NFL: Selecting the best player in each franchise’s history
By Brad Rowland
New York Jets – Darrelle Revis
Before we touch on Revis, the notion that Joe Namath should be the choice as the flagship player for the New York Jets is preposterous. Namath finished his career (yes, career) with more interceptions (220) than touchdown passes (173), and he completed only 50.1% of his passes. The highs were certainly high, headlined by the famous “guarantee” for Super Bowl III, but Namath’s inability to maintain accuracy or protect the ball should be spoken of more. His aura often distracts from the fact that he wasn’t always very good on the football field.
With that out of the way, I’m going with Darrelle Revis over Namath, Don Maynard, Curtis Martin and others.
Revis is, amusingly, back as a member of the Jets for 2015, but his six-year tenure in New York the first time around is what nets him this honor. That stint landed him in the Pro Bowl four times and netted him three All-Pro selections. Revis operated as the best cornerback in the league for the final four seasons in New York. That may not seem like a long time at the top, but the cornerback position often produces short “peaks,” and the fact that Revis is still playing at an elite level is exceedingly noteworthy.
Because of the position that plays, Revis probably remains underrated despite his mastery of the NFL pay system, but his on-field play is second-to-none at the position.
Next: Oakland Raiders