JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Derrick Gaffney, a Jacksonville native and Raines High School alumnus who played seven seasons in the NFL for the New York Jets, died on Monday. He was 69.
According to the Jets website, Gaffney was drafted by the Jets in the eighth round of the 1978 draft and played for the team until 1984. For his career, he had 156 catches, 2,613 yards and seven touchdowns.
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After growing up in Jacksonville and attending Raines, Gaffney became a Gator, and in 1977, alongside then-freshman QB Cris Collinsworth, caught a 99-yard pass that is believed to be the longest play in SEC and college football history.
Gaffney is also the father to former Gators and NFL wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.
Last year, the Gaffney’s became the only father-son duo to be named to the Florida Times Union’s 100 Greatest Athletes list Jabar checked in at No. 51 on the list, bumping dad Derrick to 69.
He is survived by his brothers, Don, Warren, Johnny and Reggie, the latter of which currently serves as the city councilmember for Jacksonville’s 8th district, and his children Jabar & Kara Gaffney.
A viewing for Derrick Gaffney will be held Friday, March 28, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 2407 Rev. S.L. Badger, Jr. Circle, Jacksonville, FL, 32209.
A funeral will be held at the same location on Saturday, March 29, beginning at 11 a.m.
