Abdul Salaam, a member of the Jets’ famed “New York Sack Exchange” in the 1980s, has died at the age of 71.
Salaam battled diabetes and other health issues, his widow, Debbie, confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
Salaam recorded 21 sacks in 97 career games (85 starts) for the Jets from 1976-83.
He played alongside Mark Gastineau, Hall of Famer Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons to form the Sack Exchange. The four players rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in November 1981.
“I feel like I lost my best friend,” Gastineau told ESPN. “If it wasn’t for Abdul, I wouldn’t have made it. He helped me through everything.”
Salaam was born Larry Faulk and changed his name one year after being drafted in the seventh round by the Jets in 1976. Abdul Salaam translates to “Soldier of Peace.”
“He was well-respected in the locker room, loved by his teammates,” Lyons told ESPN. “His name said it all: Soldier of Peace. He was so soft-spoken, but he was a big part of what we accomplished.”