New York Jets Gang Green News, 9/30/17: Kevin Mawae Joins the Ring
New York Jets center Kevin Mawae (68) gives signals for blocking coverage before the snap during the Jets 23-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in the 1998 AFC Championship Game on January 17, 1999 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by dee Welsch/Getty Images)

Not only do the New York Jets have a shot at their second win this Sunday, legend Kevin Mawae will enter the team’s ring of honor.

Nick Mangold is the best center to have ever laced them up for the New York Jets.

Or is he?

Mangold played 11 seasons, missing just four games during his first 10. He made seven Pro Bowl teams and was twice named a First-Team All-Pro (the highest possible honor at the position of center).

Much like the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers have experienced at quarterback, the Jets have at the position of center. Prior to Mangold, a guy named Kevin Mawae held down the fort for eight seasons in East Rutherford and with his release came Mangold (end of 2005 into 2006).

After showcasing league-best talent in Seattle the first four seasons of his career, Bill Parcells snagged him to a rich offensive linemen deal that had many around the league scratching his/her head. He arrived in 1998 and set a tone for one of the Jets greatest seasons of all-time (12-4, AFC East Crown and AFC Championship appearance).

Many didn’t like Mawae. He was considered a locker room lawyer at times, a bully. But what he sacrificed in favor he made up in with leadership and pure heart.

Mawae spearheaded an excellent offensive line that not only protected Vinny Testaverde, but paved the way for hall of famer Curtis Martin (who was also brought in by the Big Tune prior to the ’98 season). For those unaware, it was Mike Tannenbaum who used the “poison pill” in the Martin offer sheet that forced the New England Patriots not to match.

https://twitter.com/KevinMawae/status/913865733125402624

In any event, Mawae clearly took off as a Jet. He was named to six Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro squads.

This Sunday, Mawae will join Weeb Ewbank, Winston Hill, Joe Klecko, Curtis Martin, Don Maynard, Joe Namath (2010 Inaugural Class); Larry Grantham, Freeman McNeil, Gerry Philbin, Al Toon (2011); Mark Gastineau, Wesley Walker (2012); Marty Lyons (2013); Wayne Chrebet, Leon Hess (2014); and Emerson Boozer and Matt Snell (2015) in the New York Jets Ring of Honor.

“We are extremely proud to add Kevin to our Ring of Honor,” said Jets CEO and Chairman Christopher Johnson. “He is very deserving of this recognition and we appreciate everything he’s done for the organization. We are happy to have his name officially etched in Jets history.”

Other Jets News, Stories:

  • Elite Sports NY previews the Jets-Jags game while putting a special emphasis on the home team’s O-line.
  • Former Jets linebacker Erin Henderson is filing a wrongful termination suit against the Jets, via Daniel Popper of New York Daily News.
  • George Willis of the New York Post explains what the mysterious gift is that’s powering Steve McLendon late in his career.
  • Matt Forte is listed as out for Sunday’s contest against the Jags with turf toe, via Rich Cimini of ESPN New York.
Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com