The New York Jets, a professional American football team, have a rich history of talented players who have donned the green and white jerseys. From legendary quarterbacks to dominant defensive linemen, the Jets have been home to some of the most iconic athletes in the NFL. In this article, we will delve into the top Jets players of all time, ranking them based on their performance, achievements, and impact on the team.
To start, let’s look at the criteria used to evaluate these athletes. We considered factors such as career statistics, awards and accolades, team success, and overall dominance on the field. We also took into account the era in which they played, as the game has evolved significantly over the years. With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into our list of the top Jets players.
1. Joe Namath - Quarterback (1965-1976)
Joe Namath, also known as “Broadway Joe,” is arguably the most iconic Jets player of all time. His bold guarantee of a Super Bowl III victory over the heavily favored Baltimore Colts cemented his place in NFL history. Namath’s career statistics are impressive, with 27,057 passing yards and 173 touchdowns. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
"I guarantee we'll win the Super Bowl." - Joe Namath, before Super Bowl III
2. Curtis Martin - Running Back (1998-2005)
Curtis Martin is the Jets’ all-time leading rusher, with 10,302 yards and 58 touchdowns. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Martin’s elusive running style and exceptional vision made him a nightmare for defenders to tackle.
Martin's impressive career was marked by his consistent production and ability to perform under pressure. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
3. Don Maynard - Wide Receiver (1960-1972)
Don Maynard was a key member of the Jets’ Super Bowl III championship team, catching 11 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown in the game. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Maynard’s speed, agility, and sure hands made him a favorite target for Namath.
4. Darrelle Revis - Cornerback (2007-2012, 2015-2016)
Darrelle Revis is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro four times. Revis’s shutdown ability and ball-hawking skills made him a dominant force in the Jets’ secondary.
Pros:
- Shutdown corner with exceptional coverage skills
- Ball-hawking ability with 29 career interceptions
- Physicality and tackling ability
Cons:
- Injury concerns, particularly with his knee
- Occasional struggles with bigger receivers
5. Kevin Mawae - Center (1998-2005)
Kevin Mawae was a dominant force at center for the Jets, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and being named First-Team All-Pro three times. His exceptional blocking ability and leadership helped anchor the Jets’ offensive line.
How Mawae's Blocking Ability Impacted the Jets' Offense:
- Created holes for running backs with his exceptional blocking
- Protected the quarterback with his quick feet and agility
- Helped to establish a strong running game
6. Nick Mangold - Center (2006-2016)
Nick Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. His athleticism, strength, and technical skill made him one of the top centers in the NFL during his prime.
7. Mo Lewis - Linebacker (1991-2003)
Mo Lewis was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. His speed, agility, and tackling ability made him a dominant force in the Jets’ linebacking corps.
8. Aaron Glenn - Cornerback (1994-2001)
Aaron Glenn was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. His shutdown ability and ball-hawking skills made him a key member of the Jets’ secondary.
9. Keyshawn Johnson - Wide Receiver (1996-1999)
Keyshawn Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro once. His size, speed, and sure hands made him a favorite target for Vinny Testaverde.
10. Jason Taylor - Linebacker (1997-2007, 2008)
Jason Taylor was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. His speed, agility, and pass-rushing ability made him a dominant force in the Jets’ linebacking corps.
Who is the greatest Jets player of all time?
+Joe Namath is widely regarded as the greatest Jets player of all time, due to his iconic status, impressive career statistics, and Super Bowl III guarantee.
Who is the Jets' all-time leading rusher?
+Curtis Martin is the Jets' all-time leading rusher, with 10,302 yards and 58 touchdowns.
Who is the greatest cornerback in Jets history?
+Darrelle Revis is widely regarded as the greatest cornerback in Jets history, due to his shutdown ability, ball-hawking skills, and numerous Pro Bowl selections.
In conclusion, the New York Jets have a rich history of talented players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success. From Joe Namath’s guarantee to Darrelle Revis’s shutdown ability, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the franchise. By examining their careers, achievements, and impact on the team, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and passion that define the NFL.
