Mark Gastineau, the former New York Jets defensive end, is once again in the spotlight, thanks to the ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries, “The New York Sack Exchange.”
The film explores the meteoric rise and turbulent fall of the New York Jets’ legendary defensive line from the 1980s, featuring Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul Salaam.
While the documentary highlights their on-field dominance, it also delves into the personal dynamics and underlying tensions within the group.
However, the most talked-about moment from the film revolves around Gastineau’s confrontation with Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
Their encounter at a memorabilia show in Chicago was intense and emotional, as Gastineau accused Favre of intentionally taking a sack during the 2001 season finale.
This controversial sack helped New York Giants star Michael Strahan break Gastineau’s long-standing single-season sack record of 22, a record Gastineau had held since 1984.
Mark Gastineau Have Had Three Wives And A High-Profile Relationship
Off the field, Mark Gastineau’s life has been as turbulent as his football career was electric.
Known for his aggressive play and sack-dance celebrations, his personal life has been marked by fame, fortune, and family struggles.
Gastineau has been married three times and has had a high-profile relationship.
His first marriage was to Lisa Gastineau in 1979.
The couple had a daughter, Brittny Gastineau, who later became a reality TV star known for her role in the E! series “The Gastineau Girls.”
The marriage faced turmoil due to Gastineau’s affair with Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen, and the couple divorced in 1991.
However, when Lisa was asked about her opinion regarding Mark’s health issue in 2018, she said, “Maybe it’s karma,” which has led to her ex-husband’s life in shambles.
Interestingly, Lisa and Mark’s daughter, Brittny, had something different to say about the situation.
Sympathizing with father, she said,
‘He is a legend in football and all of this is very upsetting. My father is helping to raise awareness of these terrible diseases and my hope is that more people will support [mental health] charities that help people in similar situations.”
Via Daily Mail
Following his relationship with Lisa, Gastineau began a high-profile romance with Brigitte Nielsen, known for her marriage to actor Sylvester Stallone.
Their relationship did not result in marriage, but they did have a son together, Killian Marcus Gastineau, who was born in 1989.
Their romance, like many of Gastineau’s relationships, ended on a sour note.
Gastineau’s second marriage was to Patricia Schorr, but serious issues marred this relationship.
The marriage became infamous for incidents of domestic violence, with Gastineau being convicted on charges of assaulting Patricia.
This resulted in jail time for the former NFL star.
The marriage eventually ended in divorce, and the controversy further damaged Gastineau’s public image.
Mark Gastineau’s Third Wife, Jo Ann Gastineua Is His Constant Support
His third and current marriage is to Jo Ann Gastineau, whom he married in 2007.
Unlike his previous relationships, Jo Ann played a supportive role in his later years, especially as he dealt with significant health issues.
In 2016, Mark Gastineau revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia, which he attributed to the head trauma he experienced during his football career.
Jo Ann has been his primary supporter and caregiver during this time.
Mark mentions the supportive role that his wife Jo Ann has played during this crucial time.
“My wife, she and I used to go around and do yard work, but you know what, she does everything now for me. It’s not good, it’s not good when I’m lying in bed till 3, 4 or 5 [in the afternoon]. It’s not good. There’ll be days I get up and I’m good. I’ll tell you, and my wife will tell you, she helps me get out of bed. She’ll help me remember names.”
Via New York Post
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mark Gastineau was born in 1956.
- He also had a 5-year long boxing career.
- Gastineau was also diagnosed with colon cancer.
