59. Mark Gastineau

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Although Quarterback sacks have always taken place in football, it was not an official statistic in the NFL until 1982.  The first labelled “sackmaster” of American football would have to be the flamboyant and somewhat controversial Mark Gastineau who terrorized Quarterbacks; and not because he had sex with Brigitte Neilsen.

Mark Gastineau seemed to be built for terrorizing gunslingers.  It was what he was best at, and it could be assured that if the Jets were on the schedule that the opposing QB would have a sleepless night before the game.  Gastineau twice led the league in the new official statistic and set a season record that would not be broken until 2001 by Michael Strahan.  As the sack became in vogue, Gastineau became synonymous with it, especially as he developed his “sack dance”.

For a four year period, it was hard to argue that Mark Gastineau was not among the top three pass rushers in the NFL.  He has been accused by some as being too one-dimensional and as he did rub some people the wrong way, he faces a long climb should he ever wish to see himself in Canton, though Joe Klecko's induction does help.

Should Mark Gastineau be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 80.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.9%
No opinion. - 0.7%
No way! - 3.3%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Ardmore, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1994
  • Position: Defensive End
  • Games Played: 137
  • Notable Statistics: 9 Fumble Recoveries
    0 Fumble Recovery Yards
    2 Fumble Recovery Touchdowns
    107.5 Quarterback Sacks*
    97 Approximate Value

    7 Playoff Games
    8.5 Quarterback Sacks*

    *Quarterback Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Referece from 1960 to 1981.
  • Played For: New York Jets
  • College: East Central Oklahoma State
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 41st Overall in 1979
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    UPI NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1982)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1982, 1983 & 1984)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1985)
    Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 & 1985)
    Pro Bowl MVP (1) (1985)
    Most Quarterback Sacks (2) (1983 & 1984)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (2) (1982 & 1983)
    Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (3) (1983, 1984 & 1985)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 43.  Quarterback Sacks: 107.5*

    *Quarterback Sack rankings include Pro Football Reference's unofficial calculation from 1960 to 1981.

Should Mark Gastineau be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 80.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.8%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 2.9%
No opinion. - 0.7%
No way! - 3.3%
Last modified on Friday, 17 May 2024 13:47
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