New York Sack Exchange

The New York Sack Exchange is a nickname given to the New York Jets defensive line of the early 1980s, consisting of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam.

Origins

In 1981, during a game at Shea Stadium, a fan held up a bedsheet on which he had scrawled "New York Sack Exchange." Jets public relations director Frank Ramos used the nickname in a press release and it was soon picked up by the media.

All four members of the Sack Exchange were drafted by the Jets in the 1970's. Salaam, a defensive tackle, was drafted in the 7th round(188th overall) by the Jets in 1976. Klecko, a defensive end, was a 6th round pick (144th overall) in 1977. Lyons, a defensive tackle, was a first round pick (14th overall) in 1979, while Gastineau, a defensive end,was selected with the Jets' second round selection in that draft (41st overall).

Success

In November 1981, Gastineau, Klecko, Salaam and Lyons were invited to ring the ceremonial opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, which served as the inspiration for their nickname. Gastineau and Klecko competed to see which defensive end could recordthe most sacks. In 1981, the Jets led the league with 66 sacks. The Jets reached the 1982 AFC Championship Game.

Salaam was traded after the 1983 season. However, Gastineau,...
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