New Hall of Fame rules could help Jets legend Joe Klecko

One of the best players in Jets’ history has a better shot at making the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Joe Klecko, who wasn’t nominated for the 2022 Hall of Fame class, could get three more chances to be nominated over each of the next three election cycles after the Hall’s Board of Trustees approved a selection rule change. Hall of Fame voters will now be allowed to consider three Senior finalists whose seasons ended at least 25 years ago for the next three election cycles instead of the typical one.

Last year, Klecko lost the nomination to Raiders receiver Cliff Branch.

This doesn’t mean that the Hall of Fame will induct three Senior finalists every year. Senior nominees still need a minimum of 80 percent of the vote to be elected. But, it does mean that the selection committee will look at three candidates, which significantly increases Klecko’s odds of making it to the final round of nominations.

Klecko played 11 years with the Jets from 1977-1987. He established the New York Sack Exchange with Mark Gastineau, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam. Klecko made four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during his career, and his 78 unofficial sacks rank second all-time in franchise history (sacks weren’t an official stat until 1982).

If Klecko were to eventually make the Hall of Fame, he would become the 19th player who’s spent time with the Jets to be enshrined. He’ll have to wait until next year’s election cycle for another shot, though.