Abdul Salaam, member of famous Jets' 'New York Sack Exchange', dies at 71

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: New York Jets legend Abdul Salaam died at the age of 71.

The former defensive tackle, who was part of the famous New York Sack Exchange in the early 80s, died on Tuesday, October 8.

Teammates pay tribute to Abdul Salaam

The news of Abdul Salaam's death was confirmed by his wife Debbie. She revealed that the NFL star suffered from multiple health complications. 

"I feel like I lost my best friend. If it wasn't for Abdul, I wouldn't have made it. He helped me through everything," remembered teammate Mark Gastineau. 

Marty Lyon also paid his tribute to Salaam. "He was well-respected in the locker room, loved by his teammates. His name said it all: Solider of Peace. He was so soft-spoken, but he was a big part of what we accomplished," he told ESPN. 

The outlet shared that Salaam used a wheelchair for the past few years and battled diabetes.

Talking to the New York Jets’ website in 2019 about his glory days of 1969, he said, “We made the adjustments and learned very quickly. That's why we were successful. I went from defensive end to tackle and he had some great help in bringing Marty and Mark in.”

Fans remember NFL legend Abdul Salaam after his death 

Fans remembered the legendary player after his death at 71. A user shared on X, "So incredibly sad, I loved watching him play with the Sack Exchange. When I heard the news, I was hoping you would put a video up of him, thank you so much for doing that."

"Abdul was the force in the middle. Without him the sack exchange doesn’t work," another remembered. 

"The Sack Exchange disrupted the Securities of other Quarterbacks," a user chimed.

One expressed, "This is extremely sad news that Abdul Salaam has passed away. Deepest condolences to his family and friends and thank you Abdul for so many great memories. #JetUp #RIPAbdulSaalam."

A fan wrote on social media, "Another part of my childhood is gone. Rest in Peace, #74 Abdul Salaam. Thanks for all the great memories and for being the steady and quiet anchor of the vaunted Sack Exchange! #SoldierOfPeace #Jets #NFL"

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