The rivalry between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets first stemmed from the common desire to clinch the top spot in the AFC East, but the modern day teams duel over much more than just a divisional title.
Jets linebacker Mo Lewis changed the game forever in 2001 when he slammed Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe to the ground, prompting the Pats to call up rookie Tom Brady to fulfill his duties. Brady went on to lead the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles in less than five years, while the Jets have not won a Super Bowl since 1969.
Unlike most rivalries, the long-time aggression between the Jets and the Patriots is not just a media exaggeration. In fact, Brady has admitted to hating the Jets, and each organization’s head coach has publicly insulted the other.
From questionable tackles to public arguments between players to spying accusations, Patriots-Jets tensions are at an all-time high. With New England’s recent signing of former Jets cornerback and longtime Patriots-hater Darrelle Revis, the rivalry does not seem to be winding down any time soon.
