Mark Gastineau
N.F.L. All-Pro.
Chosen out of East Central Oklahoma University by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1979 NFL draft, Gastineau became one of the most feared defensive ends of the early 1980s, teaming with Joe Klecko to lead a line nicknamed the "New York Sack Exchange." He was named A.F.C. defensive player of the year in 1984. Gastineau fell out of favor with his teammates in 1987 when he was pelted with eggs while crossing the players' association picket line during a mid-season strike. He abruptly announced his retirement during the 1988 season, saying he wanted to offer support to his woman-friend, model/actress Brigitte Nielsen, who had contracted cancer. Gastineau has had a series of run-ins with the police since his retirement. [Interesting Superstars personal note: I taught Gastineau's daughter Brittany in math class in 1998].
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1982 Preliminary 4 |
5 |
26 1/2 |
$2,650 |
Swimming, Weight Lifting |
| 1982 Final |
3 |
32 |
$19,600 |
Weight Lifting, Rowing |
| 1982 Worlds |
3 |
27 |
$15,600 |
Weight Lifting |
| 1982 Monday Night Football Superstars |
2 |
31 |
$15,600 |
Weight Lifting, Rowing |
| 1985 Preliminary 2 |
2 |
41 |
$11,600 |
Swimming, Weight Lifting, Golf |
| 1985 Final |
1 |
41 |
$19,100 |
Weight Lifting, Rowing, Golf |
| 1986 Preliminary 2 |
3 |
35 |
$6,000 |
Swimming, Weight Lifting, Rowing |
| 1986 Final |
4 |
25 |
$2,500 |
Rowing |
| 1987 Preliminary 2 |
3 |
31 |
$5,600 |
Weight Lifting, Rowing |
| 1987 Final |
3 |
35 |
$8,500 |
Weight Lifting, Rowing |
| TOTALS |
324 1/2 |
$106,750 |
21 |