Free Republic

Former Jets defensive tackle Abdul Salaam, a member of the team’s famous “New York Sack Exchange” defensive line, has died at the age of 71, his wife, Debbie, told ESPN on Wednesday. He had been dealing with multiple health issues, including diabetes, per the report. Salaam played for the Jets for eight seasons from 1976-83 and starred alongside Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons on the Jets’ feared defensive line. The four first became teammates in 1979 and played together for five seasons, with the nickname reportedly first surfacing in 1981.

Jets great Mark Gastineau revealed in a radio interview Thursday with WOR’s Pete McCarthy he has been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The franchise’s all-time sacks leader, known for his colorful demeanor and hard-nosed play, said he believes his health issues are the result of his playing style and that new techniques could have prevented his diagnosis. “When my results came back, you know, I had dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Gastineau told McCarthy.