 Through the first seven games of the 1988 season, Gastineau seemed revitalized. He was selected to serve as a game captain for the first time in his career, drew praise from teammates, and was leading the AFC in sacks. He attributed his success to his happiness with Nielsen, but the relationship eventually became a wedge between him and the Jets. Walker walked into an elevator at the team hotel and saw the two of them expecting an introduction, but Gastineau never looked up, never said a word.