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Did Brett Favre take a dive to hand Michael Strahan the NFL sack record? Former Jets pass rusher Mark Gastineau certainly thinks so—and he's not afraid to let Favre know.
The controversy stems from the final game of the 2001 season, where Favre appeared to slide at Strahan's feet, giving the Giants star the record-breaking sack. For Gastineau, who held the record since 1984, the moment still stings. "You hurt me, Brett," Gastineau said during a 2023 memorabilia event confrontation caught on camera.
Favre, however, insists it wasn't personal. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he explained, "I didn't think about hurting Gastineau. I was just trying to close out a game." Reflecting on the situation, Favre even expressed admiration for Gastineau, calling him a great player deserving of Hall of Fame recognition.
But for Gastineau, the incident symbolizes more than just lost stats. "Being the Sack King would elevate my legacy," he said. The controversy has reignited debates about the ethics of that infamous play, but one thing is clear: Gastineau's passion for football remains as fierce as his 1980s defensive tackles.
While the NFL's sack record remains tied today, the drama behind it serves as a reminder of the game's intense rivalries—and the human emotions behind the helmets.
