7 most beloved players in NY Jets history

4. Freeman McNeil, RB, NY Jets

Speaking of Freeman McNeil, the longtime Jets running back was another icon for the franchise during the 1980s. McNeil spent a franchise-record (for a running back) 12 seasons with the Jets and is second all-time in rushing behind only Curtis Martin.

Unlike Martin, however, McNeil only played for the Jets in his career. He led the team in rushing in eight consecutive seasons from 1981-1988 and finished his career with over 8,000 career rushing yards.

McNeil helped lead the Jets to five playoff appearances in his career, including four in his first six seasons. He was one of the faces of an entire era of Jets football.

It's admittedly weird to include McNeil on this list and leave off Martin, but we're heavily favoring players who spent their entire careers with the Jets. That's why McNeil gets the nod.

3. Joe Klecko, DL, NY Jets

Joe Klecko is not only one of the greatest players in Jets history, but he helped revolutionize the defensive line positions in the NFL. In many ways, Klecko was ahead of his time.

A four-time Pro Bowler and (finally) a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Klecko was one of the NFL's premier sack leaders during his time in the league, notching 20.5 sacks in his All-Pro 1981 season.

Joe Klecko talks future NY Jets HOF'ers, Joe Namath comments, more in exclusive interview

Klecko was arguably the face of the famous New York Sack Exchange, and while teammate Mark Gastineau shared similar success, he was a bit more polarizing than Klecko. That's why the Temple product is on this list and Gastineau isn't.

Jets fans rallied behind Klecko's Hall of Fame push and are one of the biggest reasons he eventually made it to Canton. Few players in Jets history are more beloved than he is.