Countdown to Camp: 59
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 59
Number 59 hasn't been used, other than in preseason, for some time now. The team may have it earmarked to be retired in honor of Kyle Clifton, an apparent Woody Johnson favorite. However, it's currently allocated to undrafted rookie linebacker Frankie Luvu. If he makes the roster, Luvu will probably change to another number.
The Greatest
As Clifton joined the Jets in 1984 and was with the team for 13 seasons, not many other players have worn the number 59, so he's easily the best. He led the Jets in tackles several times, intercepted 12 passes and recovered 15 fumbles in his career.
Here's Clifton forcing a fumble in 1986:
The other 59's
Bob Martin, Rob Spicer, Robbie Felix...
The birth of a franchise
The AFL and the New York franchise that would become the Jets four years later were both formed in 1959. Harry Wismer was the team's first owner as they began life as the Titans of New York.
59-yards to the house
Here's some shockingly bad tackling, allowing Taiwan Jones to take it 59 yards for a score a few years ago:
On a lighter note, here's Ken O'Brien to Al Toon for 59 yards against the Falcons in 1986:
Let us know if there's any connections to 59 that we missed...