Joe Klecko, DT/NT/DE (1977-87): The pride of Temple University was the heart and soul of New York’s acclaimed “Sack Exchange”. The 6-3, 263-pounder was a four-time Pro Bowler and was named a First Team All-Pro twice. Klecko was outstanding against the run and could man three positions along the defensive line flawlessly.
He recorded 24 career sacks, but the NFL did not begin to tally sacks until 1982, so that total could easily be doubled. Klecko was a fan favorite and it’s a shame that he’s not in the Hall of Fame. He should be enshrined in Canton. No doubt about it.
4. Darrelle Revis, CB (2007-12, 2015-16): No wide receiver wanted to be stuck on Revis Island, especially during his first tenure with the Jets. The University of Pittsburgh product blanketed wideouts like a warm quilt on a cold winter night. He was named to five Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pro squads as a Jet and was the premier cornerback in the league for several seasons. Revis compiled 25 interceptions for New York but opposing teams did not throw the football anywhere near him in his prime. He took away half the field. His next stop will be the Hall of Fame.
3. Curtis Martin, RB (1998-2005): After spending his first three seasons with the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh, PA native arrived in East Rutherford and quickly became the finest running back in team history. Martin recorded seven consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns for Gang Green, peaking in 2004 when he led the league with 1,697 yards (4.6 YPC).
He also averaged 75.4 yards per game in seven playoff contests with the Jets. Martin was named to three Pro Bowls with New York and was a First Team All-Pro selection in 2004. He is the team’s all-time leading rusher (10,302 yards) and was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
2. Don Maynard, WR (1960-72): The University of Texas-El Paso product was Joe Namath’s favorite receiver during the early days of the Jets. Slightly built at 6-0, 180 pounds, Maynard was known for his quickness and superb route running ability. He is the club’s all-time leader in receptions (627), receiving yards (11,732) and touchdowns (88).
He led the American Football League in touchdown catches in 1965 (14) and in receiving yards in 1967 (1,434). Don’t forget – they played 14-game seasons back then. Maynard was a member of the Super Bowl III championship squad and took his rightful place in Canton in 1987.
Next: NFL Training Camp: One rookie who must impress from each team
1. Joe Namath, QB (1965-1976): Who else could it be? Broadway Joe. One of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Although his career numbers with New York are not great (170 touchdown passes, 215 interceptions), the Beaver Falls, PA native delivered the Jets their lone Super Bowl crown in January 1969. Gang Green was an 18-point underdog against Baltimore and “Joe Willie” guaranteed they would defeat the powerful Colts.
Namath called many of his own plays in that contest, completing 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards and zero turnovers. He was named the MVP for leading Gang Green to a 16-7 triumph. Namath was a five-time Pro Bowler and their all-time passing leader (27,057 yards). He was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 1985. There will never be another like him.