By Tom Rock
Eric Mangini said he is looking forward to the Jets’ first home game. He said having a stadium loaded with Jets fans will be beneficial. He said it quickly, however, and it almost sounded like he said “a stadium with loaded Jets fans.” He clarified his remarks with a chuckle and moved on. “Please make that distinction,” he said.
Mangini also backtracked on his stunning statement earlier this week that Wesleyan does not play good football. He apologized for the remarks and encouraged all students who are considering Williams or Tufts or Bowden to give deep thought to Wesleyan.
As you can tell from these hard-pressing issues, there’s a pretty light-hearted atmosphere here in Jets-land. A lot of smiles after the 1-0 start. Mangini does not want the team to get too full of themselves after just one game, so he had Public Enemy’s “Don’t Believe the Hype” played during stretching at today’s practice. Of course, it could have been directed toward the media, this medium included, which has grabbed onto the Mangini-Belichick storyline. But since he followed Chuck D and Flava Flav with Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” I suspect the tunes were pointed more toward the players.
Mangini said Mike Nugent responded well at practice on Wednesday, even though he did his best to rattle the young kicker with loud music and game-like conditions. He may have also tried to rattle Nugent by bringing in three veteran kickers for a look-see on Tuesday. Kickers more than any other football position survive on a what-have-you-done-lately precipice. If he kicks a few through against New England, he’ll kill this story … for now.
Offensive lineman Trey Teague participated in practice today, though we won’t know until the injury report comes out later today whether he was involved in 11-on-11 drills (that’s how “practicing” is defined on an injury chart). Teague, who broke his left ankle during minicamp, said there is a possibility he could be available to play in Sunday’s game. Teague, who has played center and tackle, said he could play guard if necessary.
I’m not one to stand in the way of democracy, and with Grace calling for a vote by the fans on the Fireman Ed issue, I’ll let the peoples’ voice be heard. The board is open to (civilized) debate. Let’s give the issue a week and then count the votes next Thursday. In the interest of organizing the ballots, please post your comments on this thread rather than whatever threads appear in the next few days.
The question: Has Fireman Ed worn out his welcome? V-O-T-E, VOTE VOTE VOTE!
Vox populi vox Dei!
Comments (51)
I don't understand why so many Jets fans are against this Firemen Ed? Are they jealous? In my opinion there is no team in the NFL who has the chant that we have. I have been to so many stadiums over the years, Green Bay Fans are dedicated, Browns fans are loyal, Raiders fans are crazy, Eagles fans are even more crazy … but when Firemen Ed leads that chant, and the whole stadium goes quiet before erupting simultaneously with J E T S, Jets Jets Jets ... the energy that Jets fans put out is amazing. I am sure that energy transcends to the players as they run down the field on the kick off. I was at the Chargers game last year when Firemen Ed was boycotting the game and some other guy tried to lead the chant, and it was not the same...much weaker. Tom, I would be interested to know what the rookies reactions are to the chant as they will be hearing it in full force for the first time on Sunday.
uh "grace" has been screaming for this vote on Cimini's blog for a couple of weeks now...why are you falling for it?
But I'll bite: Fireman Ed is fine with me - didn't know he was so bothersome
Fireman Ed has got to go. I AGREE with Grace
FIREMAN ED "IS" the face of the NY Jets.
LONG LIVE FIREMAN ED!!!!!!!
Keep Fireman Ed !!!
The fireman wore out his welcome once he went on the Jets' payroll. I remeber back at Shea when the two end zone upper decks would have competing J'e't's chants. Todd is godd!
I agree with Richard. The Chargers game was lacking because Ed wasn't there. Who else has someone like that? He should be getting paid for what he does. Can't wait to scream with him on Sunday!!!
I'm 35, I remember Fireman Ed at Shea when i was a little kid. I live out west now. I'm not at the games much,But Fireman ED in his Bruce Harper#42 jersey is a good memory. Keep ED,Lose Grace....
Ed hasnt worn out his welcome, vut rock did, wheres the beef? berger that is.
Keep Ed
I was at the SD game too. He does make a difference.
Hey Richard, why was he boycotting?
Tom:
Jets coverage has been superb. I'll spend my valuable time to read top-notch sports journalism Jets fan or not. Kudos.
Go EAGLES!
Ryan
ps Jets fans: fireman Ed is the one guy on earth that can legitimately wear a #1 fan shirt or sport the license plate cover
Fireman Ed is boring. He was a shill for the west side stadium and was part of a t-shirt marketing deal with Modell's.
He once might have been a true fan and worthy cheerleader, but by taking money for his "services" he showed me he's just a hustler.
Ed must go! Give me someone who is a pure fan. Anyone knows how to spell J-E-T-S and he didn't even create this cheer.
I think he's gotten his buddies at the firehouse to stack the survey in his favor. He'll probably buy them pizza with the money he gets from Modells.
Ed. Give it up, already.
Fireman Ed is boring. He was a shill for the west side stadium and was part of a t-shirt marketing deal with Modell's.
He once might have been a true fan and worthy cheerleader, but by taking money for his "services" he showed me he's just a hustler.
Ed must go! Give me someone who is a pure fan. Anyone knows how to spell J-E-T-S and he didn't even create this cheer.
I think he's gotten his buddies at the firehouse to stack the survey in his favor. He'll probably buy them pizza with the money he gets from Modells.
Ed. Give it up, already.
Richard likes Ed, but he points out that many fans (including me) think Ed should go.
Buddha is 100% correct--once Ed started taking money to perform he really forfeited his role as a fan.
And Brian says that Ed should be paid for what he does. Guess what he's making money on his tired act.
True fans don't make money by rooting for their team.
Give me a true fan to be our #1 cheerleader -- not a phoney like Ed.
Keep Ed
Would you lose the Mercedes hood ornament? Long Live Fireman Ed!
Firemen Ed was boycotting the game to protest the Jets making a deal with the Giants on the new shared stadium they are building at the Meadowlands. He wanted the Jets to have their own stadium preferably at Flushing Meadows, which was a concept idea last year.
For what it's worth, Fireman Ed is awesome. That being said, why does Grace even think we should vote on this? What results will our vote bring? Even if you think he should go, do you think he will as a result of this farcical vote? Pretty dumb idea...
Thanks for asking the question Tom.
Real Nyer is right...
Self-appointed guys like Ed, who crave the spotlight, will do whatever they have to do to get attention.
But the poll is useful. The only thing wrong with the poll is that it should be put on Newsday's main sports page as the "question of the day" so that all readers can cast their vote. The blog doesn't reach a greater sample of Jets fans. It only is seen by a handful who know about the blog. Therefore, the results don't reflect the larger group of fans.
But thanks for having the heart to ask the question.
Do the Giants have a cheerleader? Do the Pats? The only faces they need is Belichick and Brady. Cheerleaders are a substitute for winning. I vote NO on the fireman.
Fireman Ed has done a nice job over the years but I as a super fan of the J-E-T-S could never understand why sooooo many sheep in the stands would wait for one guy to start a chant cheering for the team that they love????? I would cheer for defense, special teams or offense like nuts all game if he did a chant or not!!!!
Jet fans here is a msg.....stop being a follower and be your own leader and if ed wants to do a chant have fun with it but you should be doing your own because the team really could use the 12th man all game long....
I agree the Pre- Ed chants from the opposite end zone upper decks were better. A real spontaneous competition between the two end zones resulted in more energy than his two or three pre planned made for TV chants. He is nothing but a corporate shill at this point.
He capitalized on others' invention and should go. And by the time the fourth quarter rolls around he is in his limo on the way back to the city.
PS - he was never at Shea.
fireman ed is gay
Ed has definitely not worn out his welcome and I don't think he ever will. He makes the stadium a better place and a better atmosphere.
Who cares about this Firemen Ed stuff? The SD game was different? The only thing I remember from the SD game was how exciting it was at the end, not a single thing about firemen ed? I guess since were done talking about Chad's shoulder were onto another topic that is ridiculous.
Fireman Ed is The Man (and not in the bad keeping-me-down way either). Long live the fireman!
Fireman Ed has had season tickets for a while now, I don't think he's going to give them up because there's an idiotic vote on Tom Rock's Jets blog..
Week one of the NFL is the most overrated week in the sports world..we beat the miserable Titans, and now Chad is one of the best passers in the game? He deserved AFC player of the week, but why all this hype in Newsday after one game? He has one good game and all of a sudden Barlow and Blaylock are going to get 200 rushing yards against the Pats? There shouldn't be any speculation articles written until at least week 10, when there's some consitancy..c'mon at least wait a couple weeks before creating all this hype..
Being an opimistic Jets fan is an oxymoron
Go NY Titans!
Keep ED!! He is the Superfan. My freind met him at the rock(FDNY Acadamy) Said he was cool even though he isnt aloud to speak to him.
Better then that gold haired guy at all the Islander games.
I don't really have a strong opinion either way on Fireman Ed. I have season tickets, when he starts the chant I go along with it, and at some momentions it does add some addrenaline. The thing that I don't understand is everyone complaining that he sold out and is not a fan anymore because he took money. That's such crap! Ask yourself if some jets official come up to you during a game and said "hey you're an awesome fan, you really get the crowd going, I think we're gonna give you season tickets. Oh you you know what you should make a couple of commercials too". Yeah, true jet fans turn that down. How idiotic an idea, there's nothing wrong with him taking the money! New poll: Do you take the money and free tickets?
Vote one---> I'd be stupid not to
Fireman Ed is great. Don't forget the job he does as one of NYC's bravest. I love seeing him at games.
Keep Fireman Ed. When you look around the league at the freak show in Oakland and the dog masks in Cleveland, I'm proud to have an FDNY member as the fan face of the team, especially since 9-11. Never forget!!!
