The New York Jets are mourning the loss of a key figure in their storied past, as former defensive tackle Abdul Salaam, a member of the famed "New York Sack Exchange," passed away at age 71, per ESPN. Known for his quiet leadership and fierce play, Salaam had been dealing with multiple health issues, including diabetes, according to his family.
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Salaam, who played eight seasons for the Jets from 1976 to 1983, was part of one of the NFL's most feared defensive lines, alongside Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, and Marty Lyons. That group helped define the early 1980s Jets defense, earning the nickname "New York Sack Exchange" for their relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Jets found their defensive groove in 1981, racking up a league-high 66 sacks and making a deep playoff run. That's when the Sack Exchange moniker truly took off, culminating in the group ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange. It was symbolic of the dominant way they wreaked havoc on the field.
Drafted in the seventh round out of Kent State in 1976, Salaam — originally known as Larry Falk — changed his name a year later, choosing one that reflected his identity: "soldier of peace." A humble but impactful presence, he quickly worked his way into a starting role, becoming a crucial piece in the Jets' defensive machine.
Salaam's former teammates have been quick to express their admiration. Lyons called him "soft-spoken but vital to what we accomplished." Gastineau, meanwhile, credited Salaam for helping him reach the Hall of Fame: "If it wasn't for Abdul, I wouldn't have made it. He helped me through everything."
Salaam appeared in 97 career games and recorded 21 sacks. But his legacy isn't measured solely in stats. It's measured by the respect he earned from his teammates and the pivotal role he played during the Jets' resurgence in the early '80s. A quiet leader, a fierce competitor, and, as Lyons aptly put it, a "soldier of peace," Abdul Salaam's impact on the game and his teammates will not be forgotten.
