While many will remember O’Brien for who he wasn’t, Jets fans should still be able to recognize the positives he brought to the franchise throughout his career.
The No. 24 overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft (known for boasting arguably the most legendary quarterback class in league history), O’Brien is remembered by many as the passer the Jets took instead of a Dan Marino. Taken just three picks later, Marino would eventually become a Hall of Famer for the division-rival Miami Dolphins, and one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
But while O’Brien forever lived under Marino’s shadow, his place in the Jets record books is still worthy of praise.