Jet of the Day: WR Wesley Walker

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 Wesley Walker.

One of the most prolific pass-catchers in Jets history, Wesley Walker joined the Jets as a second-round pick in the 1977 NFL draft (33rd overall) after proving himself to be one of college football’s best big-play receivers. Over his four-year career at Cal, Walker averaged a ridiculous 25.7 yards per reception, catching 86 passes for 2,206 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Golden Bears.

He kept his big-play ways going in the NFL, making an immediate impact for the Jets, catching 35 passes for 740 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 1977. He would have the best season of his career the following year, hauling in 48 receptions for a league-leading 1,169 yards and eight touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl berth and first-team All-Pro honors along the way.

Walker would get another Pro Bowl nod in 1982, and post another 1,000-yard season in 1986, a campaign that also saw him catch a career-high 12 touchdowns.

Just like he did in college, Walker finished his pro career as one of the game’s best big-play receivers, averaging 19 yards per catch for his entire career. He averaged more than 20 yards per catch in eight of his 13 NFL seasons.

Walker spent his entire career in the Gang Green, appearing in 154 games (129 starts). His 8,306 receiving yards and 71 touchdown receptions both rank second on the Jets’ all-time list, trailing only Hall of Famer Don Maynard in both categories. His 438 career receptions are tied for fifth-most in team history.

What’s your favorite Wesley Walker memory? Share your story in the comment section!