Professional Career
Jeter played in 13 NFL seasons from 1977 to 1989 for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. During his professional career, he amassed 79 sacks. He was a starter with the Giants through the 1981 season and was a back-up in 1982. As a rookie in 1977 he was an All-Rookie selection and recorded 3 sacks, a number he matched in 1978. In 1979 he had 4 sacks. In 1980 he led the Giants with 10 sacks and was an alternate to the Pro Bowl. In 1981 he had 7 sacks as the resurgent Giants defense led by Lawrence Taylor, made the play-offs for the first time in Jeter's career. In 1982, slowed by a left-knee injury and by the player's strike, Jeter played only four games and did not record a sack.
On April 9, 1983, Jeter was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the 1983 season. Jeter spent that season as a backup and as a designated pass rusher——who would come in to rush the quarterback on likely passing downs. He recorded 6½ sacks in that role. In 1984 Jeter had back trouble and missed most of the season. In 1985 he came back healthy and resumed the "designated" role for the Rams totalling 11 sacks, which again was second on the team. Gary was voted Comeback Player of the Year after the 1985 season. In 1986 (8 sacks), 1987 (7 sacks), and 1988 Jeter performed exceptionally well in his role, getting a career-high 11½ sacks in 1988, including 5 in one game against the Los Angeles Raiders on September 18, 1988, for which he was awarded the NFC Player of the Week.
After the 1988 season the Rams left Jeter an unprotected "Plan B" free agent and the New England Patriots signed him to do the same job he'd been doing in Los Angeles—to come off the bench of third down and rush the quarterback. He ended the 1989 season with 7 sacks. Jeter was released by the Patriots August 29, 1990. The Los Angeles Rams agreed to terms with him, however, he failed the team physical due to a chronic back problem.
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