The Top Three New York Jets Centers of All Time

Time to continue along our road to choosing the Jets All-Time roster. The best part is that you, the Jets fans, are making the choices.

For those of you just joining us, over the last several days, we have been going through the starting positions on the roster. We have presented the top players in Jets history at the position, and presented their accomplishments. Then, it is up to you. The poll at the end allows you to choose the top Jets player of all time at the position. The top vote-getters will be named to the JET Press all-time Jets roster, to be revealed when we are done with all positions.

So far, we have covered the quarterback position, the running backs, wide receiver, and tight end. Now, we move to the offensive line.

It’s often difficult to find star offensive linemen. But, as we start with the center position, we look at Jets history, and there are three distinctive players that stuck out through the years.

So, here they come, the top Jets centers of all time. Vote at the end, the winner makes the roster.

Next: Joe Fields

We start with a guy that the Jets found in the 14th round of the 1975 draft. Joe Fields began his career snapping the ball to Joe Namath, and ended in the late 1980’s, spending his entire career in New York with the Jets.

The best period of his career came from 1981-1982, when Fields was selected to the Pro Bowl in back to back years. He was first team All-Pro in 1982, and was AP All-NFL in both seasons as well. He was All-NFL once more, in 1985.

So we give you our first nominee, number 65, Joe Fields!

Next: Nick Mangold

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center

Nick Mangold

(74) wears an NYPD cap during the coin toss before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For our next nominee, we have everyone’s favorite bearded man. Nick Mangold was chosen in the first round of the 2006 draft, with the 29th pick overall. The rest is New York Jets history, as we have all witnessed.

Nick Mangold started day one for the Jets, and over a nine-year career to date, has missed only three games. The big guy has been busy for his play. He was first team All-Pro in 2009 and 2010. He has also been selected to six Pro Bowls. As the man leading the New York Jets offensive line, to say that Nick Mangold has been a mainstay would be a huge understatement.

Our second nominee, number 74, Nick Mangold!

Next: Kevin Mawae

We finish with the guy who cede jurisdiction of the Jets center position in favor of Nick Mangold. Kevin Mawae played for the Seattle Seahawks for four years before signing with the Jets as a free agent in 1998. You know how baseball teams have to be strong up the middle? Well, the Jets got stronger in 1998 up the middle when they added Curtis Martin, Vinny Testaverde, and Kevin Mawae.

Mawae became the Jets immediate starter, and remained in that role for his eight years in the Green and White. He led the Jets offensive line through all of Curtis Martin’s 1,000 yard seasons in New York. He too was selected to six Pro Bowls during his seasons with the Jets, and was named First Team All-Pro twice with the Jets.

Our final nominee, number 68, Kevin Mawae!

There are our three candidates for the best Jets center of all-time. Now it’s your turn. Vote below!

Who is the best New York Jets center of all time?

Nick Mangold

(60%, 59 Votes)

Kevin Mawae

(34%, 33 Votes)

Joe Fields

(6%, 6 Votes)

Total Voters: 98

Next: Draft Look Back: 2012

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