Freeman McNeil was a Jets running back for 12 seasons after being drafted third overall in 1981. He broke in from UCLA and put together a fine career, going to three Pro Bowls and being named First-Team All-Pro once.
In 1982, McNeil led the league in rushing yards with 786—a season in which only nine games were played. In 1984 and 1985, he put together consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons, eclipsing 1,300 in 1985.
In each of McNeil's first two seasons, the Jets made the playoffs with him being the primary back. He finished his career having averaged at least four yards per carry in every season he played, which is a very rare feat.
