Top 10 New York Jets of All Time

#1: Joe Namath

• Years Played for the Team: 1965-1976
• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs

Joe Namath, often referred to as “Broadway Joe,” is one of the most iconic figures in New York Jets history. Known for his charismatic personality and flair on and off the field, Namath was a key figure in the Jets’ rise to prominence.

Leading the team to its first and only Super Bowl victory in 1969, Namath famously guaranteed their win over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, an astonishing promise that he delivered. His quick release and impeccable vision made him a formidable quarterback, and his legacy with the Jets is cemented as a pioneer who brought credibility and a winning aspiration to the franchise.

Accolades:

• Super Bowl III Champion and MVP (1969)
• AFL Champion (1968)
• AFL Rookie of the Year (1965)
• Two-time AFL All-Star (1972, 1975)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)
• Four-Time AFL All-Star (1965-1967, 1969)

#2: Curtis Martin

• Years Played for Team: 1998-2006
• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 210 lbs

Curtis Martin was a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ offense during his tenure from 1998 to 2006. Known for his exceptional vision and durability, Martin consistently delivered high-performance seasons, making him a fan favorite.

His ability to find gaps in the defense and produce yardage underlined his significance to the Jets, where he played a pivotal role in their offensive strategies. One of his most memorable moments was leading the NFL in rushing yards in 2004, a demonstration of his resilience and skill.

Martin’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest running backs, contributing to the team’s competitiveness throughout his career.

Accolades:

• 5× Pro Bowl selection (1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2004)
• NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1995)
• NFL Rushing Yards leader (2004)
• New York Jets Ring of Honor inductee
• Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2012)
• 5th All-Time in NFL Rushing Yards (as of retirement)

#3: Don Maynard

• Years Played for the Team: 1960-1972
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 180 lbs

Don Maynard was a foundational player for the New York Jets and a pivotal figure in their rise during the AFL era. Known for his exceptional speed and unparalleled route-running abilities, Maynard was the go-to target for quarterback Joe Namath.

His most iconic moment came during the 1968 AFL Championship Game, where his clutch performance helped propel the Jets to Super Bowl III, a game they famously won. Maynard’s deep-threat capability and consistent production made him a beloved figure, and he remains one of the most prolific receivers in team history.

Accolades:

• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1987)
• 4× AFL All-Star (1965, 1967-1969)
• Super Bowl III Champion
• First player to reach 10,000 receiving yards in professional football history
• Jets Ring of Honor inductee

#4: Darrelle Revis

• Years Played for New York Jets: 2007–2012, 2015–2016
• Position: Cornerback
• Height/Weight: 5’11″/198 lbs

Darrelle Revis, renowned for his exceptional coverage skills and coined term “Revis Island,” was a dominant force in the secondary for the New York Jets.

With a razor-sharp intellect for reading offenses, Revis was adept at shutting down the league’s top receivers, often leaving them with minimal impact on the game.

His ability to remain physical at the line of scrimmage, combined with his impressive athleticism, made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Revis’ legacy with the Jets is cemented as one of the greatest cornerbacks in franchise history, considerably impacting the team’s defensive capabilities during his tenure.

Accolades:

• 7× Pro Bowl selection (2008-2011, 2013-2015)
• 4× First-team All-Pro (2009-2011, 2014)
• Super Bowl XLIX champion
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
• New York Jets Ring of Honor inductee

#5: Joe Klecko

• Years Played for Team: 1977-1987
• Position: Defensive Tackle/Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 263 lbs

Joe Klecko is renowned for his ferocious play and versatility on the defensive line for the New York Jets. Joining the team in 1977, Klecko quickly became a cornerstone of the “New York Sack Exchange,” the Jets’ formidable defensive front four.

His ability to switch between defensive end and tackle made him an invaluable asset, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Klecko’s relentless effort and leadership were key to the Jets’ defensive success during his tenure.

His impact on the field earned him respect and admiration, solidifying his legacy as one of the most dominant Jets defenders.

