Nearly 23 years later, New York Jets legend Mark Gastineau still holds a strong grudge against Brett Favre for taking a dive that gift-wrapped Michael Strahan the single-season sack record.
In 2023, Gastinaeu expressed his feelings to the former Jets quarterback when appearing at the “Chicago Sports Spectacular.” Gastineau was in the area via filming the “The Next York Sack Exchange” 30 for 30 with ESPN, which will premiere on Friday.
“How are you doing,” Favre asked the Jets’ all-time leader in sacks, while simultaneously mentioning Strahan. Gastineau ignored the pleasantries while turning the conversation hostile.
“When you fell down for him [Strahan],” Gastineau replied. “I want to get my sack back. I want to get my sack back.”
Favre’s attempts to keep it lighthearted were futile, yet he did his best: “You probably would hurt me.”
“Well, I don’t care; you hurt me,” Gastineau said multiple times, and Favre walked away to avoid the situation.
Gastineau recently told ESPN’s Rich Cimini he has been waiting some time to confront Favre, believing he and Strahan schemed together for the sack.
“I wanted to let him know it was a trash sack,” Gastineau said. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, many years. I’ve only got one more guy to go to.”
Gastineau was in attendance during the final game of the 2001 season when Strahan was on the cusp of history. On a play-action pass attempt, Favre rolled out of the pocket before intentionally diving to the turf; Strahan touched him down and was credited with a sack.
This provided Strahan 22.5 sacks on the season, slightly edging Gastineau, who set the single-season sack record in 1984 with 2022 sacks.
While it certainly can be disputed whether Strahan’s record should be considered legitimate, Gatineau amplified his true feelings in the documentary’s preview.
“Anybody will tell you that Brett Favre took a dive,” said the Jets legend.
