Al Toon was my favorite Jet growing up. I wore #88 in high school because of Toon. He was a great player that just ended up taking too many shots when the rules of the game weren't set up to protect receivers.
Toon was great but Ken Obrien destroyed him with erratic throws , he was never afraid to go over the middle and caught just about everything but he kept getting concussed because hi qb hung him out to dry,,,,,his career could have been even better and was cut short
A No-Brainer: Football Leads to Concussions : Al Toon Will Attest That Symptoms Can Remain for Years http://articles.latimes.com/1995-10-20/sports/sp-59156_1_concussions-year-toon
He's my all-time favorite player. Believe it or not, in 1986, he was in the discussion with Jerry Rice as "who's the best WR in football." The two had broke into the league the year before and most people thought they were in their own talent class. It took three more years for the injuries to catch up with Toon. The best modern-day NFL player comparison that I can make is Andre Johnson. Obviously Johnson's career went on much longer (and is likely Hall of Fame caliber), but they were very similar in style (big receivers, smooth with great hands) and both were hampered by never playing with a great QB.
He was my all time favorite Jets receiver. His career was just ruined by concussions. He was probably along the lines of Michael Irvin. Very tall and athletic type receiver who was fearless going across the middle of the field. I think his gracful play was in part to him taking ballet. Wesley Walker was my second favorite Jets receiver
He was absolutely great. Caught everything thrown at him. Was phenomenal route runner. What a shame that his career ended early, but IMO without a doubt the best Jets receiver ever.
Great route runner, great size, speed and great hands. He lacked nothing. Always thought if he was on SF, Montana & Young instead of Rice he would have gone down as the GOAT. He was that good. And a great guy for bonus points, no prima donna in Toon
Yup - agree with all here who have posted already. When there was a "contested pass" there really was "no contest" - Al Toon was going to go up and get that ball. It was one of the few instances as a Jets fan that the viewer had confidence that the outcome would be favorable rather than thinking, as the ball was in the air, "how is this going to get screwed up?" Also always liked the "Toooooon" voices coming from the stands that sounded like booing to the uninitiated.
HOF talent with career cut short. Great Jet. One of the best ever. Was a joy watching him play. I was playing youth football through high school at the time of his career and looked up to the way he played and conducted himself. Hated the way it ended but with the head injuries it was clear he had to retire.
I remember Carmichael being like a mobile tree with hands. Almost impossible to defend but he wasn't gonna burn you downfield. Toon was the complete package. Height speed hands and route running. Modern reference maybe somewhere between AJ Green and Calvin Johnson, with shades of Jerricho Cothery clutch toughness over the middle.
I totally disagree. This is a game, players shouldn't be killed or have their minds permanently damaged playing a game for your, mine, or anyone's entertainment. This isn't the Christians and the Lions. Clotheslining and all the hits to the head should have never been allowed. Half of the Raiders DBs should have been permanently banned from the game.
