New York Jets Saddened By Death Of Former Franchise Great
10/09/2024 04:57 PM
Former New York Jets defensive lineman Abdul Salaam died Wednesday at age 71.
A member of the decorated "Sack Exchange," Salaam played 85 games with the Jets from 1976 to 1983. His former team and teammates mourned his loss.
"Sending our love to the family & friends of Abdul Salaam," the Jets wrote Wednesday on social media.
The team also published an obituary with quotes from fellow Sack Exchange member Marty Lyons. He called his former teammate a "bigger than life" figure who commanded everyone's attention when he spoke.
"His name says it all: soldier of peace. That's what he did. If there were any conflicts with the four of us, he was always that mediator who came in and resolved the problems," Lyons said. ".... I think we're all hurting today. We didn't just lose a teammate, we lost a friend."
Salaam, formerly named Larry Faulk, joined the Jets as a seventh-round pick out of Fresno State. The NFL didn't begin officially counting sacks until 1982, but Pro Football Reference credits him for seven sacks in 1981.
He was a pivotal member of the 1982 team that made the AFC Championship Game after ranking sixth in yards allowed.
Mark Gastineau played his first five seasons alongside Salaam. The All-Pro lineman fondly remembered the defensive tackle.
"I feel like I lost my best friend," Gastineau told ESPN's Rich Cimini. "If it wasn't for Abdul, I wouldn't have made it. He helped me through everything."
Our condolences go out to Salaam's friends and family for their loss.
Related: Former New York Jets Great Died Tuesday At 71 Years Old
