Former Former Jets All-Pro defensive lineman Joe Klecko is among 24 seniors, coaches and contributors selected as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
Specifically, Klecko is selected as one of the 12 finalists to be enshrined in the senior category. The 12-person Seniors Committee will meet Aug. 16, and each committee member will present one finalist.
Klecko made the final cut in 2021, but he missed out in the end to wide receiver Cliff Branch.
The Hall of Fame plans to induct three senior candidates this year.
A noted run stopper, Klecko had 78 career sacks, 20 of them coming in one season in 1981. He finished second for Defensive Player of the Year behind Lawrence Taylor.
Klecko played a decade for the Green & White from 1977 to 1987. He rounded out his career in 1988 with the Indianapolis Colts.
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