History of The New York Jets

September 6, Passing Fancy
After a strong showing in the Jets' 5-0 preseason, Browning Nagle took over the offensive controls and threw for 366 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening 20-17 loss at Atlanta. The yardage total was the second-highest at the time by a QB making his first NFL start.

November 27, Toon Out
After suffering a severe concussion in Game 9 at Denver, WR Al Toon announced his retirement. Toon left the game with a club-record 101-game pass-catching streak.

November 29, Horrific Collision
DE Dennis Byrd was partially paralyzed in a freak collision with teammate Scott Mersereau in the third quarter of the Jets' 23-7 Game 12 loss vs. Kansas City. Byrd had spinal surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital (Dec. 3), then was moved to Mount Sinai Medical Center to begin his rehabilitation (Dec. 9)

December 6, Slumpbusters
Inspired by Byrd, the Jets defeated the AFC East-leading Bills, 24-17, in Buffalo. SS Brian Washington sealed the upset with a fourth-quarter interception of Jim Kelly that he returned for the winning TD.

December 20, Significant Honor
The Jets honored Byrd with the Most Inspirational Player Award, which the next year was renamed the Dennis Byrd Award and has been presented annually to the Jets' "Most Inspirational Player" as voted by the team.