Jet of the Day: WR Wayne Chrebet

In this series, we’ll be highlighting a different player from the New York Jets’ storied past. Today, we take a look at wide receiver Wayne Chrebet.

An undersized pass-catcher who hails from a college football program that no longer exists (Hofstra), Wayne Chrebet went from undrafted free agent to one of the most beloved players in Jets history.

After a college career that eventually led to him having his No. 3 jersey retired at Hofstra, and induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, Chrebet was a mere afterthought once he made it to the pros. A small-school product without any elite physical traits, Chrebet would eventually prove that his toughness, intelligence and reliable hands were more than enough to equal NFL success.

Despite not being drafted, Chrebet made an immediate impact for the Jets, starting all 16 games as a rookie in 1995. He would be one of the league’s most reliable possession receivers for more than a decade, and as a true Jet, he spent all 11 seasons of his pro career in the Gang Green.

He only posted one 1,000-yard receiving season, but his 580 career receptions rank No. 2 on the Jets’ all-time list, behind only Hall of Famer Don Maynard. His 41 career touchdown receptions and 7,365 career receiving yards are third-most in team history, trailing only Maynard and Wesley Walker in both categories.

Chrebet is one of many examples across NFL history of a player proving you don’t have to have elite athletic traits to make a massive impact.

What’s your favorite Wayne Chrebet memory? Share your story in the comment section!