New York Jets: Most notable player to wear each number

26. Marcus Maye

One of a handful of current players to appear on this list, current free safety Marcus Maye ranks as the most notable player to wear No. 26 for the Jets. Maye has started every game that he has been available since being taken in the second round of the 2017 draft.

Although he saw the field in only six games before suffering an injury, Maye has tallied three picks and two forced fumbles so far in the early stages of his career. Him and Jamal Adams, who may or may not also appear on this list, will hold down the back half of the secondary for years to come.

27. Phil Wise

Phil Wise, the NFL safety from the 1970s finds his way onto this list. Playing nine seasons from 1971-79, Wise started his career in New York and played his first six seasons with the Jets before making his way to the Vikings. He finished his career with the Jets with three picks and eight fumble recoveries. He would play only three more seasons in Minnesota before calling it quits on his NFL career.

28. Curtis Martin

In a topic that is not up for debate, Curtis Martin is the best running back in Jets’ history and may be the most notable player in franchise history along with Namath. Having to end his career due to a knee injury at the age of 32, Martin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

All Martin did was rush for over 1,000 yards in every year of his career except for his last, which was cut short with four games and 265 yards to go. He finished a magnificent career with 14,100 yards on the ground and 90 touchdowns.

29. Leon Washington

Running back and special teams ace Leon Washington played for the Jets for the first four years of his career before being shipped out to Seattle in 2010. He played for the Patriots and Titans as well during his nine year career before retiring after the 2014 season.

While wearing the green and white, Washington totaled nearly 1,800 yards and 13, touchdowns on the ground, nearly another 1,000 yards and two scores through the air, and a whopping four kick return touchdowns, three of which came in 2007.

30. Mark Smolinski

Mark Smolinski was an H-back for the Jets from 1963-1968, all but two years of his entire career as a professional football player. Starting out with the Baltimore Colts in his first two years, he then came to New York where he did the dirty work for the Jets’ offense.

Predominantly a blocker, Smolinski finished his career in New York with about 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, and added another 840 yards and seven touchdowns receiving.