The Jets’ online shop released its line of AFC championship gear to the public on Thursday. One small problem, the championship game itself doesn’t kick off until 3 p.m. on Sunday. Once the Jets get to the game, they will have to contend with the 15-2 Indianapolis Colts.
Championship memorabilia is always produced beforehand. How else would it get to the team’s celebration on the field immediately after the final whistle? In blowouts, you often see hats and shirts circulating the sidelines several minutes before the game is even over.
Even the losing team’s gear goes somewhere, often to charities like World Vision. Despite that, more than one Patriots “19-0” T-shirt has seen daylight stateside, though most likely not anywhere near New England.
But selling the tenuous future spoils to the public? That could be a different story. At least Ryan doesn’t believe in jinxes.
“Do you see this grease-stained shirt here?” Ryan asked at his Wednesday press conference. “We’re not superstitious, but we’re not dumb either. We’re not taking any chances. I haven’t had a haircut for several weeks and I’ve got three more to go.”
