The New York Jets: Best Players of the 2000's

The Jets made it to the playoffs four times in the 2000's, but never were able to get things rolling once they got there. They tried a one year run at the title by acquiring Brett Favre in 2008, but after a great start to the season, the whole team unraveled. With two games left in the 2009 regular season, the Jets are hanging on to slim hopes of making another trip to the playoffs. Rookie quarterback, Mark Sanchez has led them to a 7-7 record and an outside shot at getting into the postseason. They will need to win both of their last two games and get a little bit of help along the way, but the future looks a little brighter now in New York. The Jets didn't have a lot of star players during the past decade, but they did have their share of pretty good players that would have two or three good seasons. Out of all the players that wore a New York Jets jersey, these are the best five of the 2000's. (Only accomplishments and stats while playing for the New York Jets from 2000-2009 were considered.)

1. Curtis Martin - Martin was one of the best running backs in recent history. He played in the NFL for eleven seasons, and had at least 1,000 yards rushing for the first 10 seasons. From 2000-2006, Curtis Martin rushed for over 7,500 yards and had 47 rushing and receiving touchdowns. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2001 and 2004.

2. Shaun Ellis - Ellis was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft and has been with them ever since. In his 10 seasons with the Jets, Ellis has 514 tackles and 68 sacks.

3. Laveranues Coles - Coles spent seven of his ten years in the NFL as a New York Jet. During the past decade, he has had two different stints with the Jets, from 2000-2002 and from 2005-2008. During those years, he had five seasons of 800 or more yards receiving and 37 touchdowns.

4. John Abraham - Abraham made three Pro Bowls while with the Jets; 2001, 2002 and 2004. From 2000-2005, he recorded 53.5 sacks and 19 forced fumbles.

5. Kevin Mawae - Mawae played center for the Jets from 1998-2005. In the 2000's while with the Jets, he made the Pro Bowl in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.