Wednesday was supposed to be about Ty Law, and how he was named a finalist for the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, but he was asked three questions about another defensive back from Aliquippa, Penn.
Law has known Darrelle Revis since the newly signed Patriots cornerback was playing Pop Warner youth football in Law’s hometown. Law said he developed a relationship with the All-Pro cornerback through Revis’ uncle, Sean.
“To watch him grow and become one of the best defensive players in the game, the best defensive back in the game, is amazing because I’ve seen this kid playing Pop Warner,” Law said Wednesday during a conference call with the media. “He was special then, but to see what he’s been able to accomplish right now, it feels like I’m still out there playing. I know his roots and I know his soul, I know his effort and I know what he brings to the table. I’m living through Darrelle vicariously while he’s out there playing.”
Revis will wear Law’s old No. 24 jersey with the Patriots. Law played with the Patriots from 1995 to 2004, when he was released and signed with the New York Jets. The Patriots signed Revis in March to a one-year, $12 million contract with an option for 2015.
Law believes Revis will be an upgrade over former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, who signed with the Denver Broncos this offseason. There was panic in New England during the period between when Talib was swept away by Broncos and Revis signed with the Patriots.
“With no disrespect to Aqib Talib, who is a great corner himself, but Darrelle is a special talent,” Law said about Revis, with whom he overlapped in 2008 for one year with the Jets. “Not only are you getting experience, you’re getting extreme confidence. You’re getting a person who is not afraid to put it on the line at the end of the game.
“The way he practices, by playing with him for the year that I did, to be so talented but to practice so hard, you don’t see a lot of young guys that have so much talent take the job that seriously because they’re so talented. That’s what I think separates Darrelle. He’s not taking his talent and his abilities for granted. He still wants to go out there and prove that he’s the absolute best week in and week out.”
Law said he was speechless when he found out he was nominated for the Patriots Hall of Fame. If he’s inducted, it will be easy for Patriots fans to forget Law’s time with Revis on the Jets.
“I left and played on some different teams, but my heart was always with the Patriots regardless of where I was at,” Law said.
