CARDS: Skybox 1992, Gameday 1992, Action Packed 1991, Action Packed 1990
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home
SENT: 12/13/21 RECEIVED: 12/20/21 (7 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Kyle Clifton played college ball at TCU from 1980-’83.
• Upon arriving at TCU Clifton was a quarterback, but by his Sophomore season had fully converted to the rigors of linebacker- playing both inside and outside ‘backer.
• Broke the school’s single season tackle record in ’83, posting 189 total stops.
• Selected in the 3rd round of the ’84 draft by the New York Jets.
• After Bob Crable went down with an injury in the middle of the defense, Kyle stepped in.
• Finished with 113 tackles in his rookie campaign.
• He’d lead the squad in 1985 with 160 while chipping in 3 picks.
• In 1988, Kyle had a banner campaign with 162 total tackles, and 4 forced fumbles.
• He quickly broke the 1k tackle barrier in 1990, posting a career high 199 tackles that year.
• Kyle continued to be a force in the middle, leading the team in tackles over 5 straight seasons.
• In 1994, Kyle blew out his knee, ending his streak at 6 seasons with 130+ tackles.
• And that was that- as in 1995 he came in off the bench and seldom saw playtime, retiring after the ’96 campaign and 204 contests.
• At the time of his retirement, he was the Jets’ career leading tackler with 1,484 stops, and second all-time in league history (since surpassed).

NOTES:

Over Kyle’s quiet career in New York, you’d think that he’d have garnered more attention based on his incredible run stopping prowess, leading the league in 1985, ’86 and ’88. He also ranked in the top 10 in solo tackles seven times. Kyle is a great example of a run stopping tackle monster not getting their due. Despite his resume, the Jets have yet to induct Clifton into their Ring of Honor, as of the time of this post.

Kyle had a lot of cards that fit my set needs so I was lucky enough that he’d sign 4 for me.