Mark Gastineau Confronts Brett Favre Over Sack Record Controversy in New Documentary
The long-standing tension between former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre takes center stage in ESPN’s latest 30 for 30 documentary, The New York Sack Exchange. The film, premiering Friday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+, delves into the dramatic 2023 confrontation between the two football legends, stemming from a decades-old controversy over the NFL’s single-season sack record.
Gastineau, who set the record with 22 sacks in 1984, has accused Favre of intentionally “taking a dive” during the final game of the 2001 season, allowing New York Giants star Michael Strahan to surpass him with 22.5 sacks. This moment, which many football fans and analysts have called questionable, remains a sore point for Gastineau.
The confrontation unfolded last year at a memorabilia show in Chicago. Gastineau approached Favre, who was signing autographs and wasted no time addressing the lingering grudge. “I’m going to get my sack back, dude,” Gastineau said, visibly emotional. A bewildered Favre responded with an awkward mix of humor and unease, but the tension escalated until a handler escorted Favre away.
The exchange was caught on camera and is featured in the documentary, which explores the rise and fall of the Jets’ famed “Sack Exchange” defensive line of the early 1980s. It also highlights the complicated dynamics between Gastineau and his former teammates Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam.
Gastineau later explained his outburst, saying he wanted to confront Favre for what he considers an illegitimate play. “I’ve been holding this in for years,” Gastineau admitted. “It was a trash sack, and I needed him to know that.”
The incident left Favre defending himself publicly. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Favre denied any malice, stating, “I didn’t intentionally take the sack. There was no conspiracy.” He also expressed sympathy for Gastineau, acknowledging how the record could have bolstered his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Strahan, who has also faced criticism over the controversial sack, once admitted the scrutiny has overshadowed his accomplishments. “Everyone questions that one sack, and it’s not worth the flak,” he said in a 2013 NFL Network documentary.
Now, with Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt tying Strahan’s record in 2021, the legacy of the sack record continues to spark debate. However, Favre used the opportunity to endorse Gastineau for the Hall of Fame, praising his greatness and saying, “He belongs in Canton.”
This emotionally charged documentary promises to offer fans a closer look at the personal and professional struggles of these iconic players and the enduring impact of one controversial moment in NFL history.