Joe Klecko, who was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 1977 NFL draft, led all rookies that season with eight sacks. He was the first member of what would become one of the most feared defensive front fours in the history of the NFL — the ‘New York Sack Exchange.’ He was the first NFL player to be named to the Pro Bowl at three different positions, and he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1981.
Joe remains one of the most popular Jets of all time. On December 26, 2005, the New York Jets honored him when they retired his jersey, number 73. He became only the third New York Jets player to have his number retired, joining Hall of Fame QB Joe Namath and Hall of Fame WR Don Maynard.
Joe currently works as a representative for several construction and building relating firms, and he is associated with New Jersey’s largest solar company.
