Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets

The New York Jets’ legacy isn’t just defined by current players on the field—it’s sustained by the charge led by former stars who continue to give back to the franchise, its fans, and the community long after their playing days end. From coaching and mentorship to community advocacy and alumni organizing, these ex-Jets have turned their love for the team into impactful action, bridging the gap between the franchise’s past and future. Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets shines a light on these leaders, showing how their dedication keeps the Jets’ culture alive and strengthens the bond between the team and its loyal fanbase. For current players and fans alike, these former stars are a reminder of the Jets’ rich history—and a catalyst for building a brighter future.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets begins with Curtis Martin, the Jets’ all-time leading rusher and Pro Football Hall of Famer, who has taken charge of mentoring the team’s current running backs. Martin, who played for the Jets from 1998 to 2005, regularly visits the team’s facility to work with breece Hall, Michael Carter, and other young backs, sharing insights on everything from pass protection to reading defenses. This past month, Martin spent three days at training camp, running one-on-one drills with Hall and reviewing film to help him improve his cutback ability. Hall credited Martin’s guidance with his recent success: “Curtis doesn’t just tell you what to do—he shows you. He broke down film of my runs and pointed out small things I could adjust, like how to set up a linebacker. It’s been a game-changer for me.” Martin’s charge isn’t just about improving players’ skills; it’s about passing on the Jets’ tradition of hard work and resilience. “When I played here, the Jets were family,” Martin said. “Now, I want to help these young guys feel that same pride and build on what we started.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets continues with Darrelle Revis, the legendary cornerback known as “Revis Island,” who has taken the lead in advocating for Jets alumni and strengthening their connection to the franchise. In 2024, Revis founded the “Jets Alumni Collective,” a group that organizes regular meetups, charity events, and mentorship opportunities for former players. This season, the collective partnered with the Jets to host an alumni weekend during the team’s Week 12 game against the Dolphins, where over 50 former players—including Martin, Joe Namath, and Mark Sanchez—attended practices, met with current players, and signed autographs for fans. Revis also worked with the Jets’ front office to create a “Legacy Program” that provides former players with career transition support, including resume building and networking opportunities. “A lot of guys struggle when their playing careers end, and I wanted to change that,” Revis said. “The Jets gave me so much—this is my way of giving back to the guys who came before me and the ones who will come after.” The collective has already grown to over 200 members, becoming a vital part of the Jets’ community.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets includes Wayne Chrebet, the beloved wide receiver known for his grit and work ethic, who has led a charge to support local youth football programs in the New York area. Chrebet, who played his entire 11-year career with the Jets, founded the “Wayne Chrebet Football Academy” in 2023, a free program that teaches middle and high school students not just football skills, but also life lessons like teamwork and perseverance. This year, the academy expanded to serve over 500 kids across Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, with Chrebet personally leading drills and hosting weekly “character talks.” For the New York Jets, Chrebet’s initiative aligns with the team’s own community goals, and the franchise has partnered with the academy to provide equipment and bring current players to speak at events. “Football gave me a chance to escape a tough neighborhood and build a better life,” Chrebet said. “I want to give these kids the same opportunity. The Jets’ support means we can reach more kids and make a bigger difference.” The academy has already produced several standout high school players, with one student recently receiving a scholarship to play football at a Division I college— a testament to Chrebet’s impact.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets delves into the coaching charge led by Mike Westhoff, the Jets’ former special teams coordinator who returned to the franchise this season as a consultant. Westhoff, who coached the Jets from 2001 to 2012 and is widely regarded as one of the best special teams coaches in NFL history, was brought in to help fix the team’s struggling special teams unit. In his role, Westhoff has worked closely with current special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, reviewing film, designing plays, and mentoring young specialists like kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead. Since Westhoff’s arrival, the Jets’ special teams unit has improved dramatically: they’ve moved from 29th to 12th in the NFL in special teams DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), with Zuerlein making 90% of his field goals and the kickoff return unit averaging 25 yards per return. For the New York Jets, Westhoff’s return is more than just a coaching hire—it’s a link to the team’s past success. “Mike knows what it takes to win in this league, especially on special teams,” Boyer said. “He’s not just a consultant—he’s a mentor. He’s taught me things about the game I never would have learned otherwise.” Westhoff’s charge is a reminder that the Jets’ former stars still have a lot to offer the franchise.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets wraps up with Joe Namath, the iconic quarterback and Super Bowl III champion, who has led a charge to honor the Jets’ history and inspire current players. Namath, known as “Broadway Joe,” has become a regular presence at Jets games and practices, often speaking to the team before big matchups. This season, he gave a pre-game speech to the Jets before their Week 16 win over the Browns, sharing stories of the 1969 Super Bowl team and urging the current players to “play with pride and leave it all on the field.” Namath has also partnered with the Jets to create a “Legacy Wall” at MetLife Stadium, featuring photos and bios of the franchise’s greatest players— a project he spent two years helping design. “The Jets have a rich history, and I want to make sure it’s not forgotten,” Namath said. “These current players need to know who came before them and what this team stands for. That’s how you build a winning culture.” For the New York Jets, Namath’s charge is about preserving the franchise’s identity and passing on its values to the next generation. As head coach Robert Saleh put it: “Having Joe around is like having a living piece of Jets history. He reminds us all why we play this game—for the team, the fans, and the legacy.” In the end, Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets is a story of loyalty, legacy, and leadership. These former players could have walked away from the Jets after their careers ended, but instead, they chose to lead—whether on the practice field, in the community, or in the locker room. Their charge is a testament to the enduring bond between the Jets and those who have worn the green and white, and it’s a key part of what makes the franchise special.