New York City has been officially diagnosed with Brett Favre Fever. And rightfully so! He's the quarterback of the best team in the NFL, and who doesn't love a quarterback?
The New York Jets have been busy welcoming new fans to the fold since his arrival. And as the team continues to succeed, the buzzing surrounding the potential for a hometown Super Bowl is nearly deafening.
The Jets have had good years without him, and have made their way to the playoffs on multiple occasions in recent years. But 2008 is the first time in a long where they're winning, looking competitive, and are legitimate contenders for the throne that rests with the Giants.
While every man on the roster contributes to a Super Bowl run, it's Brett Favre that owes this to the New York Jets and their fans the most. Because it's Brett Favre that's responsible for handing the memories of one of the Jets' proudest moments to the enemies down the hall.
The New York Jets haven't been one of the most successful teams in NFL history. Fans know that and accept it. So when they do have something to be proud of, it feels even better for the Jets' faithful.
Super Bowl III was, of course, the Jets' brightest moment. But aside from that historic game 40 years ago, the Jets have had less than a handful of glory years. There have been plenty of smiles and cheers, but outright domination has been rare.
One of the best eras for the team came in the early 1980's with the New York Sack Exchange.
Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam, and Mark Gastineau made up one of the NFL's most dangerous defensive lines. Led by Gastineau, the Jets sacked the quarterback 44 times in 1984, 22 of which belonged to no. 99 himself.
That individual record stood for 17 years—until Jan. 6, 2002, when Brett Favre handed Strahan the record on a ridiculous play.
In the final minutes of the final game in the 2001 regular season—Strahan needed only one sack to claim the record, and the Packers' offensive line completely neutralized him—Brett Favre decided to be a good ol' boy and audible out of a called run play.
Favre received the snap, rolled right, and slid to the ground on a bootleg for Strahan to steal Gastineau's record. Some Packers were slightly confused as Giants cheered and thanked Favre.
And Jets' fans wept.
It's been a tough existence for the Jets. It's not easy being green, right? There aren't many places for fans to point and say, "Yeah, those were the days!"
The Jets play in Giants Stadium, have watched Super Bowls from home that the Giants have won, and have been considered a second-class team in their own town.
Did Favre really need to give them the sack record, too?
When he found his way to New York this summer, most fans didn't remember that Favre stripped the team of a spot in history. After all, records are made to be forgotten.
Selective memory allowed fans to see Brett Favre, the Future Hall of Fame QB, and not Brett Favre, the Guy that Stole the Glory.
New York loves him right now. And as long as he continues to win, the sack record will become a faded memory. That's the nature of the beast.
But it shouldn't be forgotten that one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time owes the team on his helmet. He's not in New York simply because he wasn't ready to retire. This was fate. This is karma getting back at the old man, making him bring respectability to an organization he thoughtlessly snubbed.
He's here to bring new memories to the Jets.
And maybe one day Mark Gastineau can forgive him.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.
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about 1 month ago
team achievement vs personal achievement:
The Jets are on track to break some Team records this year. -and I suspect they will probably break them again next year.
Brett Favre has I think almost every QB record there is now -and all these records will be set with the Jets. -I don't hear him talking about it.
Without a good team behind you it's hard to break any record as an individual. Your Gastineau record says more about the team (at that time) than personal achievement. -The record is a recollection of your memory of the great Jets team(s).. Now that the Jets are good again these memories of Team greatness come flooding back.
Your feelings are true and correct. -Take the bag off and be a Jets fan again.
---Jets--->
from about 1 month ago
I'm definitely happy with everything going on this year. I have nothing to be upset about in 2008. I was, however, one of the people that wasn't going wild for Favre in NY. I'm happy he's here, but I would've been content without him, too. I've got love for Jets that made their career in NY. Gastineau is one of them.
This was just a way to show how the NFL comes full-circle. Favre steals some glory from us, only to return some years later.
about 1 month ago
with Brett you are getting a Bona-fide commodity. -the stats don't lie.
I don't even think the Jets coaches got it at first. Now you see the Jets finally opening up the offense and defense and the Jets have become a serious threat. -No one in the league is safe!
---Jets---> Believe it --->
about 1 month ago
This is a ridiculous article man. Favre owes nothing to no one. Record's are made to be broken man not to last forever.
from about 1 month ago
But was the record really broken? It was gift-wrapped to Strahan on a slide.
about 1 month ago
Jets fans are still bitter that a Giant broke their over-rated cry baby's record. Strahan was a warrior, Gastineau was a clown..no contest..... Also, before you start printing up those "NY Jets Super Bowl Champions" T-shirts, you still have to get passed the Pats, and likely the far superior G-men. The Jets are playing a LAST PLACE schedule. One fluke win over a tired Titans team, does not a champion make. You're good, but not THAT good. Expect an early exit from the playoffs and be happy. Your team is getting better, but it isn't ready to play with the big boys yet. The Giants BEAT Favre last year in the playoffs, planted him in that frozen tundra.
about 1 month ago
22 sacks is still no joking matter while sometimes we get to express ourselves in the moment I am sure most fans loved the jesture . the only difference between the Giants vs the Jets is the Run game of the Giants .
about 1 month ago
"Dan Klecko, Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam, and Mark Gastineau made up one of the NFL's most dangerous defensive lines."
Wow, Dan Klecko was part of the Sack Exchange when he was THREE YEARS OLD?!?!?! Put him in the HOF!!!!!
Next time, at least get the player names right.....
from about 1 month ago
lol. good call.
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