There has been a significant rift between former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau and legendary NFL quarterback Brett Favre since 2002. This feud has spanned over two decades and continues to be a topic of discussion in the football world. Gastineau held the NFL sack record from 1984 to 2001, an achievement he cherished and believed would earn him a place in the Hall of Fame. However, in 2002, New York Giants star Michael Strahan surpassed Gastineau's record. Since then, Gastineau has alleged that Favre aided Strahan in breaking his long-standing record.

Unraveling the NFL Feud - Gastineau vs. Favre

Mark Gastineau: The Sack Record Holder

Gastineau first achieved the title of NFL sack leader in 1983 with an impressive 19 sacks. In 1984, he set a new record with 22 sacks in a single season, a feat that solidified his place in football history. He spent his entire professional football career with the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988, making appearances in five Pro Bowls. Throughout his 144 total games (regular and postseason), Gastineau retired with an astonishing 107.5 recorded sacks. In 2012, he was inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor, receiving a green jacket and a special ring as a mark of his achievements.The focus on his sack record showcases Gastineau's dominance on the field during his playing days. His ability to consistently get to the quarterback was a key aspect of his game, and it earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.

Michael Strahan: Breaking the Sack Record

Former New York Giants defensive end Strahan broke Gastineau's sack record in January 2002, during the final game of the 2001 regular season. Late in the fourth quarter of the Giants vs. Green Bay Packers face-off, Strahan sacked Favre to accumulate 22.5 sacks in a single season. This moment was a career highlight for Strahan, but it also sparked a controversy between Gastineau and Favre.While Gastineau congratulated Strahan on the field, he later expressed his opinion that Favre may have played a role in Strahan's record-breaking sack. This claim added another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the two NFL legends.

Mark Gastineau's Allegation: Favre "Took a Dive"

Gastineau has firmly believed that Favre purposely "took a dive" in 2002 to allow Strahan to break the sack record. He expressed his frustration, stating, "The NFL should have stopped that, and said, 'Listen, that's not a sack.' [Favre] took my record away from me." He also believes that losing the record cost him a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame, as he often wonders why he has not been inducted.This allegation has added fuel to the fire of their feud, with Gastineau holding a grudge against Favre for what he perceives as a betrayal.

Confrontation in 2023: Gastineau vs. Favre

In 2023, over two decades after Strahan broke the sack record, Gastineau confronted Favre at a memorabilia show in Chicago. The tense exchange was captured on camera and shared in ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary. Gastineau expressed his anger, saying, "You fell down for him. I'm going to get my sack back. I'm going to get my sack back, dude."Favre responded with understanding, stating that he didn't mean to hurt Gastineau and that it was a moment of frustration between two old football warriors. However, Gastineau's emotional outburst highlighted the depth of his resentment towards Favre.

Brett Favre's Defense on Social Media

Following ESPN's post about the "small dustup" between Gastineau and Favre, the former Packers quarterback took to X to "clear the air." In a lengthy post, he explained that in 2002, when Strahan sacked him, he was simply trying to close out the game and have some fun. He admitted that it may not have been Strahan's best sack and that he didn't think through the consequences.Favre also expressed his respect for Gastineau and advocated for his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. He recognized the pain Gastineau felt and hoped that one day they could both be honored in the Hall of Fame.This social media response showed a different side of Favre and his attempt to mend the relationship with Gastineau.