Content available exclusively for subscribers
This is a part of the job I don’t love. Before I continue, I’m not complaining. I feel blessed to be able to do this.
So don’t get the wrong idea.
But think about this dynamic – you write negative things about players after bad games or bad seasons, and then you see them on almost a daily basis in the locker room.
It’s kind of weird in a way.
Imagine if you worked in a building, and there were people who you were constantly critical, and you have to pass them in the hallway on a regular basis. Not a comfortable thing.
Once again, I want to make it perfectly clear, I’m not complaining.
The reason I bring this up was an encounter I had today. I went to get lunch at the “Smashburger” in Florham Park. And when I went to the counter to order, Darrelle Revis was sitting on a bench waiting for his order.
He ignored me. I have no issue with that. But after this, I was sitting eating my lunch, and thinking about how this media-player dynamic stinks.
But even more than that, over the years, sometimes I get angry with the Jets for putting me in positions like this.
Let me explain.
The second I heard the Jets gave a 30-year-old cornerback a five-year deal for $70 million with $39 million guaranteed, I was thinking, “This is going to be tough to cover.”
It’s like when the Jets drafted a marginal QB prospect in the second round and made him the immediate starter. It created two years of having to rip this kid over and over, and it wasn’t fun.
Or Mark Sanchez getting that crazy contract extension.
I guess where I’m coming from is a little selfish. I’m like “Jets don’t do this. I don’t like what I’m going to have to write moving forward.”
To give Revis that kind of money, at that age, I just felt it wasn’t going to end well.
And this year, the 31-year-old cornerback getting $17 million this year, got beat for long touchdowns in each of the first two games.
This sucks to write about.
And Revis obviously can’t stand me.
I hate covering this story.
I wish the Jets hadn’t done this.
Like I’ve said before, if you want to bring Revis back for a reasonable contract, and let him end his career in green, and move to safety (like Charles Woodson, Malcolm Jenkins and DeAngelo Williams – all terrific corners who moved to safety), fine.
But to pay him that kind of money, when the arrow was clearly pointing down from an athleticism and speed standpoint, is unfortunate.
Unfortunate for the player because now he’s dealing with slings and arrows from all directions.
Unfortunate for Todd Bowles who has to deal with questions on a regular basis about a declining superstar.
And unfortunate for reporters, who have to rip this iconic player.
It stinks all around.
If I were him, I would have ignored me in “Smashburger” also.
September 20, 2016
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Wednesday.