Longtime Jets receiver Chrebet to retire Friday -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com Veteran wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, who turned great hands, persistence, toughness and guile into a standout 11-year career with the New York Jets, will officially announce his retirement on Friday afternoon. Wayne Chrebet Wide Receiver New York Jets Profile 2005 SEASON STATISTICS Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC 15 153 0 10.2 20 38 Chrebet had acknowledged earlier this spring that the 2005 season was his last and it was simply a matter of choosing a time to make his departure official. One of the NFL's premier possession wide receivers over the course of his career, Chrebet, 32, was beset by recurring concussions the last several seasons, and that ultimately led to his decision to step away from the game. Chrebet appeared in only eight games in 2005, and he registered just 15 receptions for 153 yards and no touchdowns. All of those statistics were career lows for him. Over the last three seasons, with the concussions particularly troubling in 2003 and 2005, Chrebet appeared in only 31 contests, with just six starts. Last year marked the only season in his career in which he did not start a single game. In 2004, although he played in all 16 games, he started just one. Because of the concussions, Chrebet nearly retired last spring. Originally signed by the team in 1995 as an undrafted free agent from Hofstra, where the Jets hold their training camp and have their permanent complex, Chrebet overcame modest physical skills and average speed to earn a roster spot. As a rookie, he notched 66 receptions for 726 yards and four touchdowns. He posted seven seasons of 50 or more receptions and four of 60-plus catches. In 1996, his second season in the league, Chrebet had a career-best 84 receptions. Two years later, he had 75 catches for a career-best 1,083 yards. For his career, Chrebet finished with 580 catches for 7,365 yards and 41 touchdowns. Chrebet's career average, 12.7 yards per catch, was reflective of his medium-range abilities. He typically worked out of the slot, usually drawing single coverage, but also having to deal with the congestion in the middle of the field. But the fearless 5-feet-10, 188-pounder was a wily receiver who had a knack for finding an open spot in the middle of a zone, and of moving the chains, and he also made more than his share of acrobatic grabs. Of his 580 receptions, 379, or 65.3 percent, resulted in first downs or touchdowns. Although he had just nine receptions of 40 or more yards, Chrebet totaled 98 receptions of 20 yards or more in his career. He appeared in 152 games and logged 104 starts.
We all knew it was going to happen but is there a reason as to why he is doing it now instead of after last season?
Given his reputation for moving the chains, I would love to know how this figure compares to that of other receivers. Is having about 2/3 of your receptions resulting in a first down or a TD a very high number compared to other receivers? Anyone know?
We'll miss you Wayne! Everything an athlete should be: hard working, modest, consistent and clutch. Never got drawn into Keyshawn's antics. A truly classy Jet that will be missed by fans and teamates alike.
I think he wanted to see if he had it in him for one more year... anyway, thanks alot Wayne. You were amazing and will def. be remembered by Jet fans forever. :beer:
He is my favorite Jet of all time. I loved how he played the game and I love the person he was off the field. He will be remembered for his dedication to the Jets and his hard nosed type of play.
A fond farewell to one of the most clutch players in NY Jet history! I will never forget his key touchdowns versus Miami in 1998 and in the Monday Night Miracle. The guy just made 1st downs! I hope the Jet organization is smart enough to find him a job with the team. Good luck Wayne!
It's definately time for him to call it quits. It was a great run Wayne, you certainly will be missed by many a jet fan!
Good luck Wayne. He was a hard working football player that performed well on and off the field. Future NFL players should learn from Wayne's dedication and courage.
Maybe w/ all that happened at the end of last season they didn't feel it was the right time? Now w/ a much more positive tone around Hofstra they can have a day to celebrate him over there.
Thanks Wayne...you were clutch above them all! Especially MeShawn. What game this season do you think they will honor Chrebet?
my all time favorite jet. he will be missed. any idea if any stations will show the news conference?? maybe sny???
