File Under: Curtis Martin, Joe Namath, Leon Washington, team MVP, Weeb Ewbank Hall
01/17 — It was almost as if I had stumbled across Santa Claus filling a stocking hung by the chimney with care.
As I was leaving Weeb Ewbank Hall on Wednesday night, I noticed somebody silently, solitarily at work on the Jets' "Wall of Fame." That's an informal name for the wall just past the reception desk that is adorned with miniature jersey decals, one for every team MVP from every season since the Jets started life in 1960 as the Titans, 48 in all.
Including Leon Washington's No. 29, which the worker was putting the finishing touches on.
The artisan was my good friend Rob Krolick, a member of NCG, the New York City design and production company that helps us turn out our different publications, such as the annual Jets preview book and gameday programs, and maintains the wall that bears the heading "JETS MVPS THROUGH THE DECADES."
Krolick finished burnishing the lettering below the jersey, which reads "#29 Leon Washington RB/KR/PR." Thus Leon, the second-year multithreat back from Florida State, joins the likes of Bill Mathis, the Titans RB and the first so honored in 1961; multiple MVPs Joe Namath, John Riggins, Freeman McNeil, Al Toon and Mo Lewis; and four-time winner Curtis Martin, after whom the award is now named.
This is not a news flash, of course. Washington found out he'd won his teammates' vote as this year's most valuable Jet back in December. But now it's official. Leon's in the pantheon. Washington's on the wall.
Barnes to Buffalo
BuffaloBills.com is reporting that the Bills have signed free agent FB Darian Barnes, released by the Jets on Nov. 28.
Brooksie's Coach Takes the Prize
Washington and center Nick Mangold both had nominated their high school coaches for the annual NFL High School Football Coach of the Year award. But former Jets QB Brooks Bollinger, now with the Vikings, had the winning nominee. His high school coach, Mike Berg from Central High School in Grand Forks, N.D., was named the recipient of the award today.
Ira Said:
Sat, January 19, 2008 - 7:16pm EDT"Well with the last real week of football coming tomorrow here are my picks. Pats 38 - Chargers 17 and this is a tuff call but Packers 27 - Giants 24. Hope maybe the Jets can get back to playoff football for next year. This has been a long month for sure. GO JETS!"
Drew Said:
Sun, January 20, 2008 - 3:26pm EDT"Row...I have been trying to tell you but you continue to be stuck on D Jackson. He had a really bad year at Cal in 07. Made a couple of big returns but not much else. He will need a big combine to get into the 1st round. There is no way the Jets take him at #6. He is an undersized speed FL/WR. Nice player but he will not wear a Jet uniform unless we trade down...way down!! Sorry"
john Said:
Mon, January 21, 2008 - 8:09am EDT"We certainly do not need a small flanker with the #6 overall. If anything, a big WR but clearly the most pressing need is the down lineman on both sides of the ball. A 3-4 backer who can put pressure on the QB is also a need (can count on 1 hand the number of plays bryan thomas made this year and i am being generous). Either Long or the kid Gholston from OSU are the pick unless we trade down."
Ira Said:
Thu, January 17, 2008 - 11:15am EDT"Randy, They should have put under his name the pick for Herm!!!!!!! Nobobdy is complaining about that anymore. Goes down as one of the better deals the Jets have made."