Joe Klecko Biography

Joe Klecko, born October 15, 1953, played 12 seasons in the NFL as a defensive tackle, primarily with the New York Jets. He played college football for the Temple Owls and was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 1977 NFL draft. Klecko was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1981 after leading the league in sacks. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors during his career. Klecko played high school football at St. James Catholic High School for Boys in Chester under coach Joe Logue. He led the Temple Owls in tackles during his final three seasons, including 1974 and 1976, and received All-American mention as a junior and senior. Klecko appeared in only two regular season games for the Jets in 1982, suffering a patella tendon rupture in the second game against the New England Patriots.