Life as a Jets Fan

Being a fan of the NY Jets is a funny thing. I myself have been cheering for the team pretty hardcore for about 20 years.

I was aware of the Jets as a kid growing up in the 70's. The Giants still sucked and the Jets still had Joe Namath who I had seen in that famous Brady Bunch episode so many times.

My Dad, who was never a sports fan of any kind to speak of, took me to see the Jets at Shea stadium at some point in the late 70's or early 80's to watch a rain soaked affair against the Miami Dolphins.

TheJets won that day.

My cousin Kevin was a rabid Miami fan and was very upset that they lost. I remember that.

I asked my dad why he was so upset. He told me that Kevin was a Miami fan. I think at that point he may have still had a Larry Czonka poster on the wall of his bedroom at his parents small, semi attached row house in Brooklyn.

I didn't understand that day why he was so bent out of shape. Now, all of these years later...I most definitely do.

Last night, I watched my NY Jets lose in the final seconds in a Monday night classic against the Miami Dolphins. Terrible. I felt sick. I could not get to sleep after watching the 5 lead changes in the final quarter, or whatever it was.

It makes sense to start this blog on a day after a Jets loss as being a Jets fan is often more about character building than displays of greatness.

The Jets have broken my heart more times than I can remember. I like to say that they always find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Shovel passes, clock plays, mighty collapses and a few shining moments is what they have given me and yet, every week...there I am.

I am not sure what this blog will be about, but I figured if there is one thing that I can write about and write about well, it is being a fan of the NY Jets. I have been there and I keep hopeful that this will be our year...whatever year it might be.

Go Jets.