The New York Jets are one of the most famous teams in the NFL, even though they have won just one Super Bowl in their history. Since that success in 1969, they have been one of the most tortured franchises and fanbases in NFL history. Even with the struggles within the organization, there have been a handful of great players that have played for the Jets. 

In this article, we will break down the top five greatest players in New York Jets history. Let’s dive in.

#5. Vinny Testaverde, QB

Vinny Testaverde had a very good NFL career, playing 21 seasons in the NFL. He played for a total of seven different teams by the time he was done, but the best years of his career were with the New York Jets.

He did not get to the Jets until he was a 35-year-old quarterback in 1998. In Testaverde’s first year with the Jets, he won 12 of his 13 starts while throwing 29 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, which was the best year of his career. Unfortunately for the Jets, they lost 23-10 in the AFC Championship game that year.

Testaverde was voted to the Pro Bowl that season, which was the second of his career. Unfortunately, the following season Testaverde tore his achilles which caused him to never quite be the same again and crushed the hopes of Jets fans everywhere.

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#4. Nick Mangold, OL

Nick Mangold is loved by all Jets fans everywhere and was the starting center for New York from 2006 until 2016. He was an ironman for this offensive line, playing in all 16 games in seven of the first eight years of his career.

Mangold had many accolades throughout his career as well. He was a two-time First-team All-Pro while also being on the second team once. Mangold was also voted to the Pro Bowl seven times with the Jets. Something that can’t be noted by accolades is the fact he was the heart and soul of those Jets teams in the early 2010s.

#3. Joe Namath, QB

Broadway Joe is the most iconic player in New York Jets history. He led them to their one and only Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl III. He is most famous for guaranteeing that the Jets would win their lone Super Bowl appearance, which they did 16-7.

With Namath winning the Jets’ only Super Bowl appearance, you would think he would be higher up on this list. Unfortunately, he had a mostly mediocre career outside of that Super Bowl victory. Namath finished with a career record of 62-63-4 and he threw for 173 touchdowns to go along with 220 interceptions. He was named to five Pro Bowls throughout his 12-year career.

Namath was a bit of a gunslinger and it shows in his touchdown-to-interception ratio, although the NFL was different back when Namath played. In 1967, Namath threw for over 4,000 yards and he was the first quarterback in history to do so. Even with him throwing for 4,000 yards, he still threw 26 touchdowns compared to 28 interceptions. However, there is no doubt that Namath is likely the most iconic player in New York Jets history.

#2. Curtis Martin, RB 

Curtis Martin is one of the most underrated running backs of all time. He played 11 seasons, the first three were with the rival Patriots, but the last eight years for Martin were in a Jets uniform.

Martin was the definition of a workhorse running back. Six of the eight years Martin was with the Jets, he finished with at least 300 carries. He also led the NFL in rushing yards in 2004. During his Jets career, he played at least 15 games in seven of his eight-year Jets career. The only time he did not was during his final season with New York, when he went down with a career-ending knee injury at the age of 32. 

When Martin retired, he was the fourth leading rusher in the NFL of all time, which is extremely impressive. He was voted into five Pro Bowls during his career, a First-team All-Pro in 2004, and a Second-team All-Pro twice. Unfortunately for the Jets and Martin, he could never lead the Jets to a Super Bowl appearance. That could be one of the main reasons he is not talked enough about being one of the best running backs of all time.

#1. Darrelle Revis, CB

Darrelle Revis checks in as the number one guy on this list of greatest players in New York Jets’ history. When Revis was on the field, “Revis Island” was off-limits to opposing wide receivers and quarterbacks.

There were times in Revis’ career when he was shutting down some of the best wide receivers this league has ever seen. The first five-year run from Revis in 2007-2012 with the Jets was something special. During that five-year span, he was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. Revis was a huge reason why the Jets made it to two AFC Championship games during his Jets career.

Revis is considered one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time and was elected to the NFL 2010s All-Decade team. Revis could not get the Jets over the hump, but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was winning the Super Bowl as a part of the New England Patriots. Even though he could not get the Jets a championship, Revis is still the best player to ever suit up in Jets green.