Mark Gastineau was a defensive end for the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988. A five-time Pro Bowler, he was one of the quickest and most feared pass rushers of his generation. Gastineau was ranked the 8th greatest pass rusher in National Football League (NFL) history on NFL Network’s Top 10 Pass Rushers. Gastineau was among the most talented and honored defensive linemen of his era. He made the Pro Bowl five straight seasons (1981–85) and finished his ten-year career with 74 sacks. He was a First-team All-Pro in years 1982-84 and was consensus All-AFC in each of those years.

In New York, Gastineau was a key part of the famed “New York Sack Exchange,” the Jets defensive line that also included Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam. The four combined for 66 sacks in 1981, including twenty by Gastineau (In 1981 sacks were unofficial, but Gastineau’s 20 sacks trailed Klecko by only ½ a sack), to lead the Jets to their first playoff game since 1969. He was Second-team All-Pro in 1981 as well as being consensus All-AFC. In November 1981, he, Klecko, Lyons and Salaam were invited to ring the ceremonial opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, which served as the inspiration for their nickname.

Despite all of his accomplishments in the NFL, the best thing Mark has done in this world is give us his daughter Brittny. If you’ve never seen pictures of Brittny before, you need to scroll down and do so. Then maybe give her a follow on Instagram when you’re done.

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Robert Saleh commented earlier today on playing Sam Darnold and the Carolina Panthers on Week 1 while speaking with Rich Eisen. Check out the video below to hear more about the Jets schedule and how Saleh feels about facing Darnold.

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