Jim Sweeney and Marvin Powell, two Jets lineman who protected quarterbacks in the 1970s and 80s, died Friday and Saturday, the team announced Sunday.

The cause of their deaths were not immediately released.

“Our entire Jets family is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime and outstanding Jets, Marvin Powell and Jim Sweeney,” Jets owner Woody Johnson tweeted Sunday morning. “We're thinking of their families today.”

Powell, 67, passed away Friday. The North Carolina native was arguably the most decorated offensive linemen in Jets history, helping solidify the team’s line through the seventies and mid-eighties.

Picked fourth overall out of the University of Southern California in the 1977 NFL Draft, Powell made an immediate impact on the team, starting in 10 games that season. It wasn’t long until Powell started dominating the league.

Powell would make his first of five consecutive Pro Bowls in his third year while also making three first-team All Pros (1979,81-82) and one second-team All Pro (1980) in nine seasons with the Jets.

He would finish his 11-year career in Tampa Bay before retiring after the 1987 season.

Sweeney, 60, passed away Saturday. He was drafted in the second round of the 1984 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh but wouldn’t get his big break until that December. From Dec. 9 until Christmas Eve of 1994, Sweeney would start 158 consecutive games for the Jets protecting the quarterback at left guard, tackle and center.

The Pittsburgh native played 16 seasons in the NFL, 12 with the Jets, before finishing his career with the Steelers.

Powell is survived by four children and three grandchildren.

Sweeney is survived by his wife, Julie, and their five children.

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