Some of the greatest players in New York Jets franchise history emerged out of the team’s own backyard.

Kids who once spent every weekend watching the Jets play on television would go onto don the Green and White themselves. These players not only suited up for the Jets, but wound up becoming some of the more impactful players in franchise history.

The Jets have had a long history. Not every franchise legend has hailed from the New York and New Jersey areas, but some of them have. Let’s take a look at five of the best local players the Jets have had over the years.

Wayne Chrebet

Any list mentioning New York and New Jersey natives to play for the Jets that does not include wide receiver Wayne Chrebet is incomplete.

Chrebet grew up tiny Garfield, New Jersey. He played for Garfield High School before ascending to FCS Hofstra, where he set several school records tied Jerry Rice’s FCS record for touchdowns in a single game with five.

Chrebet went undrafted out of Hofstra, but caught on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 1995 and remained with the organization until his retirement in 2005. In his 11 seasons with New York, Chrebet caught 580 passes (second in franchise history) for 7,365 yards and 41 touchdowns. He was inducted into the New York Jets Ring of Honor in 2014 and his number has not been issued to any Jets player since his retirement.