Rex Ryan thinks so.

And here is why I love Rex so much.  He just jumps right out and says whatever he wants.

According to a report from the National Football Post, Ryan told NFL Network:

“One day we’re gonna say that this is the best Jet in the history of the New York Jest franchise.  I believe that. And I think we’re gonna also see him in Canton one day.”

One other person who thinks that Revis is the NFL’s Top Corner? Atlanta Falcon’s star WR Roddy White. White told SBNation,

“Revis is the number one cover guy in the league right now. He’s strong at the point of attack … He always get his hands on you. He disrupts the timing of routes. That’s the biggest thing about the passing game, everything has to be on time — precision. And he does such a good job of (disrupting timing).”

Rex does have quite the history of making rather outstanding statements but Roddy White, one of the best receivers in the league, backs up Rex’s statement.  There is no doubt that Revis is considered to be one of the best Cornerbacks in the NFL.  He consistently shuts down some of the best receivers in the league, earning his spot on the field the name, “Revis Island.”  As Rex Ryan puts it, ”There’s not a better zone (corner), there’s not a better man (man-to-man corner) — you name the defense, he’s the best at it.”

Revis stands to make $24 million in salary and bonus payments based on his renegotiation from last September.  I doubt that kind of money would be spent on a 25-year old corner who not does have outstanding and historical potential but is Revis really on pace to be the best Jets in the history of the franchise?  He may be on his way, but I think we can safely say he isn’t quite there yet.  If only because time is not on his side.

That being said, the statement really got me thinking….who is the best New York Jet in franchise history?

Joe Namath is certainly the most iconic.  If you know anything about the New York Jets than you already know all about Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath.  Namath is the first name brought up when you bring up great players in the team’s history; he lead the 1968 Jets to their only Super Bowl and his #12 jersey has since been retired.  He is also well remembered for seeing through his guarantee that the Jets beat the Colts in that ’68 Super Bowl, a promise that will hopefully be repeated by Rex Ryan more than 30 years later.

I did a little survey among some friends who have a much longer history of Jets fandom than I do.  Here are a few of the names I came up with:

1. Joe Klecko, DT, DE, NT (1977-1987) – Klecko is best remembered for being a part of the “New York Sack Exchange.”  Klecko has been nominated into the Hall of Fame several times, but has not yet made it into the Hall.  His name came up several times as many people’s personal favorite.

2. Al Toon, WR (1985-1992) – Toon played his entire NFL career with the Jets.  He was voted into the Pro Bowl 3 times but had to retire at 29 as a result of his nine concussions in 8 seasons of professional football.

3. Keyshawn Johnson, (1996-1999) – Keyshawn Johnson is very well known for being an ESPN analyst.  But he did play for the New York Jets at the beginning of his career, and was the first pick in the 1996 NFL draft.  Keyshawn Johnson provided a much needed spark for the franchise when he joined the team and will remain infamous for his many clutch playoff performances, including his 1998 AFC divisional playoff game.  Unfortunately, the Jets were one game short of the Super Bowl that year after losing to the Denver Broncos.

4. Wayne Chrebet, WR (1995-2005)  - Played 11 seasons for the New York Jets.  Chrebet’s #80 has since been retired.  He was not only a great player but a fan favorite, particularly for being one of the most successful un-drafted players in the team’s history. Chrebet had a long standing career with the Jets, playing through several quarterback, coaching and owner transitions.

5. Don Maynard, WR  (1960-1972) – Along with Namath, Maynard was a part of the infamous 1968 Super Bowl winning Team. Maynard is also one of two New York Jets in the Hall of Fame.  Maynard finished his career a stat line of  633 receptions for 11,834 yards and 88 touchdowns. His #13 jersey is now retired.

In an interview with ESPN‘s Rich Cimini Maynard was rather bothered and defensive about Rex’s insinuation that Revis was the best Jet of all-time.

6. Curtis Martin, RB (1998-2006) – In his career, Matin earned the 4th highest total of rushing yards in NFL history and also became the New York Jets All-Time Leading Rusher with 10, 302 yards.  Martin was a finalist for the Hall of Fame this year, and will likely be inducted in the coming years (this was his first year of eligibility).

A few other names: Freeman McNeil and James Hasty.

I think it is safe to say that Namath, who very well may not be the greatest Jet ever, is the most widely recognized.  Namath had his fair share of interceptions; he thew more picks in this NFL career than touchdowns.  By all accounts, his accuracy would not put him among elite quarterbacks in today’s game, and Namath was obviously elected into the Hall of Fame because of his Super Bowl guarantee and not because of his stat line.  For this reason, it is easy to imagine that someone like Darrelle Revis will go down in history as the greatest player ever.

Revis is well on his way to becoming the greatest Jets if he continues on this pace.  As for right now, he is just a bit too young.  I think we are all smart enough to see that Ryan may not just be blowing smoke this time.  He might actually be right.

Who do you think is the greatest New York Jet ever?

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