Wayne Chrebet

He was a walk-on undrafted free agent from Hofstra University. He was ranked #11 out of 11 potential wide receivers initially on the New York Jets depth chart in 1995 and initially chose No. 3 as a jersey number because that is what he wore in college. After shocking the media and staff by working his way the depth chart did he earn the No. 80 jersey which he is famous for.

National Football League Players Association's tri-state chapter Jet of the Year in 1995.

Named the NJ Sportswriters Association Rookie of the Year in 1995.

Before he made the New York Jet roster in 1995, the last Hoftra Flying Dutchmen to make an NFL roster was John Schmitt in 1964.

Shocked the New York media and fans alike by making the New York Jet roster in 1995. He was the first Hofstra University football player to do so in over 30 years. Since Chrebet's premiere and meteoric rise to fame as a member of the New York Jets several Hofstra football players have since made NFL rosters including Marques Colston, Devale Ellis, and Shaine Smith thus fostering Hofstra's new legacy as a small-school wide receiver university.

During his career he played for several different head coaches: Rich Kotite from 1995-1996, Bill Parcells from 1997-1999, Al Groh in 2000, and Herman Edwards from 2001-2005. Chrebet formally retired June 2nd, 2006 (under Head Coach Eric Mangini who had previously served as an assistant coach on Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick's NYJ coaching staff from 1997-1999).

Awarded the Dennis Byrd Award for Most Inspirational Player in 1996 as voted by his New York Jet teammates.

Presented the Hofstra University Young Alumni Award in 1996. The Hofstra University Young Alumni Award is bestowed to alumni who, within 10 years of graduation, have achieved significant accomplishments in professional life or for outstanding service to Hofstra University.

In 1998, He teamed with WR Keyshawn Johnson to lead the league in receptions as the tandem finished with 158-2,214-14.0-18 TD. In 1999, he was inactive for games one through five after suffering a broken bone in his foot during the team's exhibition finale vs. MIN that required the insertion of a pin to aid in the healing.

His greatest playoff game and heartbreak was in the AFC 1998 Championship in which the New York Jets played the Denver Broncos. The Jets led in the third quarter 10-0 and appeared to be headed to the Super Bowl, but the team faltered with four crucial fumbles, two interceptions and a missed field goal. Wayne Chrebet was the top candidate as the New York Jet's game MVP with 8 receptions (led both teams), 121 yards receiving (also led both teams) and no turnovers but the Jets capsized down the stretch secondary to turnovers and an anemic Jet rushing attack of only 14 yards. The New York Jets would have played the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII had they held on, and were widely considered the favorite if they could have maintained their third quarter lead against Denver.

Honored with the Thurman Munson Award for his outstanding efforts both on an off the field and in serving in the community in 2000.

In 2000, he earned two DIRECTV "NFL Play of the week" awards: in week two vs. NE for his game-winning TD catch in the fourth quarter and in week four at TB for his 18-yard TD catch with :52 left in the game on a HB option from RB Curtis Martin. He won The Jets "Unsung Hero Award" in 1997.

He was honored by the NFL Alumni Association as their "Jets Player of the Year" in 2001. He was also named as Newsday's Jet of the Year in 1995, a vote by the paper's readers.

Had his No. 3 college jersey retired in a ceremony during the 2002 season at Hofstra University, New York.

The football jersey frequently worn by Michael in the film Elf (2003) is that of fan favorite #80 Wayne Chrebet of the New York Jets.

On November 6, 2005, against The San Diego Chargers, On the play in which he got hurt, Chrebet was making a third-down catch for a first down, symbolic of the type of plays he made throughout his career. He stayed down on the field for several minutes, with a scary, glazed look in his eyes.

The recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award for the 2005 season.

Recognized along with Howard Stern and The Good Rats for "Reasons to love Long Island" in 2007 by Strong Island Magazine.

The New York Jets honored him with a special halftime ceremony on Sunday, September 23, 2007.

Vinny Testeverde noted one of his five favorite receivers from his previous 20 years of NFL football was Wayne Chrebet during his 2007 campaign with the Carolina Panthers.

Harness Tracks of America, the trade association of 44 major harness tracks in the United States and Canada, presented the Nova award to Alton Lynch and Wayne Chrebet as owners of Southwind Tempo for 2008. This 3-year-old pacing filly went on to win an astounding 16 of 21 races the year before.