Jets Takeoff

As the Daily News is reporting, the Jets have given a game ball to noted fan and season-ticket holder Ed Anzalone, better known as Fireman Ed, in recognition of the fans’ support during the team’s 16-9 win Sunday over the Patriots. With his Jets-themed fireman’s hat and Jets’ jersey, the New York City firefighter is best known for leading the crowd in chants of J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS!

Fireman Ed is not deserving of a game ball following Sunday's win over New England.

I was at the game Sunday and it was the loudest I’d ever heard the Meadowlands for a Jets’ game. The fact that the Jets would single Fireman Ed out is insulting to everyone else who helped create the homefield advantage for Gang Green. All 78,312 of them. The Jets are ostensibly saying that Fireman Ed is their best fan, and they’re wrong to do that. I’d also argue that it’s not true.

The Jets did keep one game ball for their own trophy case and they’re certainly deserving of that. If the Jets are going to give out another game ball, it should be delivered to all the fans in attendance Sunday, not just the one wearing the fireman’s hat.

To his credit, Anzalone said the following about Jets’ fans: “Their passion is as great as mine is. There’s no difference. I’m just blessed to be able to lead the orchestra, to get them crazy.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m under the impression that Jets’ fans go to games to see the Jets, and only join Ed’s “orchestra” because it happens to be included with the price of admission.

And Rex Ryan said this: “On behalf of the fans and representing the fans, we gave him a game ball… He wasn’t the only fan you would notice, but I don’t know the names of everybody else,” Ryan said. “I’m sure there was Fireman Joe and everybody else out there. It was great because they’re our fans and we decided it was a little token of our appreciation to give him a game ball.”

The game ball should have been given to all the fans, Rex.