Abdul Salaam, New York Sack Exchange Member, passes away at 71

The greatest defensive line in New York Jets history, and one of the best defensive lines the NFL has ever seen, was the famed "New York Sack Exchange" of the late 1970s and early 1980s. While he never got as much credit as his teammates, Abdul Salaam was a vital part of this unit.

While Mark Gastineau was the sack master, Joe Klecko the do-it-all Hall of Famer, and Marty Lyons the eternally underrated switchblade, Salaam was a rock-solid force in the middle that kept the Jets as effective against the run as they were against the pass.

Unfortunately for Jets fans across the world, Salaam, who had been battling multiple health issues over the last few years, passed away at 71. Salaam had reportedly been using a wheelchair in recent years as he battled diabetes. Gastineau was particularly broken up after hearing this news.

"I feel like I lost my best friend," Gastineau told Rich Cimini of ESPN. "If it wasn't for Abdul, I wouldn't have made it. He helped me through everything." Salaam is the first member of the Sack Exchange to pass away, but his legacy in New York will live on.

Sad news: Former Jets DT Abdul Salaam, a member of the famed NY Sack Exchange, passed away yesterday, his wife, Debbie, told ESPN. Salaam was 71 and had been battling health issues. He played with the #Jets from 76-83 and teamed with Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons to…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 9, 2024

NY Jets legend Abdul Salaam passes away at 71

Salaam, who came into the NFL as Larry Faulk before changing his name, played in 97 games over an eight-year career, all of which were with the Jets. Ultimately, injuries managed to bring an end to his sterling time in the pros before he was ready.

Salaam, who wore No. 74, has been unofficially credited by Pro Football Reference with 21 sacks in eight seasons with the Jets. The Jets made their first playoff appearance in a decade with Salaam at the heart of their defense, as he and Klecko on the interior were a handful for opposing linemen.

1981 was Salaam's best season. The defensive line combined for an absurd 66 sacks, seven of which were thanks to Salaam.

While his NFL career may have been comparatively brief, Salaam left a legacy that generations of Jets fans will honor and respect. Our condolences go out to his family in this difficult time.

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