New York Jets Flashback: Mickey Shuler

By Paul Newbold | Sep 25, 2015

At the time of this writing, fans of the New York Jets are gearing up for their Week 3 game against the incoming Philadelphia Eagles. It should be a great game but to kind of get away from coverage and analysis a bit, how about we go back in a nice flashback feature? That being said, I thought it might be fun to travel back in Jet history a bit, and take a look at tight end Mickey Shuler.

Shuler grew up in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, not far from where I reside now. He played his college football at Penn State University, my Alma Matter as well. So, my opinion might be a bit biased here, but I believe his stats speak for itself.

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He became a Jet when he was chosen in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft. Shuler hit the scales at 6’3″/232 pounds on draft day, leading to him being sought in both the NFL and NBA drafts.

Shuler had a productive college career, he appeared in four bowl games and earned All American status while at Penn State.

Shuler appeared in sixteen games, starting one in his rookie campaign for the Jets in 1978. As a rookie, Shuler gave Jet fans a glimpse at the talent and athleticism that would lead to a long successful career. In limited duty, Shuler managed eleven receptions for sixty seven yards and three touchdowns in 1978.

Shuler’s early career was a developmental one. While managing a fourteen-yard per catch average in 1979, and a 10.3 average in 1980, Shuler only managed to start in 15 games. To further the Jets concerns, Shuler was lost to injury six games into the 1981 season. Shuler rebounded well and had his break out season in 1984 when he posted sixty eight receptions for seven hundred and eighty two yards for six touchdowns.

Shuler went on to play in the NFL for fourteen seasons, twelve of those with the Jets. During his career with Gang Green, Shuler was a two-time Pro Bowler, being selected in 1986 and again in 1988. He was also a three-time All Pro Selection (1985, 1986, 1988). He ended his career with the Jets after the 1989 season as he went on to play two more seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring.

Dec 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; New York Jets logo prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

For the Jets, Shuler amassed four hundred and thirty receptions for 4,819 yards, thirty seven touchdowns and an eleven yard per reception average. Shuler’s totals were diminished a bit by a series of injuries throughout his career, but he was a favorite target of quarterback Ken O’Brien in the 1980’s. Shuler ended his career having appeared in seven playoff games for the Jets.

Today, Shula resides in Enola Pennsylvania and is very active in community affairs and several charities. He had a long an illustrious career with the Jets and played hard on every snap. His efforts made him a fan favorite. In my eyes, he’s the last great Jet tight end the team has ever had.

Do you have a favorite memory of Shuler? Leave us a comment below and as always, Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets: Can they stop the Eagles?

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