Mark Gastineau Confronts Brett Favre Over Controversial NFL Sack Record
Former New York Jets pass rusher Mark Gastineau recently confronted Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre over the infamous sack record incident that has left a lasting grudge. The exchange, captured in a teaser for ESPN’s upcoming 30 for 30 documentary The New York Sack Exchange, revealed the emotional toll the controversy has had on Gastineau.
In 1984, Gastineau set the NFL record for most sacks in a single season with 22. However, in the final moments of the 2001 season, Michael Strahan of the New York Giants surpassed Gastineau’s record with a controversial 22.5 sacks. During that game, Favre, then quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, appeared to slide to the ground as Strahan approached, leading many to speculate that Favre intentionally allowed the sack to help Strahan break the record.
At a 2023 memorabilia show, Gastineau addressed Favre directly: “When you fell down for [Strahan], you hurt me. I’m going to get my sack back.” The emotional confrontation saw Gastineau repeatedly express his frustration, with Favre responding calmly before being escorted away.
Favre later addressed the incident, acknowledging that his actions may have unintentionally hurt Gastineau’s legacy. In a statement, Favre explained his mindset at the time: “I wasn’t thinking about hurting Gastineau. Maybe it crossed my mind to help Strahan. I didn’t think it through.” Favre also expressed hope that Gastineau would one day join him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognizing the former Jets star’s significant contributions to the game.
Gastineau, who played his entire NFL career with the Jets, remains one of the league’s most impactful defensive players. With 107.5 career sacks, he was a four-time first-team All-Pro and the 1982 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
In 2021, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt tied Strahan’s record, adding another layer to the history of the NFL’s sack leaders. Despite the controversy, both Favre and Gastineau hope the spotlight on their exchange will highlight Gastineau’s greatness and strengthen his case for enshrinement in Canton.
