Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets

As the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 nomination cycle begins and the New York Jets prepare to expand their Ring of Honor next season, a growing buzz has emerged around the franchise’s past—with former players, coaches, and even iconic moments drawing renewed attention for prestigious recognition. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a chance to celebrate the Jets’ rich history, from their 1969 Super Bowl III upset to the standout careers that defined eras of the franchise. For long-time fans, the nominations represent validation of players who often flew under the national radar, while for younger supporters, they’re an opportunity to learn about the figures who laid the groundwork for today’s team. The buzz extends beyond formal honors, too—local sports media, fan podcasts, and social media groups have launched campaigns to highlight overlooked Jets legends, turning the conversation into a community-driven movement. Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets explores the top candidates generating excitement, the cases for their recognition, and why this moment matters for the franchise’s identity.

The most prominent nomination buzz centers on Joe Klecko, a defensive lineman who starred for the Jets from 1977 to 1987 and was a key member of the iconic "New York Sack Exchange." Klecko, a four-time Pro Bowler and the only NFL player ever named to the Pro Bowl at three different defensive line positions (defensive end, defensive tackle, nose tackle), has been a Hall of Fame finalist twice before—but this year, momentum for his induction is stronger than ever. Analysts point to his versatility and dominance: he recorded 78.5 career sacks (unofficially, since sacks weren’t an official stat until 1982) and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1981. The Jets’ current defensive line, led by Quinnen Williams, has even voiced support for Klecko, with Williams saying, "Guys like him paved the way for players like me. He deserves to be in Canton." Local media has amplified the buzz, with The New York Post running a weekly "Induct Klecko" column and WFAN radio hosting call-in shows dedicated to his career. For many fans, Klecko’s nomination isn’t just about one player—it’s about honoring the Sack Exchange era, which remains one of the most beloved periods in Jets history. Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets frames Klecko as the face of the current nomination movement, symbolizing the Jets’ legacy of defensive excellence.

Another figure generating nomination buzz is Herm Edwards, the Jets’ head coach from 2001 to 2005, who is being considered for the franchise’s Ring of Honor. Edwards, known for his fiery speeches ("You play to win the game!") and ability to turn underdog teams into contenders, led the Jets to three playoff appearances in five seasons—including a run to the AFC Divisional Round in 2002. While he never won a Super Bowl with the Jets, his impact on the franchise’s culture is undeniable: he rebuilt a struggling roster, emphasized accountability, and connected with fans through his authenticity. Former players, including Chad Pennington and Curtis Martin, have publicly endorsed Edwards’ Ring of Honor bid, with Martin saying, "Herm didn’t just coach us—he taught us how to be professionals, on and off the field." The buzz around Edwards has also sparked conversations about other Jets coaches, like Weeb Ewbank (who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl win), but Edwards’ recent appearances at Jets games and his continued engagement with the fanbase have made his nomination feel timely. Unlike Hall of Fame honors, the Ring of Honor is decided by the franchise, and team officials have hinted that an announcement could come as early as next season. Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets explores how Edwards’ nomination represents a nod to the 2000s era of Jets football, a time when the team consistently competed for playoff spots.

For the New York Jets, the 1969 Super Bowl III team is also generating renewed nomination buzz—this time for a league-wide legacy award recognizing the most impactful teams in NFL history. The Jets’ 16-7 upset of the Baltimore Colts remains one of the biggest shocks in sports history, as Joe Namath’s guarantee and the team’s scrappy performance helped legitimize the AFL-NFL merger. While individual members of the team (like Namath and Ewbank) are already in the Hall of Fame, the team as a whole has never received a formal league honor. This year, a group of Jets alumni, including Matt Snell and Don Maynard, launched a campaign to nominate the 1969 team for the NFL’s "Legacy Team" award, which celebrates teams that changed the game. The campaign has gained traction on social media, with fans sharing vintage photos and game highlights using the hashtag #SuperBowlIIIlegacy. For the New York Jets, honoring the 1969 team isn’t just about celebrating a past win—it’s about reinforcing the franchise’s identity as a team that can defy expectations. "That team put the Jets on the map," said Snell, who rushed for 121 yards in Super Bowl III. "Recognizing them now would remind everyone that this franchise has a history of greatness." Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets emphasizes how the 1969 team’s nomination bridges the franchise’s past and present, reminding fans of what’s possible when the Jets play with heart.

The New York Jets’ Ring of Honor expansion has also sparked buzz around less-heralded past players, like offensive lineman Kevin Mawae, who played for the Jets from 1998 to 2005. Mawae, a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 but has yet to be added to the Jets’ Ring of Honor—a discrepancy that fans have been quick to point out. Mawae was the anchor of the Jets’ offensive line during the Edwards era, protecting quarterbacks like Pennington and opening holes for Martin, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of Mawae’s first six seasons with the team. The buzz around Mawae’s Ring of Honor bid has been driven by fan petitions and social media campaigns, with supporters arguing that his Hall of Fame induction should automatically secure him a spot in the Jets’ elite group. Team officials have acknowledged the buzz, with Jets president Hymie Elhai saying, "Kevin had an incredible career with us, and we’re taking all fan feedback into account as we plan the Ring of Honor expansion." For the New York Jets, adding Mawae to the Ring of Honor would not only right a perceived wrong but also highlight the importance of offensive line play in the franchise’s history—a position group that’s often overlooked in favor of skill players. Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets examines how Mawae’s nomination represents a broader shift in recognizing unsung heroes of the Jets’ past.

Finally, the nominations buzz around the New York Jets’ past has had a unifying effect on the fanbase, bringing together supporters of different eras around a shared love for the franchise. Long-time fans who watched Klecko and the Sack Exchange now bond with younger fans who are learning about those players through nomination campaigns. Social media groups dedicated to Jets history have seen a surge in membership, with fans sharing stories, memorabilia, and arguments for their favorite candidates. Local businesses have even joined in: a Manhattan sports bar is hosting a "Jets Legends Night" to raise money for charity, featuring appearances by former players and a silent auction of vintage Jets gear. For the New York Jets organization, this buzz is more than just positive PR—it’s an opportunity to engage with fans during a season that’s had its share of ups and downs. "Our past is what makes this franchise special," said Jets CEO Christopher Johnson. "Seeing fans rally around these nominations reminds us that the Jets community is about more than wins and losses—it’s about honoring the people who made this team what it is." Nominations Buzz Around Past of the New York Jets concludes that while the outcomes of these nominations remain uncertain, the buzz itself has already succeeded in celebrating the Jets’ history and strengthening the bond between the franchise and its fans. In a league where success is often measured by recent results, this focus on the past is a refreshing reminder that a team’s legacy is built not just on championships, but on the players, coaches, and moments that define it.