New York Sack Exchange

The New York Sack Exchange were the front four defensive line of the American football team New York Jets of the National Football League during the early 1980s. The line consisted of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam.

In 1981, a fan by the name of Dan O'Connor submitted the "New York Sack Exchange" name to a pre-season contest held by The Jet Report, a team magazine. Jets public relations director Frank Ramos used the nickname in a press release and it was soon picked up by the media.

All four members of the Sack Exchange were drafted by the Jets in the 1970s. Salaam, a defensive tackle, was drafted in the 7th round (188th overall) by the Jets in 1976. Klecko, a defensive end, was a 6th round pick (144th overall) in 1977. Lyons, a defensive tackle, was a first round pick (14th overall) in 1979, while Gastineau, a defensive end, was selected with the Jets' second round selection in that draft (41st overall).

It wasn't a question of whether we'd get to the quarterback, it was how many times."

In November 1981, Gastineau, Klecko, Salaam and Lyons were invited to ring the ceremonial opening bell at the , which served as the inspiration for their nickname. Gastineau and Klecko competed to see which defensive end could record the most sacks. In 1981, the Jets led the league with 66 sacks. The Jets reached the 1982 AFC Championship Game.

Salaam was traded after the 1983 season. However, Gastineau, Klecko, and Lyons continued to have success for several years, with Gastineau and Klecko making two more Pro Bowls apiece. Lyons, the last active member of the Sack Exchange, retired after the 1990 season.

...
Wikipedia