Accolades:

• 4× Pro Bowl (1981, 1983-1985)
• 2× First-team All-Pro (1981, 1985)
• AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1981)
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• New York Jets Ring of Honor inductee

#6: Kevin Mawae

• Years played for the team: 1998-2005
• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’4″ / 289 lbs

Kevin Mawae was a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ offensive line during his tenure with the team. Renowned for his exceptional blocking abilities and leadership, Mawae’s presence was instrumental in anchoring the offensive front and creating pathways for running backs.

Celebrated for his intelligence and durability, he started 177 consecutive games at one point in his career, emphasizing his reliability and toughness. Mawae’s contributions were pivotal in leading the Jets to several playoff appearances. His impactful playing style and dedication left a lasting legacy, both as an elite lineman and as a mentor for younger players.

Accolades:

• 7× Pro Bowl selection with the Jets (1999-2004)
• 6× All-Pro selection (1999-2002, 2004)
• New York Jets Ring of Honor
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019

#7: Mark Gastineau

• Years Played for Team: 1979-1988
• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’5″ / 266 lbs

Mark Gastineau was a dominant force on the New York Jets’ defensive line during the 1980s. Known for his unparalleled intensity and aggressive playing style, Gastineau was a key part of the “New York Sack Exchange,” a quartet that terrorized quarterbacks throughout the league.

His remarkable speed and strength off the edge made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. Gastineau’s exuberant sack dances became a trademark and brought a new level of excitement to the game.

Despite a career shortened by injuries and controversies, he left an indelible mark on the franchise and is remembered as one of its all-time greats.

Accolades:

• 5× Pro Bowl selection (1981-1985)
• 3× First-team All-Pro (1982-1984)
• NFL sacks leader (1983, 1984)
• New York Jets Ring of Honor inductee

#8: Winston Hill

• Years Played for the Team: 1963-1976
• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 270 lbs

Winston Hill was a cornerstone of the New York Jets’ offensive line, known for his strength, durability, and quickness.

Spending 14 seasons with the Jets, he was instrumental in protecting quarterback Joe Namath’s blindside during the team’s Super Bowl III victory—a pivotal moment in NFL history.

Hill’s impressive agility and ability to handle fierce pass rushers earned him significant respect across the league.

His leadership and consistency set a high standard for future generations of Jets’ linemen, establishing him as a revered figure in the franchise’s lore.

Accolades:

• 8 Pro Bowl selections
• AFL champion (1968)
• Member of the New York Jets All-Time Four Decade Team
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020

#9: Al Toon

• Years Played for the Team: 1985-1992
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 203 lbs

Al Toon was a standout wide receiver for the New York Jets, known for his exceptional hands and agility. Drafted 10th overall in the 1985 NFL Draft, Toon quickly became a favorite target for quarterbacks thanks to his ability to run precise routes and make difficult catches in traffic.

Despite a career shortened by injuries, including multiple concussions, Toon left a lasting impression on the Jets’ offense. His best season came in 1988 when he led the AFC in receptions. Off the field, Toon was respected for his intelligence and leadership, leaving a legacy that extends beyond just his on-field achievements.

Accolades:

• Three-time Pro Bowl selection (1986-1988)
• First-Team All-Pro (1986)
• AFC reception leader (1988)

#10: Nick Mangold

• Years played for the New York Jets: 2006-2016
• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’4″/307 lbs

Nick Mangold was a stalwart on the New York Jets’ offensive line, solidifying the center position for over a decade. Known for his exceptional IQ and leadership, Mangold’s playing style was defined by his powerful blocking and ability to read defenses effectively.

His stability and dependability played a crucial part in the Jets’ offensive success during his tenure. Mangold was instrumental in back-to-back runs to the AFC Championship game in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

His impact left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest centers in franchise history, embodying toughness and skill.

Accolades:

• 7-time Pro Bowl selection (2008-2011, 2013-2015)
• 2-time First-team All-Pro (2009, 2010)
• Named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
• Played in 164 regular-season games with the Jets