Johnny Hector was a former American football running back who played for the New York Jets from 1983 to 1992. He was born on February 11, 1960, in Tyler, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he played college football.
Hector was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the team, earning the starting running back position in his rookie year. Hector was known for his speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, making him a formidable opponent on the field.
During his career with the Jets, Hector played in 124 games, rushing for 4,033 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also caught 192 passes for 1,715 yards and 7 touchdowns. Hector was a versatile player, often used as a receiver out of the backfield and as a kick returner.
One of Hector's most memorable moments came in a game against the Miami Dolphins in 1986. With the Jets trailing by 14 points in the fourth quarter, Hector scored two touchdowns to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Jets went on to win the game 51-45 in one of the highest-scoring games in NFL history.
Hector's career with the Jets came to an end in 1992 when he was released by the team. He briefly played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993 but retired from football after just one season.
After retiring from football, Hector returned to Texas and became a high school football coach. He also worked as a motivational speaker, sharing his experiences and lessons learned from his football career.
In recognition of his contributions to the New York Jets, Hector was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2019. He remains a beloved figure among Jets fans, remembered for his speed, toughness, and clutch performances on the field.
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