Jet of the Day: CB James Hasty

In this series, we’ll be highlighting a different player from the New York Jets’ storied past. Today, we take a look at cornerback James Hasty.

While he only spent half of his 14 NFL seasons with the Jets, Hasty will forever be remembered as one of the best players in franchise history, as evidenced by his inclusion in the team’s All-Time Four-Decade Team.

A physical cover man who loved to mix it up with opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage, Hasty relentless playing style made him one of the league’s best.

Hasty was a third-round pick out of Washington State in the 1988 NFL draft, and he made an immediate impact for the Jets, picking off five passes in each of his first two seasons. He was as durable as any player in the league over his seven-year stint in New York, starting all 111 games in which he appeared.

He finished his Jets career with 24 interceptions, tied for fourth-most in franchise history alongside Aaron Glenn (121 games), Victor Green (139 games) and Larry Grantham (175 games). His 18 fumble recoveries are the most of any defender in team history.

Hasty got the most national recognition during his six-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs, making a pair of Pro Bowls and getting one All-Pro nod in 1999, when he tied for the league lead in interceptions.

After football, Hasty has spent his time as both a football analyst for ESPN, as well as a coaching the football team at Bellevue High School in Washington, where both of his sons played.

What’s your favorite James Hasty memory? Share your story in the comment section!