Honoring Abdul Salaam: Former New York Jets Defensive Tackle and Sack Exchange Member Passes Away at 71

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

Abdul Salaam, a former defensive tackle for the New York Jets and an integral part of the famous New York Sack Exchange in the early 1980s, has died at 71 after facing health challenges.

From 1976 to 1983, Salaam played for the Jets, where he became known as a powerful run-stopper on their strong four-man defensive line. While Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, and Marty Lyons often received more attention, Salaam was viewed as a steady and quiet influence.

Gastineau expressed his deep sorrow, acknowledging that Salaam was vital to his own football journey. Originally from Ohio, Salaam attended high school there and played college football at Kent State. He was born Larry Faulk but later adopted the name Abdul Salaam, which translates to "Soldier of Peace."

In the locker room, Salaam was admired, earning both respect and affection from his fellow players. His soft-spoken nature masked his significant impact on the team's success.

This summer, Salaam, along with Gastineau, Klecko, and Lyons, gathered to record an interview for an upcoming ESPN 30 for 30 documentary. In 1981, they had marked the height of the Sack Exchange's fame by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

In his later years, Salaam was traded to the San Diego Chargers but did not play for them. He participated in 97 games with the Jets, achieving 21 sacks. More recently, he had been confined to a wheelchair due to diabetes.

The details of Salaam's funeral are still being arranged.

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