Unpacking Tensions and Triumphs: Inside the 30 for 30 “The New York Sack Exchange” Premiering Tonight on ESPN
The NY Jets' notorious 1980's-era pass rushers are feisty even 40 years later; film co-directors Ken Rodgers and James Weiner discuss how the storytelling provided a group therapy session
The 1980s-era New York Jets defensive line was more than just a dominant force on the field – it was a cultural phenomenon. Known as “The New York Sack Exchange,” the quartet of Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam, Joe Klecko, and Mark Gastineau redefined football defense while captivating New York with their larger-than-life personalities.
In ESPN’s latest 30 for 30, “The New York Sack Exchange” – which premieres tonight at 8 ET on ESPN and will stream on ESPN+ following its debut – explores the highs, lows, and legacy of this iconic Jets unit.
Co-directors Ken Rodgers and James Weiner spoke with Front Row to share exclusive insights.
What drew you to telling this story, and what was the approach?
RODGERS: When I first heard the story of the New York Sack Exchange, it reminded me that most relationships in life exist in a gray area, somewhere between love and hate. That’s never more true than in work relationships. Like a lot of us, the members of the New York Sack Exchange spent more time with each other than their families, yet they weren’t all friendly. I loved exploring the complicated relationships we all experience in our workplaces.
WEINER: I was born in 1971 in Port Washington, N.Y., a short train ride from Shea Stadium. The Jets became my team, and in the ’70s, they were terrible. The Sack Exchange arrived in 1981, turned the Jets around, captured my heart, and became my childhood heroes. Telling their story has been my mission ever since.
It’s been well-documented how different the four players were and, consequently, how they didn’t always get along, but no one has ever really delved into why that was, not even them. I wanted to hear their answers in a way that was as raw and unfiltered as possible. I wanted the film to be an honest discussion of the Sack Exchange, from the Sack Exchange, with as few outside voices as possible.
Were there any surprises during production?
RODGERS: We were surprised at a Chicago Card Show when Gastineau confronted Brett Favre over his role in Gastineau’s season sack record being broken [watch video above]. Mark has some legitimate and understandable feelings about the subject. That confrontation showed us early on that the film would be an extremely honest and bracing exploration of these four men.
WEINER:There were surprises from the very beginning. Our first big shoot was the Chicago Card Show. You might have seen what happened there. Our first big interview was with Abdul Salaam in Cincinnati. We brought him to the set, but he became ill, and we had to cancel the shoot after three minutes. He then sadly passed away just a few months after our final shoot. The most pleasant surprise was just how candid everyone was.
The film explores tensions within the Sack Exchange. How did you handle that?
RODGERS: Our goal in the reunion was to have it serve as a therapy session – to hash out old feelings and maybe help them move another step past them. They worked through a lot of things on camera and hopefully have since become more at peace with their shared history.
WEINER: Delicately. Our strategy was very straightforward – interview everyone separately first and let them air out whatever resentments and gripes they may still have. Then, we bring all four of them together to hash it out one last time at the New York Stock Exchange and hopefully make peace with each other.
What do you hope audiences take away after watching the film?
RODGERS: They would not, under any circumstances, want to be tackled by the New York Sack Exchange.
WEINER: Football is the ultimate team sport, but it’s made up of individuals with their own stories, personalities, and viewpoints. Just because you’re wearing the same uniform doesn’t mean you see everything the same way.
Learn more about how to watch “The New York Sack Exchange”. Watch the film’s trailer below:
Thumbnail credit: (L-R) New York Jets Joe Klecko (73), Marty Lyons (93), Abdul Salaam (74) and Mark Gastineau (99) pose for a photo on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in July 1982. (Ronald C. Modra/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
