https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...ach-team-who-deserves-enshrinement-in-canton/ ^^^Interesting article from cbssports listing the "Best Player in Each NFL Team's History" not currently enshrined in Canton. For us, it lists Joe Klecko. This is what it had to say about Joe: New York Jets - Joe Klecko, DL Mark Gastineau may have been the more celebrated member of the Jets' 1980s "New York Sack Exchange," but Klecko's mastery of three different positions made him an easy choice. A defensive end during the 1981 season, Klecko was named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Year after recording 20.5 sacks. But despite his success, Klecko was asked to move to defensive tackle, a position where he earned Pro Bowl distinction in 1983 and '84. In 1985, after moving position to nose tackle, Klecko received his second All-Pro selection while helping the Jets win 11 games for the first time since 1968. Had knee injuries not gotten in the way, Klecko would likely already have a bronze bust in Canton. "Listen, to be elected into the Hall of Fame has to be the piece de resistance in your career," Klecko recently told The Athletic.
Br4d, so you are an old-timer like me and a fellow Joe Klecko fan as well? Unbelievable that he recorded 20.5 sacks as a DE and then switched positions two more times and remained a dominant force on the DL. Joe was one helluva football player. Good guy too, from everything I have heard about him.
The thing that is most memorable to me about Klecko was the way he took over the strongside gap between the C and the RG and dared the other team to try coming through. He had a unique 3 point stance, lined up at an angle that let him get a really fast first step through that gap when he wanted too. Really tough, strong player. The only other guy that I've seen play pro sports that had that combination of strength and quickness was Gordie Howe.
LOL yep. 100% accurate. I remember his stance as well. Joe was one POWERFUL DUDE...he was a cross between a thick brick wall and King Kong.
I don’t think so. Lol Jets and not having much team success in his years are holding him back. But you ask any lineman from his era and to a man they’ll say he’s the best they ever faced. It’s a crime he isn’t in .
Klecko 100%, and Gastineau should be in as well imo. If they retro counted sacks as an official stat in their era, they'd both be in. Revis and Mangold aren't eligible yet, but should be in. Couple others who didn't play long enough to earn the Hall, but were as dominant at their positions as any players I've seen: Al Toon and Kris Jenkins
Easily Klecko, for the last year, anyway (Winston Hill would have been a very strong possibility before then). The second-best non-HOFer is a more interesting question - Grantham? Toon? Gastineau? Of course, I'm assuming that Revis and Mangold are getting in when they are eligible.
I am glad Winston finally got his due, but as others have already implied, it is a damn shame he was elected posthumously, esp. when he clearly deserved to be elected all along.
Runs for the hills, because after the last time it was brought up and some idiot argued the toss that he was a poor player and ensuing arguments. From memory, it was the guy who types U R and apparently couldn't stay onside or something.
I don’t disagree and if they went back and counted sacks before they made it an official stat they probably would.
Wesley Walker probably isn’t famous enough, and maybe a little too injury prone, but he’s clearly the best story. And when he was on, he was magic.
