Former New York Jets legend Mark Gastineau's 20-year grudge against quarterback Brett Favre is captured in a revealing new ESPN documentary focused on "The New York Sack Exchange," a powerhouse defensive lineup from the 1980s that included icons like Marty Lyons, Joe Klecko, and the late Abdul Salaam.

In a dramatic encounter at a Chicago sports memorabilia show last year, Gastineau confronted Favre about the infamous play that allowed New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan to break his record for the most sacks in a single NFL season. "You gave him a freebie," Gastineau accused, referencing the play that took place during the 2002 season—a moment that has haunted him for over two decades.

The exchange escalated when Gastineau remarked, “I'm going to get my sack back. I'm going to get my sack back, dude.” A seemingly baffled Favre responded, “You probably would hurt me,” to which Gastineau shot back, his voice rising, "You hurt me! You hurt me! You hear me?"

“Yeah, I hear you,” Favre acknowledged, attempting to defuse the situation as one of his handlers led him away. But not before Gastineau reiterated, “You really hurt me, Brett,” punctuating the emotional weight of the conversation.

While Gastineau expressed a moment of sportsmanship back in 2002 when he congratulated Strahan, his feelings shifted dramatically over the years. Speaking to ESPN's Rich Cimini in February 2020, he voiced his lingering frustration, believing that Favre’s actions that day were intentional. “Anybody will tell you that Brett Favre took a dive,” he proclaimed in the documentary, referring to the controversial play that allowed Strahan to secure his record-breaking sack.

In a surprising twist, Gastineau revealed that he had been waiting patiently for years to confront Favre, casting doubt on the integrity of Strahan’s achievement. “I wanted to let him know it was a trash sack,” he lamented, indicating that his bitterness is rooted deeper than mere statistics. “I've only got one more guy to go to,” Gastineau hinted, suggesting that his pursuit of closure might not be over.

Favre, for his part, took to social media to address the incident, asserting that there was “no malice” in his actions and dismissing the accusations. However, the debate continues to linger in the NFL community.

Since Strahan’s record-setting moment, it has been equaled but not surpassed by T.J. Watt in 2021, along with Jared Allen and Justin Houston each tying Gastineau's record of 22 sacks in previous seasons.

Fans are left wondering if Gastineau’s long-standing grudge is fueled not just by the record but also by his exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Could this ongoing saga serve as a cautionary tale about the fine line between sportsmanship and rivalry? As Gastineau searches for resolution, the battle over NFL supremacy continues to resonate with many. Stay tuned, because this drama is far from over!