Countdown to Camp: 74
As we look ahead to training camp in late July, we're going to take a daily retrospective look back at some random people, moments and games from Jets history...
The Current 74
The last person to wear number 74 was, and will likely remain as Nick Mangold. The seven-time pro bowler signed a one-day contract with the Jets last month to announce his retirement. He is likely to be in the ring of honor and get his number retired within the next few years.
The Greatest
Of course Mangold is the greatest player to wear #74 as well. Here's a reminder of what he could do:
The other 74's
Abdul Salaam, Ryan Young, Erik Howard...
The '74 season
This season ended on a high as the Jets won their last six in a row. Unfortunately, they had been 1-7 before the winning streak began with an overtime win over the Giants on Emerson Boozer's touchdown catch.
With Joe Namath throwing 20 touchdown passes, Rich Caster went to the pro bowl after leading the Jets with 745 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. Boozer and John Riggins led the running attack, combining for over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns.
New head coach Charley Winner would head into 1975 with optimism following the strong finish, but unfortunately that would prove unfounded.
With the 74th pick...
The Jets made a great pick in 1988 when they acquired cover corner James Hasty. In seven years as a Jet, Hasty picked off multiple passes each year and is tied for fourth in team history with 24 interceptions. He went to two pro bowls, but not until he left the Jets to play for Kansas City.
Here's Hasty at his best, with an interception that set up the winning score in a 40-33 win in Miami:
Let us know if there's any connections to 74 that we missed...