If there’s one position group that the New York Jets have historically had success with, it’s been the defensive line.
Recently, it was announced that ESPN had greenlit a 30-for-30 documentary regarding one of the best defensive lines in Jets history, the “Sack Exchange,” which featured Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam.
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In my exclusive interview with Marty Lyons, the 11-year veteran of the Jets and a member of the “Sack Exchange,” I asked the Jets legend about the documentary and if he was surprised that it took decades for their story to be told.
“No, [I’m not] really [surprised]. I think it’s perfect timing with Joe [Klecko] going into the Hall of Fame last year, and the Jets playing as well as they did last year with the defensive line … I just wish they would have included the back seven. The front four can only work if the back seven give them time to get to the quarterback.
“It should be a very interesting piece. They interviewed each one of us individually for three hours, and then the whole group for three hours. I’m sure ESPN 30 for 30 is going to do an excellent job putting it together.”
Despite potentially no “new” information being released in the documentary, Lyons did provide some interesting backstory behind the four players.
“There was a lot of conflict, well, not really conflict, a lot of us didn’t socialize Monday through Friday together except for Joe [Klecko] and I. We just knew what we had to do as a team any given Sunday, or Monday. We just went out there and performed. Everybody just went their separate ways until the next games … It’s going to bring light to what we were able to accomplish as a unit.”
One of the players of the “Sack Exchange” that is absent in the Jets’ Ring of Honor is Abdul Salaam. Salaam played eight years with the Jets and totaled 21 sacks during his career. When asked if he believes Salaam should be a part of the team’s ring of honor, Lyons did not hesitate.
“I definitely think he should be [in the Ring of Honor]. I think it would be an honor for all three of us to welcome Abdul. We’re trying to put the push on the organization and bring his name up every chance we can get.”
A lot has changed since the last time any member of the “Sack Exchange” put on pads, but one thing that stands out to Lyons is free agency – a luxury that wasn’t around when he was playing. Lyons spoke about that difference, and how it relates to Haason Reddick, who’s currently holding out with the Jets as he looks for a new contract from New York.
“Without a doubt Tom [the biggest difference] is free agency. Players playing out their contracts and going to other teams. When I was playing we didn’t have free agency. You stayed with the organization as long as you could. You either retired with class or they would release you then you’d hope you’d get picked up by another team.
“You got to do what’s best for your family, and I think that’s what [Reddick is] doing. I don’t know how long he’s going to hold out. I know the Jets are excited about having him, but you have to get in there and learn the system and get into football shape.”
Switching to the current team, Lyons and I spoke about Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and what he’s meant for New York in his short tenure with the team.
“Well, he still has an arm – he gets rid of the ball quick. When you look at the way he leads the team, and the leadership qualities that he has … The leader of the team without a doubt is Aaron, and he leads by example. He inspires people.”
Tonight, the Jets will host the New England Patriots in Aaron Rodgers’ return to MetLife Stadium. Marty shared his thoughts on the matchup.
“Just go out there and win. You play the Patriots twice, it’s an AFC East game. If you win by one, great. But if you can put 30 up on ’em, put 30. I remember my second game of my rookie season we went up to New England. At halftime it was 35-3 and at the end of the game it was 56-3. They sent us a message in that game. I’m still looking to pay them back for that. I think the fans are going to be electric tonight.”
Thursday marks the third game in 10 days for the Jets, and while Lyons’ acknowledged that it is a grind, it also includes a nice benefit for the team.
“If you win tonight, you [kind of] have a bye week. You got 10 days before you play again.”
Lyons also gave his keys to the Jets’ Thursday night matchup, in which the New York needs to stifle a major part of the Patriots’ game plan.
“I think you just have to shut down the run. If you total up all the yards by their wide receivers you may have 85 yards. That’s not going to get it done in the NFL. They’re going to try and run the ball. They ran the ball against Seattle last week in overtime, 23-20, but they pounded out 185 yards. Look for them to try and run the ball tonight.”
Marty ended the conversation thanking the fans for their support over the last four decades, as well as enlightening newer fans as to why he created the Marty Lyons Foundation. His organization helps children with terminally ill and life-threatening illnesses. Since 1982, the foundation has raised over $43 million while helping over 8,500 families.