Ed is the best fan a team can have.He is repected,and makes most Jet fans proud.As a Canadian fan ,I always look forward to the TV close-ups of Ed.
Couldn't agree with you more TK. You people who say he shouldn't take money are full of crap. You ALL would take the money in a New York second.
I say keep Fireman Ed. I live all the way out in Illinois, have been a Jets fan for over 20 years, and would kill to be in that stadium to participate in the J E T S Jets Jets Jets chant. I get excited when I see him on TV because he's having fun cheering on the team that I've taken a lot of grief for supporting. I also agree that most people would take the money and tickets in a heartbeat. Doesn't make them love the Jets any less, just means killer seats at all the games. And I definitely rally behind the NYC firefighters! The Midwest says never forget also.
No doubt- you have to keep Fireman Ed. What they need to get rid of is that stupid "GameFace" football cartoon thing they show on the big screens...is that back this year? Horrible.
I say lets keep Ed for one more year. Then lets eat him.
my poll was stupid.
i apologize for wasting everyone's time
What most of you are forgetting is that Firemen Ed has been going to almost every game for the last x number of years? Yes, when Browning Nagle was a starter, yes, when Rick Mirer was a starter and yes, when Kotite was head coach. He was there when the stadium was empty and the Jets were miserable, and he was there when the Jets were in the playoffs, getting the fans to go CRAZY. This guy is a Jet's ICON and should be paid for his extreme loyalty. More than can be said for the typical fans who only go to games when the Jets have a chance....
Fireman Ed should be paid. He's done so much for the JETS, he's done more for those affected by 9/11 and burn victims... The fact that people say he should go baffles me.
If we were all like Fireman Ed, the world would be better off...
Ed is great. I have been at away games with him and he is a true fan. What does "suck" is that I remember one side of Giant's stadium doing the chant then the other. Sort of back and forth and much less "staged" I think most people would be scared to tread on what has become "his" chant.
ed is a loyal fan and a great guy. he once brought me to his tailgate where he brought me into his jets van offered me a beer and hung out. ed is a fireman for real, makes no money and risks his life everyday for fellow new yorkers. he makes the game excited even after all the years the jets blow. so keep ed, let him make some money, and if you don;t like him stay home and watch the game on your couch.
I agree with Morty's comments.
So what if Ed is getting some cash for what he does, if the shoe was on the other foot, so to speak, for those who feel he should go, I'm sure they would not be complaining. And I support Ed in his boycott, the JETS should have their own stadium!
Yes the Jets need their own stadium!! Let's hear ir S-T-A-D-I-U-M stadium stadium stadium
Get rid of ED!
He did not start that chant. It was actually 2 ex NYC Police Officers that started the whole thing back at Shea and they sat in the upper deck. The only reason Ed gets any notice is because of his seat location.
I sat in the upper deck with the other guys and I know persoanlly just how it all happened.
I also witnessed a child asking Ed for an autograph and he would not give it to him.What kind of man does that to a little child.
GET RID OF ED
Everyone who wants fireman ed to leave is crazy!!!!!!! if u ask any of the players they all say the j-e-t-s jets jets jets chant completely fires them up
fireman ed is a fraud.........he is a jerk we don't need him to lead our cheer J!E!T!S!............see we can spell without him
Does anybody know for certain where Fireman Ed went to high school and what year he graduated?
Fireman Ed is the reason people think all Jets fans are stupid. WAH WAH WAH they're not building us a stadium in NYC so I'm not going to the home opener. What a baby.
How do I download the Jets Chant? Thanks.
Fireman Ed is a staple of being a JET fan. He definitely has not worn out his welcome in my book.
Are you crazy?Ed is known throughout the WORLD as 'the' jetsfan,and you'd better think twice about dissing a NYFD fireman.
I know,I live in Australia,jetsman for over 40 years,never been to a real game,but I'd sure miss Ed.
Once again, we have to micro-analyse another issue with the Jets until we destroy it. Why take away the 1 thing that makes it fun to be at a Jets game? Our unique cheer. We have nothing else. Our cheer is even in all version of Madden Football since 2003. So it's part of our team. The Panthers have a roar, the Bucs have a Pirate Ship, we have the JETS chant.
So all those say that he should go, what do you propose we replace him with? An LCD sign? Yeah right... that would be great. OK everybody, watch the sign!
Why don't we focus on why we haven't won any games, or WHY BOTH NEW JERSEY FOOTBALL TEAMS WILL STILL HAVE NY WRITTEN ON THEM... and stop debating such a stupid topic.
I think fireman ED does a great job, i don't know anything about him getting paid, but hey if he is getting paid how much could it be, probably just enough to buy lunch for one week so what's the big deal! As far a stadium in Flushing Meadows that's fine with me, If the Giants want to become the NY/Jersey Giants fine, The Jets belong in N.Y.