Mark Gastineau: From High School Rodeo to NFL Sack King
Marcus Dell "Mark" Gastineau, born on November 20, 1956, is a former American professional football player whose career as a defensive end for the New York Jets left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL). Gastineau's journey to NFL stardom began far from the gridiron, encompassing rodeo rings and small-town football fields.
Early Life and High School Years
Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Gastineau's family moved to Springerville, Arizona, when he was seven years old. His parents, Ernie and Lou Gastineau, owned a ranch where Mark developed a passion for team roping. Ernie even built his son a rodeo ring, and Mark began entering team-roping events at 12. Mark also had another passion for collecting Native American artifacts in Arizona's White Mountains.
At Round Valley High School, Gastineau initially needed encouragement from his father to play football. Despite showing promise, he didn't attract the attention of major college programs.
College Career: A Foundation for NFL Success
Gastineau's college career began at Eastern Arizona Junior College in 1975, where he earned All-America honors in his first season. He then transferred to Arizona State University for a single season before settling at East Central Oklahoma State University (now East Central University) in Ada, Oklahoma. Gastineau accumulated 27 sacks during his college career. He was also named the Outstanding Defensive Lineman for the North team in the 1979 Senior Bowl.
NFL Career with the New York Jets
Drafted into the NFL
Gastineau's performance at East Central garnered the attention of NFL scouts, and he became ECU's first-ever draft pick when the New York Jets selected him in the second round of the 1979 NFL draft. Connie Carberg, the first female NFL scout in history, played a crucial role in the Jets' discovery of Gastineau. When the team, coaching in the Senior Bowl, needed a replacement defensive lineman due to a vacancy, Carberg suggested Gastineau based on a phone conversation with him.
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Rise to Prominence: The "New York Sack Exchange"
Gastineau quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the Jets' defensive line. He became a key member of the famed "New York Sack Exchange," alongside Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam. The quartet's relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks transformed the Jets' defense and propelled the team to their first playoff appearance since 1969.
In 1981, the "Sack Exchange" combined for 66 sacks, with Gastineau unofficially credited with 20 (sacks were not yet an official stat). His performance earned him second-team All-Pro honors. In November 1981, he and his teammates were invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Defensive Player of the Year and Sack Leader
The 1982 season saw Gastineau emerge as the leader of the "Sack Exchange" after Joe Klecko suffered a season-ending injury. Despite facing frequent double-teams, Gastineau recorded six sacks and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA), receiving the George Halas Trophy.
Gastineau's dominance continued in 1983, as he led the NFL in sacks for the first time. However, his signature "Sack Dance," a celebratory jig performed after sacking a quarterback, drew the ire of the league, which deemed it "unsportsmanlike taunting" and began fining players for it in March 1984. The ban stemmed from a bench-clearing brawl during a game against the Los Angeles Rams in September 1983, triggered by Gastineau's sack of Vince Ferragamo.
Record-Breaking Season and Pro Bowl MVP
Gastineau reached the pinnacle of his career in 1984, setting an NFL record with 22 sacks while also recording 69 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He was voted the UPI AFC Defensive Player of the Year and named MVP of the Pro Bowl after tallying four sacks and a safety.
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Later Seasons and the 1987 Strike
In 1985, a new defensive coordinator, Bud Carson, installed a 3-4 defense, shifting Gastineau from left to right defensive end. Despite a broken hand early in the season, Gastineau finished second in the league with 13.5 sacks, helping the Jets secure a wildcard playoff berth.
The start of the 1986 season saw Gastineau featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated alongside Lawrence Taylor. However, injuries limited him to just two sacks in ten games. He rebounded in the postseason, recording a sack in the Jets' wildcard victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and 2.5 sacks in the divisional-round game against the Cleveland Browns. A late penalty in the Browns game, however, proved costly, helping Cleveland score a touchdown and tie the game.
During the 1987 players' strike, Gastineau was the only Jets regular to cross the picket line immediately, citing his need to pay alimony. This decision strained his relationship with teammates, who had long perceived him as self-centered.
Retirement and Legacy
Gastineau retired abruptly during the 1988 season. He finished his ten-year career with 74 officially recorded sacks. On October 8, 2012, Mark Gastineau was inducted into the New York Jets Ring of Honor.
Life After Football
Boxing Career
In 1991, Gastineau embarked on a career in professional boxing, compiling a record of 15-2-1. His career ended in 1996 with a loss to former football player Alonzo Highsmith.
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Personal Life and Challenges
Gastineau has been married three times. His first wife, Lisa Gastineau, and their daughter Brittny Gastineau, starred in the reality television show "The Gastineau Girls."
Gastineau's life after football has been marked by personal struggles and legal issues. In 1984, he was found guilty of assaulting a patron at Studio 54. In 1991, he was arrested for picking up a package of amphetamine pills at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
Finding Faith and Redemption
After a period of turmoil, Gastineau claimed to have found solace and redemption through his faith in Jesus Christ. He has spoken publicly about his religious conversion and its impact on his life.
Health Challenges
In recent years, Gastineau has faced significant health challenges. In 2016, he was diagnosed with dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, conditions he believes are linked to his football career. In 2019, he revealed that he was battling colon cancer.
Confrontation with Brett Favre and Lawsuit Against ESPN
In 2023, Gastineau confronted Brett Favre at an autograph signing, questioning Favre's alleged "diving" to allow Michael Strahan to break the single-season sack record in 2001. Gastineau subsequently filed a $25 million lawsuit against ESPN over their portrayal of the confrontation.
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