In the NFL, it’s a rare and special thing when a player spends an entire career, spanning more than a decade, with the same team. New York Jets tight end Jerome Barkum did just that, spending 12 seasons with the Gang Green.
A top-10 pick in the 1972 NFL draft out of Jackson State, Barkum would eventually become one of the most productive pass-catchers in Jets history.
While he only made one start as a rookie, Barkum still proved to be a big-play machine for the Jets, averaging 19 yards per reception. He broke out the following season as a full-time starter, making his only Pro Bowl appearance after tallying career-bests in receptions (44) and receiving yards (810), along with six touchdown receptions.