The New York Jets All-Time Team

Top Ten New York Jets

The New York Jets have been a storied franchise over many football seasons. They have had some amazing players at many different positions, and have had a cast of characters to play in the big apple. In this article we want to name our top ten Jets team of all-time, now we understand that you may have a difference of opinion but these were the guys that stood out to us and made our top ten:

10. Kyle Clifton-LB

He recorded over 100 tackles in nine of his 13 seasons, including an incredible 199 tackles in 1990. He also racked up 12 INTs and 15 fumble recoveries to go along with nearly 1,500 career tackles. Clifton was an amazing presence on the defensive side of the ball for the Jets but he was never elected to a Pro Bowl.

9. Joe Klecko-DT

Klecko was drafted in the 6 th round in 1977 from Temple University and he made himself known quickly. He made 4 Pro Bowls with a couple of All-Pro selections. He changed positions during his career from defensive tackle, to defensive end, to nose tackle and he made the Pro Bowl at each position, showing his versatility and determination.

8. Kevin Mawae-C

Possibly the best center to ever play the game, Mawae played in 6 straight Pro Bowls with the Jets and made All-Pro two times. A powerful blocker and one of the smartest players in the league he is now the president of the NFL players association (as selected by the players). Well respected not only around the league but also in the city of New York, Mawae will always have a special place in the hearts of Jets’ fans everywhere.

7. Mo Lewis-LB

Mo Lewis signified what a New York Jet linebacker was all about, he spent 13 seasons in league and had the numbers to show it. In his career he tallied 52.5 sacks, 14 INTs (with four TD returns), 13 fumble recoveries (one TD return) and over 1,200 tackles. Made three consecutive Pro Bowls and was also selected as an All-Pro.

6. Freeman McNeil-RB

McNeil played his whole NFL career as a Jet, started as a rookie and made the Pro Bowl 3 times. In 82’ he led the league in rushing, when he finished his playing days he held the team record in rushing yards, he also had over 290 receptions with 50 total touchdowns.

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5. Mark Gastineau-DE

As we all know it takes a special personality to play in the city of New York and Gastineau had that personality. He was at the top of the game in the early 80’s making the Pro Bowl from 1981-1985; he made All-Pro three times. Led the league in sacks two times and had an incredible 22 sacks in 1984. There was no doubt he was a defensive force for the New York Jets in the years he played.

4. Al Toon-WR

An amazing receiver, plagued by injuries he made 3 straight Pro Bowls and was set up to possibly be one of the greatest Jet receivers of all time before his early retirement. During his short career he had over 500 receptions for over 6500 yards with 31 touchdowns in only 8 NFL seasons. Versatile and graceful he was a prime time wide receiver in the big apple.

3. Joe Namath-QB

Not the greatest statistic quarterback, there has never been a player made for New York like Willie Joe Namath. He holds Jet records in career passing yards and touchdown passes. He five elections to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro in his career. He was the first quarterback to ever pass for 4,000 yards in one season, he is famously known for “The guarantee” as his Jets defeated the Colts in Super Bowl III, he also earned the Super Bowl III MVP.

2. Curtis Martin-RB

Curtis Martin made his mark in the city of New York; he was a game changer and the center of the Jets offense for many years. Martin reached over 1,000 yards in each season he played except his last; he made 3 Pro Bowls as a Jet and was an All-Pro in 2004. He holds Jet team records in rushing yards with 10,302 (passing Freeman McNeil), in rushing touchdowns with 58 in his career. Possibly the most beloved running back in New York Jet history, he was the perfect player on the field and the perfect citizen in the community.

1. Don Maynard-WR

A Hall of Famer, Maynard made 4 Pro Bowls and was an All Pro during his career with the New York Jets. He had over 1,000 receiving yards in five seasons with the Jets and led the league in receiving yards in 1967. He has Jet records in receptions with 627, yards with 11,732 and touchdowns with 88, Maynard was a tough receiver who loved the game and it showed in his play.

The Jets have been a classic team in the NFL for many years and they have had their shares of ups and downs in the league. Over the past couple of years, the Jets have been rebuilding, but things are looking up with a trip to the AFC championship game last season. As they have enter the off season they have key additions and it looks very positive for those fans in the city of New York as they strive to get their team back to the Super Bowl.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer