Released earlier this week, the Modern Era ballot for Canton’s 2021 Hall of Fame class featured ten former New York Jets.
Earlier this week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame unveiled 130 names from the modern era (since 1970) that could potentially represent the Class of 2021. Notable first-time nominees include Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson, and Charles Woodson.
Ten players of the group have connections, at some point or another, to the New York Jets. ESM tracks those aspirants below…
DE/LB John Abraham (2000-05)
Chosen 13th overall in the 2000 draft, Abraham’s name continues to be a constant prescience in the Jets’ history books. He compiled 53.5 sacks over six seasons with the Jets, good for third in team history. A franchise-best four alone (tied with Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau) came in a 2001 win in New Orleans. Abraham, who also represented Atlanta and Arizona, currently sits in 13th place on the NFL’s all-time sack list (133.5).
WR/KR Josh Cribbs (2013)
Best known for his special teams exploits in Cleveland, Cribbs partook in six games with the Jets during the 2013 season, earning 647 total yards.
G Alan Faneca (2008-09)Â
Faneca will forever be better known as a Pittsburgh Steeler, but just because he looked out-of-place in a Jets uniform doesn’t mean he didn’t rise to the occasion. Jets rushers scored 41 touchdowns during his two seasons on the line, the latter of which ended in the AFC title game. Faneca was also invited to the Pro Bowl in each green campaign.
T D’Brickashaw Ferguson (2006-15)Â
Jets fans were angsty over the arrival of Ferguson, an NYC native, Freeport High School alum and the fourth overall pick of the 2006 draft. He quickly made them forget all about the ensuing quarterback selections (Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler) by showing up for literally every game, starting every possible contest of his NFL career (160), missing only a single snap in that span.
CB James Hasty (1988-94)
A third-round arrival, Hasty earned 24 interceptions in green, tied for the fourth-best in Jets history. Upon transferring to Kansas City, Hasty went to two Pro Bowls (1997, 1999) and led the league in interceptions (7) during the latter all-star campaign.
K Nick Lowery (1994-96)
Lowery spent the final three seasons of an 18-year NFL career with the Jets. His most famous kick with the Jets was perhaps a 39-yard overtime boot that gave the Jets a win over Denver in September 1995.
WR Derrick Mason (2011)
The final year of Mason’s NFL career featured a brief, uncomfortable stint with the Jets, where he earned 13 receptions over five games that featured clashes with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
S Tim McDonald (2013-14)
McDonald, who partook in San Francisco’s victory in Super Bowl XXIX, never represented the Jets on the field but spent two seasons as the team’s defensive backs coach.
FB Lorenzo Neal (1997)
An accomplished fullback, Neal played a single full season with the Jets after leaving his original employers in New Orelans after four seasons. He helped Adrian Murrell run for 1,086 yards and his one receiving touchdown was a game-winner, coming in the fourth quarter in an October triumph over New England.
P Matt Turk (2002)
The Jets were one of five teams that hosted Turk during his 13-year NFL career. He averaged 41 yards per kick in his lone campaign and notably earned a first down on a 14-yard rush in a September loss to the Patriots.
For the full list of nominees, click here
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags