During the peak of his storied nine-year career, he earned $800,000 annually, but the AP reported that he lost all of his assets in 1991 during a contentious divorce battle with his first wife, Lisa Gastineau (star of the 2005 reality show, “Gastineau Girls”). They currently live on Gastineau’s NFL pension and money from appearances and autograph signings. I just think ‘Are we going to lose our home?’” says Jo Ann. “Can you imagine, somebody like myself, a football player, a big bad guy, getting raped at that age? A look back at the career of Matt Snell. Joe Klecko was one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during his career in the 1970s and 80s. They speak a few times a week. Gastineau, who declined to go into detail about the abuse or his abuser, says he will be writing more about the ordeal in his memoir, which he is currently working on with a ghostwriter. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Gastineau wants to help people by speaking of his own battles. DeLamielleure said Klecko was as good as two of the top defensive linemen in history. Their spare bedroom, which is decorated with Jets memorabilia, is dubbed “Connie’s Room” and she stays with the pair when she visits from Florida. Thanks for contacting us. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. What should I be doing besides praying and asking for a miracle.”. Joe DeLamielleure, a six-time All-Pro selection who was inducted into the Hall in 2003, was a tenacious run blocker who rarely yielded ground in pass protection while playing with the Bills and the Browns. Your California Privacy Rights For years they have been fighting to keep their modest two-bedroom, two-bathroom home in an over-55 community, which they have owned since 2003. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. “I look around and I think, should I be packing this stuff up? Sitemap Your Ad Choices “I have been loved. Klecko was drafted by the New York Jets in the sixth round (144th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft. I think I have about two or three purposes now. And he said team owner Christopher Johnson has been a “great support.”, “Mark realizes, like all of us, that we’re closer to the end than the beginning,” Lyons told ESPN. He says it started when he was only 11. JOE KLECKO, the former Jets All-Pro defensive lineman, has been sentenced to three months in prison for lying to a Federal grand jury that investigated false insurance claims. Joe Klecko, Actor: The Cannonball Run. A look back at the career of Emerson Boozer. Taking on the tough 2-1 Los Angeles Rams at Shea Stadium, the Joe Walton-led 1-2 Jets squad needed a victory. Joe Klecko Highlights NOW PLAYING video Throwback: Jets vs. Giants Highlights Through the Years See Some of the Top Plays in the Matchups Between the Cross-Town Rivals. He is going to give me a grandson,” said Gastineau. (His cancer care isn’t covered). “I might as well get used to talking about this. “But I held it in for so long. The pair connected 10 years ago, but lost touch. Temple Owls; New York Jets; Hall of Fame credentials; Personal life; References; Temple Owls. SAD OCCASION: Joe Klecko appears to be holding back the tears in Jets' lockerroom. Buy from many sellers and get your cards all in one shipment! “But don’t follow my life off the field when I was playing.”. Maybe cancer has made me confront it.”. We've received your submission. Joe Klecko : biography October 15, 1953 – Joseph Edward Klecko (born October 15, 1953) is a former American football player as a defensive lineman best remembered for his days as a member of the New York Jets’ famed "New York Sack Exchange." His latest health ordeal has made him more reflective about a colorful life that saw him go from Southwest farmboy to the toast of the Big Apple, where he became a cornerstone of the Jets franchise and an NFL lightning rod. Gastineau, a five-time Pro Bowler and former member of the fabled “New York Sack Exchange,” doesn’t blame any of his serious off-field troubles — which included convictions for drugs and beating his ex-wife — on the trauma he experienced as a boy. 1978-81 - *DL Joe Klecko said he took steroids in offseason for strong-man contests, according to book by Charles Yesalis. Joe Klecko was a DE, DT … At the suggestion of Pastor Conlon, the couple created a GoFundMe to help with both home and medical bills. highlights Create Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. A look back at the career of Kyle Clifton. “I don’t know where he is and I don’t want to know.”. I am sure people will be shocked,” he says. 64,103, This story has been shared 60,924 times. “If my mom were alive, this story would never be out there,” he says. Gastineau, who once held the NFL record for most sacks in a season, is no stranger to money issues. Jets highlights would be rare so far in... Read the full article . The NFL concussion lawsuit was class action, so they contacted us and said, ‘You are part of it, so get tested’,” said Jo Ann. The former gridiron star, who was convicted of assault in 1984 and for drug possession in 1993, had a history of abusing speed and painkillers. Klecko was stung by the news because he was a good friend of the late Mike Webster, the former Steelers great whose tragic story was captured in the movie "Concussion." It’s incredible,” says Jo Ann. Rookie cards, autographs and more. A look back at the career of George Sauer. Joe Klecko (born October 15, 1953 in Chester, Pennsylvania) is a former American football player, of Polish descent, best remembered for his days as Defensive Lineman; a member of the New York Jets' famed 'New York Sack Exchange.' This story has been shared 64,103 times. “He’s been humbled and he’s thankful. But even before that Klecko dominated the NFL landscape. Joe Klecko: Pos: DT-NT-DE, Career: 155 G, 2xAll-Pro(1st), 4xProBowl, Jets/Colts 1977-1988, born PA 1953 Due to COVID-19, shipping is delayed. A look back at the career of Mo Lewis. “But I held it in for so long.”. I don’t expect a penny from the NFL. November 9, 2019 | 12:20pm | Updated November 9, 2019 | 8:59pm. Glue as I do: Salon owner admits he’s been using Gorilla Glue on clients... 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All Rights Reserved, 'Cheapened': Mark Gastineau wants sack record back from Michael Strahan, The Post dives in and ranks the best all-time Giants and Jets, Mark Gastineau's ex-wife mocks his dementia: 'It's karma', Jets great breaks down pleading with Goodell for dementia help, Best Presidents Day sales 2021: 32 huge deals from top brands, Nordstrom Rack takes up to 75% off clearance items for Clear The Rack sale, Best Presidents Day furniture sales 2021: 16 deals on beds, couches, more, Sephora takes 50 percent off top beauty products for Presidents Day sale, These highly rated gadgets are an extra 15 percent off for Presidents Day, Random act of kindness brings woman to tears, 'Bridgerton' star Regé-Jean Page snapped embracing mystery woman before flight. And then there are old teammates, like Marty Lyons, who was the first to call Mark in the hospital. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam and Gastineau led a tough defense during those early-1980s teams. And they needed help. 35,497, © 2021 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved One of the benefits of COMC is you can ship your items at once at a later date. Gastineau had suffered headaches, but they never expected such a devastating diagnosis because he wasn’t exhibiting any of the typical symptoms. He said he is going public for the first time to raise awareness about sexual abuse and to stress that parents need to be cautious about who they bring into their children’s lives. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. She says they have at most 24 months in the home before the bank takes it. He has a long battle in front of him, but the one thing he has now that he didn’t have before is his faith.”. “I was raped,” Gastineau reveals almost matter of factly. Duhe the year prior, the New York Sack Exchange was never stronger. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. “I would never, never be telling this story because it would kill her. After a year-long battle with Stage 3 colon cancer in which he endured surgery, months of exhausting chemotherapy and weeks of daily radiation, New York Jets great Mark Gastineau has finally emerged cancer-free. “God blessed me with a short memory.”. Feeling the pain of A.J. Any medical care related to his neurological issues is covered by the NFL under the league’s 88 Plan. In addition to his battle with cancer, the death last year of his beloved mother, Lou, just two days before his colon surgery, liberated him to talk about this harrowing part of his childhood. “The last thing I want to do is speak to someone about my personal life. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. Joe Klecko was one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL during his career in the 1970s and 80s. So far, they have raised $33,328 of their $75,000 goal. Expand Set Name Card Nbr Card Description Total Qty Low Price; 1978 Topps Base Set: 287: Joe Klecko 19: $0.18 It’s the tale of a couple of linemen, both of whom rose from low draft choices to NFL stardom. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. Personal life Klecko and his wife, Debbie, […] I just want to get through that. Maybe he didn’t say ‘thank you’ to enough people along the way, but it’s not too late. Joseph Edward Klecko (born October 15, 1953) is a former American football player as a defensive lineman best remembered for his days as a member of the New York Jets' famed "New York Sack Exchange." Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam and Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets also known as "The Sack Exchange" pose of the floor of the New York... Football New York Jets vs New England Patriots at Giant Stadium. But with mounting medical bills they found themselves drowning. In 2017, her husband announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons, dementia and Alzheimers. 43,115, This story has been shared 35,497 times. The NFL Network Looks Back at the Super Bowl III Champions, We Remember the Contributions of a Jets Legend, The Backfield Duo Will Be Officially Inducted in November. He is an actor, known for Patricia Moore (2018), Nowhere Boys (2013) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). From 1977-1981, Joe Klecko racked up 51.5 sacks which on top of his previous stats gives him a whopping 75.5 sacks for his career. A look back at the career of Rich Caster. Use me as an example,” Gastineau says of his battle with cancer and childhood trauma. 51,506, This story has been shared 43,115 times. He takes care of me.”. Abdul Salaam and Joe Klecko — who, with Lyons, were the other three members of the “Sack Exchange” — and Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer frequently check in … She had him and went to Milan,” Gastineau recalls. And there are the messages from those who have donated to their fund. Privacy Notice And he’s particularly proud of the relationship he has forged this year with his 29-year-old son, Marcus, whom he shares with former girlfriend Brigitte Nielsen. Joe Klecko retired after the 1988 season, aged 35. I don’t like putting this out there. He is of Polish descent. He’s quick to crack a joke and laughs frequently. Joe Klocek was born on June 24, 1995 in Brisbane, Australia. Long before today’s constant, contrived on-field celebrations, Gastineau’s exuberant, never-before-seen “sack dances” ignited the fans — and a national debate on sportsmanship. This will not be a fluff-piece, solely focusing on his positives and highlights, as we wanted to give an unbiased view as much as possible in order to reach a justifiable conclusion in terms of his abilities and achievements. He was a graduate of Temple University, alma mater of Muhammad Wilkerson, … I would see players in wheelchairs. “It’s to the point where we don’t know what to do.”. Gastineau in 1998 pleaded guilty to assaulting then-wife Patricia. Joe Klecko: Adam Gase Is a Quarterback Guru Jets Legend Speaks with Team Reporter Olivia Landis About New Head Coach Adam Gase. Joe Klecko Football cards. Joe Klecko (born October 15, 1953, in Chester, Pennsylvania) is a former American football player, of Polish descent, best remembered for his days as a defensive lineman, a member of the New York Jets' famed "New York Sack Exchange." Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. 1970s - DB Chris Farasopoulos said he … Gastineau’s cancer diagnosis may have helped him exorcise old demons, but it has also put him and Jo Ann, 58, in a precarious financial situation. They now speak frequently and Marcus — a 6-foot-6 blonde — visited them with his fiance Fabiana in September. “His hands are big, everything is like me. Klecko earned NFL All-Pro honors at an unprecedented three posistions - Defensive End, Defensive Tackle and Nose Guard. Get easy flat rate shipping on a full line of Jets Joe Klecko football jerseys featuring Nike Game, Limited, Eilte and Alternate uniforms. They are hoping to move to the United States full time in April, a prospect that makes the Gastineaus giddy. He tells me ‘I love you dad’. A couple of former New York Jets, Joe Klecko and Joe Fields, decided to write a book last year. ‘I care’. “He sends me hearts every day. His abuser was a man from Mexico who worked on the family’s 80-acre ranch in the White Mountains of Arizona. Was always considered one of the strongest men in the NFL during his playing days. Contents. “People will say two words. Like many primary caretakers, Jo Ann is overwhelmed both physically and emotionally. “I am with him every day so you don’t always notice everything.”, And though they are approved to receive compensation through the NFL Concussion Settlement, they have yet to receive any money. Joe Klecko (born October 15, 1953, in Chester, Pennsylvania) is a former American football player, of Polish descent, best remembered for his days as a defensive lineman, a member of the New York Jets' famed "New York Sack Exchange.". My concern is the other treatments.”. 60,924, This story has been shared 51,506 times. According to Jo Ann, Marcus’ mother revealed to him that his biological dad was Mark Gastineau when the youngster was 10. His relationship with daughter Brittny from his first marriage has long been rocky, but they do speak. A look back at the career of Mickey Shuler. Shop COMC's extensive selection of joe klecko new york jets football cards. My dad still has a hard time believing it.”, He told his father only last year, and he has no intention of confronting his abuser. He is of Polish descent. “I want people to know about cancer, and I want them to know they need to get tested,” Gastineau says  “I am weak. Klecko was selected in the sixth round by the Jets in 1977. “I didn’t think about it” for years, he said of being abused himself. He is far from the snarling sack machine he was in his prime. The tome will be published with the help of his pastor, Carter Conlon of Times Square Church, where the now devout Christian has worshiped for close to two decades and where the Gastineaus were members of the choir for seven years. He says the abuse lasted until he was 14, and he buried the horrific memories until he met his third wife, Jo Ann, whom he married 12 years ago. “Our plate got full,” Gastineau says. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Your California Privacy Rights Jets legend Joe Klecko has his best chance at Hall of Fame in 2020 . Get your Joe Klecko Color Rush jersey from Jets Shop just in time for kickoff, featuring throwbacks, home and away and styles for men, women and kids fans. I don’t have the strength to hardly come to the door. Joe Klocek, Actor: Patricia Moore. Going into Super Bowl III Against the Baltimore Colts, Joe Namath Made a Guarantee: His Jets Would Pull off the Greatest Upset in the History of Football. I love him. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! We didn’t get involved because he was okay. Today Joe travels the united states giving a timeless message on faith, sports and what it takes to be a champion for God. He and Jo Ann were in contact with her to wish her a happy birthday last week. NOW PLAYING ... On the 10th anniversary of 2011, watch highlights of the Green & White's comeback victory over Dallas at MetLife Stadium. Jo Ann — who retired from working in real estate sales and is now her’s husband’s full-time caretaker — set up the crowdfunding page in May. Now operates a health club/gym in … Joe Klecko. “Three years before the cancer, the NFL was going through the concussion stuff. “We are now just focused on the cancer, and we are working on neurological appointments. Jets X-Factor brings New York Jets fans the best Joe Klecko news, stats, highlights, rumors, rankings, analytics, film breakdowns, photos and more. Now it is time to free himself of other burdens. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. “Sometimes it could be his memory but my memory goes too,” says Jo Ann. Abdul Salaam and Joe Klecko — who, with Lyons, were the other three members of the “Sack Exchange” — and  Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer frequently check in on him. Originally aired in Jets Flight Plan on WCBS2-HD. “I didn’t even think about it until I married her and I could trust someone to tell,” he says, sitting across from Jo Ann in the living room of their suburban home, just outside of Trenton. I want to reach people so they don’t have to go through what I’ve gone through.”. Joe Klecko hands down needs to be in the Hall of Fame." Despite eight sacks by Klecko, his team went only 3-11 his first season. Shop only authentic Joe Klecko Jerseys at Jets Store. He was ultimately sentenced to serve 18 months at Rikers Island for the attack, but was let out after three months and placed in a drug-treatment program. Joe Klecko, the only defensive player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl at 3 different positions (DE, DT, NT), was waived/failed physical after the club recommended that he retire. A look back at the career of Marvin Jones. He scared me to death,” says Gastineau, recalling being “passive” and afraid of his own shadow as a kid. The couple has been buoyed by the love from old friends, like Connie Nicholas Carberg, the Jets scouting assistant who is responsible for Gang Green bringing Gastineau to New York. See Some of the Top Plays in the Matchups Between the Cross-Town Rivals, Take a Look Back at the Moment When the Jets Became World Champions, Current Players Talk About the All-Time Great Running Back, Jets Center Retires from Football After 11 Years with the Jets, Highlights of the Jets' 16-7 Victory Over the Colts on January 12, 1969, Former Jets RB Talking about His Journey to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Former Jets Running Back Is Headed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Remembering the Ring of Honor Member and His Time with the Jets Organization, Look Back at One of LT's Greatest Speeches as a Jet, NFL Films Relives the Memorable Victory Over the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. “When [Brigitte] had him, we weren’t married. We just don’t know what else to do. As he approaches his 63rd birthday later this month, he is unpacking emotional baggage, not gridiron memories. “I really need people to watch what goes on around their kids.”, Echoed Jo Ann: “If something like that can happen to a football player, you really need to pay close attention to what goes on and who is around your kids.”. “You would never believe I was going to grow up to be a football player.”. Terms of Use Its been over a decade and Joe Klecko has yet to have his name officially mentioned with the greats in the Hall of Fame.