Mark Gastineau sack record debate explained: What to know about Jets DE's controversy

Perhaps the most iconic set of defensive stars the NY Jets ever played host to in their franchise history was the 1980s' New York Sack Exchange defensive line, led by pass-rushing defensive end Mark Gastineau and long overdue Hall of Famer Joe Klecko.

While they never won a championship and have since faded into obscurity in the minds of many fans, those who remember Gastineau piling up sacks at an unprecedented rate and Klecko's legendary versatility are the reason why ESPN's "The New York Sack Exchange" documentary, which airs this Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET, is being made.

Gastineau was a polarizing figure, but he did manage to set the record for most sacks in a single season with 22 in 1983. The record is Gastineau's biggest source of professional pride, so much so that he is willing to get into a confrontation with Hall of Famers in defense of it.

Years after Packers quarterback Brett Favre handed Giants star Michael Strahan a sack many assumed (correctly) was done on purpose to break the record, Gastineau was seen confronting Favre about the decision in a clip that has since gone viral on social media. What exactly happened with Gastineau's sack record?

Mark Gastineau sack record debate explained

Gastineau, picked in the second round by the Jets in 1979, played 10 seasons in New York, totaling an unofficial 107.5 sacks while making five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. That resume alone would be good enough to get some Canton consideration.

His best stretch came in between 1981 and 1984 when he tallied an absurd 67 sacks in 57 games. After being unofficially credited with 20 sacks in 1981 (they weren't an official stat yet) and six in the nine-game strike season, Gastineau led the NFL with 19 in 1983 and a then-record 22 sacks in 1984.

Gastineau's record stood for almost 20 years before it was eventually broken by Strahan's 22.5 in 2001. In the last game of the season against the Green Bay Packers, Favre took matters into his own hands to help Strahan secure the record.

Favre decided to essentially take a sack on purpose, rolling right into Strahan and falling down to break the record with Gastineau in attendance. At the time, Gastineau was complementary of Strahan breaking his record, but he has since become much more irritated with the method by which his record was broken.

While TJ Watt eventually passed 22 sacks once again (in 15 games, even), Gastineau missed out on the privilege of holding his record for almost 20 more years, all while losing it in a less-than-honorable way.

Gastineau is a polarizing figure. During his career, many hated him due to his flamboyant nature and cocky demeanor both on and off the field.

Throw in multiple violent arrests, and there was plenty not to like about him. However, one part of the Gastineau story that must always be discussed is his play, which made him the league's premier defensive lineman for half a decade.

More NY Jets news and analysis: