The 10 Best Defensive Linemen in the History of the New York Jets
The New York Jets have a long and storied history, dating back to their founding in 1960. Over the years, the Jets have had some of the best defensive linemen in the game. Here is a look at the top 10 defensive linemen in Jets history
1. Joe Klecko
Klecko was a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection. He was a member of the Jets’ “Sack Exchange” in the early 1980s, and he helped lead the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in 1982. Klecko was a dominant force on the defensive line, and he is considered one of the best Jets of all time.
2. Mark Gastineau
Gastineau was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL during the 1980s. He led the NFL in sacks in 1984, and he finished his career with 107.5 sacks. Gastineau was a key member of the Jets’ “Sack Exchange” and he helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game in 1982.
3. Muhammad Wilkerson
Wilkerson was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during the 2010s. He was a force against both the run and the pass, and he helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in 2010.
4. Henry Martin
Martin was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a key member of the Jets’ “Sack Exchange” and he helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game in 1982.
5. Sheldon Richardson
Richardson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during the 2010s. He was a force against both the run and the pass, and he helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in 2010.
6. Marty Lyons
Lyons was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a key member of the Jets’ “Sack Exchange” and he helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game in 1982.
7. Leonard Marshall
Marshall was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a force against both the run and the pass, and he helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game in 1982.
8. Kevin Mawae
Mawae was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best centers in the NFL during the 1990s and 2000s. He was a key member of the Jets’ offensive line during the team’s run to the AFC Championship Game in 1998.
9. D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Ferguson was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL during the 2000s and 2010s. He was a key member of the Jets’ offensive line during the team’s run to the AFC Championship Game in 2010.
10. Nick Mangold
Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best centers in the NFL during the 2000s and 2010s. He was a key member of the Jets’ offensive line during the team’s run to the AFC Championship Game in 2010.
These are just a few of the many great defensive linemen who have played for the New York Jets. These players have helped the Jets achieve some of their greatest moments, and they have left a lasting legacy on the franchise.