Joe Klecko

In the 1980s, few defensive lines caused as much havoc for opposing teams in the National Football League as the “New York Sack Exchange” of the New York Jets. Joe Klecko demonstrated the strength, quickness, and versatility to play end, tackle, and nose during an impressive 12-year career in the NFL.

Klecko is the only player in NFL history selected to the Pro Bowl at all three positions across the defensive line. He was notably a 4-time Pro Bowl selectee (1981, 1983-1985) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Selected in the sixth round of the 1977 NFL Draft after a prominent collegiate career at Temple University, Klecko made an immediate impact in the pros. He recorded eight sacks – a team record for a rookie. His best season statistically came in 1981 when he totaled a league-high 20.5 sacks as the Sack Exchange dropped opposing quarterbacks 66 times. This outstanding performance earned him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1981.

When his time with the Jets culminated 10 years later, Klecko held team records for most games played on the defensive line (140) and most consecutive games with a full sack (10, in 1977-78). In 2004, his jersey number, 73, was retired by the New York Jets.

Klecko ruptured the patella tendon in his right knee in the second game of the 1982 season, but he returned for the playoffs, helping the Jets to a pair of victories before the team lost to the Dolphins 14-0 in the AFC Championship Game. After 11 seasons with the Jets, Klecko played one year with the Indianapolis Colts. He retired with 78 career sacks in 155 games.

Recognized for his contributions, Klecko was inducted into the New York Jets Ring of Honor in 2010 and named to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2016.

Stepping out of the field, Klecko transitioned into the world of film and television. He appeared in cameo roles in the films "Smokey and the Bandit," "Smokey and the Bandit II," "Cannonball Run," and "Heat." Not limiting himself to acting, he also serves as an analyst on the New York Jets' post-game show on SportsNet New York since September 2010.

In addition to his works in sports and entertainment, Joe Klecko serves as a representative for various construction companies and sells metal stairs in the Tri-State Area. He is also a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ and shares his experiences on topics of manhood and faith, having been a guest on the EWTN show "Life On The Rock" and on "Blessed2Play".