The greatest New York Jets players of all time are headlined by the most famous guarantee in football history and the stars who have carried Gang Green across the decades. This list spans the franchise's AFL roots and Super Bowl III triumph through the 'New York Sack Exchange' and the modern era. These are the legends who defined the green and white from Joe Namath to Darrelle Revis.
1. Joe Namath (QB · 1965-1976)
The most iconic figure in franchise history, who guaranteed and delivered the stunning Super Bowl III upset. 'Broadway Joe' was the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season and a cultural phenomenon. A Hall of Famer with his number 12 retired.
2. Curtis Martin (RB · 1998-2005)
The franchise's all-time leading rusher and one of the most consistent backs the game has seen. He won the NFL rushing title in 2004 at age 31, the oldest player to do so. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
3. Don Maynard (WR · 1960-1972)
The franchise's all-time leading receiver and Joe Namath's favorite deep target. He was a key weapon in the Super Bowl III run and once held the NFL record for career receiving yards. A Hall of Famer with his number 13 retired.
4. Darrelle Revis (CB · 2007-2012, 2015-2016)
A shutdown cornerback so dominant that the area he covered became known as 'Revis Island.' He earned multiple All-Pro selections and was the backbone of stout Jets defenses. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
5. Joe Klecko (DL · 1977-1987)
A versatile and dominant lineman who made Pro Bowls at three different positions along the front. He was the cornerstone of the famed 'New York Sack Exchange' defense. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
6. Winston Hill (OT · 1963-1976)
An anchor of the offensive line who protected Joe Namath and opened holes in the Super Bowl III win. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections across his durable career. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
7. Kevin Mawae (C · 1998-2005)
One of the finest centers of his era and the leader of the Jets offensive line. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his time in New York and anchored Curtis Martin's running lanes. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.
8. Mark Gastineau (DE · 1979-1988)
An electric pass rusher and the most explosive member of the New York Sack Exchange. He set what was then the NFL single-season sack record with 22 in 1984. A five-time Pro Bowler famous for his sack dance.
9. Nick Mangold (C · 2006-2016)
The steady, cerebral anchor of the offensive line during the back-to-back AFC Championship Game runs. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was revered for his consistency and intelligence. One of the best centers in franchise history.
10. Wesley Walker (WR · 1977-1989)
A blazing deep threat who led the NFL in receiving yards in 1978 despite being legally blind in one eye. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a big-play machine for over a decade. One of the great receivers in Jets history.
Honorable Mentions
Freeman McNeil (Three-time Pro Bowl back, 1982 rushing leader), Wayne Chrebet (Beloved slot receiver, second in franchise catches), Gerry Philbin (Fierce Super Bowl III defensive end), Mo Lewis (Versatile three-time Pro Bowl linebacker), Al Toon (Three-time Pro Bowl receiver of the 1980s), Pat Leahy (Franchise scoring leader across 18 seasons), Marty Lyons (Sack Exchange defensive lineman and stalwart)
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