New York Jets Player of the Day: TE Mickey Shuler

In this series, we’ll be highlighting a different player from the New York Jets’ storied past. Today, we take a look at tight end Mickey Shuler.

The most prolific tight end in Jets history, Mickey Shuler spent 12 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Gang Green, leaving his mark on the team’s record books over more than a decade.

A third-round pick in the 1978 NFL draft out of Penn State, Shuler didn’t catch too many passes early in his career, but he made the most of his opportunities. As a rookie, he caught just 11 passes, but three of them went for touchdowns. Similarly, he caught just 16 passes the following season, once again scoring three touchdowns.

It wasn’t until later in his career that Shuler started to become a bigger part of the Jets’ passing attack. After hailing in 26 receptions for 272 yards (both career-highs up to that point) in 1983, Shuler broke out the following year, catching 68 passes for 782 yards and six touchdowns. The next season would be the best of his career, as Shuler tallied 76 receptions for 879 yards and seven scores.

Shuler would average similar numbers over the next three seasons, making two Pro Bowls.

With 4,819 career receiving yards as a member of the Jets, Shuler ranks No. 3 on the team’s all-time list, while his 438 career receptions are tied with Wesley Walker for fifth-most in franchise history. His 37 career touchdown receptions are also tied at No. 5 in team history, this time with Laveranues Coles.

Shuler would finish his career with a two-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, making five starts and catching just 24 passes. He’ll be remembered far more for the contributions he made wearing another shade of green, as the most productive tight end in New York Jets history.

What’s your favorite Mickey Shuler memory? Share your story in the comment section!