The Geno Smith-IK Enemkpali fiasco hardly is the first time the New York Jets have made headlines for, well, being the Jets. It’s merely the latest example.
Jets coach Todd Bowles announced his quarterback will miss six to 10 weeks with a broken jaw, which he suffered Tuesday during a locker room fight with Enemkpali.
This moment got us thinking about other examples of the Jets finding ways to embarrass themselves. Whether on draft night or game day, Gang Green has a history of coming up with strange ways to make headlines. Even their former stars aren’t immune to these moments.
Here is our list, in no particular order, of the eight worst moments in Jets history:
Joe Namath wants to kiss Suzy Kolber
Namath is considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and is known as the man who guaranteed — and delivered — on his promise to win Super Bowl III. However, younger sports fans probably remember the former Jets QB more for when he drunkenly flirted with ESPN sideline reporter Suzy Kolber and said “I want to kiss you” on air.
Bill Belichick quits as coach after only one day
New England Patriots fans still are thankful for this. It appeared Belichick would receive a second chance to be an NFL head coach when the Jets turned to him after Bill Parcells retired. But in a bizarre twist, Belichick resigned as New York’s coach after one day in January 2000.
The move turned out well for Belichick and the Patriots, who have won four Super Bowls under the coach. And it wouldn’t have been possible without this strange moment in the Jets-Patriots rivalry.
Draft night debacles
One of the most infamous decisions in NFL draft history involved the Jets in 1983. Dan Marino was there for the taking when the Jets picked at No. 24 in the first round, but they decided to go with Ken O’Brien. It was a rather poor decision, with the benefit of hindsight, but it certainly wasn’t the Jets’ only mistake in an NFL draft.
Marino fake spike
Draft night wasn’t the only time the Jets were haunted by their decision to pass on Marino. One of those moments came on Nov. 27, 1994, when Marino’s fake spike led to this memorable game-winning drive.
Timeout in Green Bay
The Jets appeared to be on the verge of a surprising upset of the Green Bay Packers last September, especially after Geno Smith’s touchdown pass to Jeremy Kerley. However, the play was blown dead before it even started. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg had called for a timeout — with the help of Sheldon Richardson — and received it, negating the TD pass.
Fireman Ed quits
Even the most hardcore Jets fan has had a rocky history with his favorite team and its followers. Ed Anzalone, better known as Fireman Ed, always was visible at Jets home games, especially when he led the “J-E-T-S!” chants. But he called it quits after the Jets’ 49-19 loss to the Patriots on Thanksgiving in 2012 after being heckled by other Gang Green fans.
The Butt Fumble
Fireman Ed quitting and the Jets’ 49-19 loss aren’t the only reasons that Thanksgiving 2012 is so memorable. In fact, it’s perhaps best remembered for when Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez collided with teammate Brandon Moore’s backside and fumbled the ball, which the Patriots returned for a touchdown. Sanchez’s Butt Fumble will be shown on blooper reels for generations.
Tim Tebow joins the Jets
Sure, the Patriots also experimented with Tim Tebow at quarterback during training camp in 2013. But he was released before the regular season began. Also, the Patriots didn’t hold a press conference to announce the signing of their backup quarterback, who lasted only one season and threw eight decidedly wobbly passes.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@Andy_McDonnell
