Don Maynard

Selected by the New York Giants in the ninth round of the 1957 NFL Draft as the 109th overall pick, Don Maynard quickly established himself as a dynamic offensive threat. During his collegiate career at Texas Western College from 1954 to 1956, he accumulated 2,283 all-purpose yards, including 28 receptions for an average of 27.6 yards per catch and 10 touchdowns, alongside 843 rushing yards on 154 attempts. In his 1957 rookie NFL season, Maynard appeared in 12 games, contributing 12 rushes for 45 yards and 5 receptions for 84 yards. His career significantly advanced in 1960 when he became the first player to sign with the New York Titans, a franchise that would later become the New York Jets in 1963.

He partnered with Art Powell to form a highly productive wide receiver tandem, both achieving over 1,000 receiving yards in a season in both 1960 and 1962. Maynard went on to play 13 seasons with the Titans/Jets franchise, where he recorded an additional four seasons with 50 or more catches and over 1,000 receiving yards. A four-time AFL All-Star (1965, 1967–1969), he was also recognized as a foundational member of the AFL All-Time Team. In 1965, he began a notable connection with rookie quarterback Joe Namath, resulting in an impressive 1,218 yards on 68 receptions and 14 touchdowns in Namath’s inaugural season.

Further honoring his contributions to the sport, the New York Jets retired his iconic No. 13 jersey, solidifying his place as a true legend of the franchise.