Wednesday, April 4, 2012

10 Reasons Why The Jets Should Do 'Hard Knocks' Again

By Carlo Nuño at 3:45 PM 


With the arrival of Tim Tebow in New York, the Jets have once again yanked the attention carpet right out from under New York's more accomplished team the Giants, who by the way, are just coming off yet another super bowl victory. As far as tangible football success, the Jets have always played second fiddle to the Giants. The Jets have only won one super bowl in franchise history, compared to four for the Giants, and that was in 1969 (quick math that was 43 years ago people), the number one song at that time was I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye, Broadway Joe Namath was the quarterback (in between commercial shoots), and they still shared Shea Stadium with the Mets.


Throughout the organizations history the Jets have seemed to always embrace publicity. Star power and controversy have been consistent cornerstones within the Jets organization starting as far back as Sonny Werblin who, along with four others, purchased the Jets in 1963. Werblin, a successful executive at MCA who managed major stars not only in music but movies and television, understood the value of headlines and media exposure. His first move? He signed a brazen young kid from the University of Alabama Joe Namath, who was actually drafted by the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals at 12th overall but drafted 1st overall by the Jets who were still in the AFL, Namath chose the Jets. (headline) Werblin also went ahead and signed Namath to a record contract, to that point, of $427,000 per year. (headline)

In 1969, after four years at the professional level a brash Namath guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III over the favored Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. (headline) The Jets won and Joe Namath was named the game's MVP. (headline, seeing the trend here?) Unfortunately for Jets fans there have only been a few things to cheer for since Super Bowl III Mark Gastineau in 1984 setting a new single-season sack record at 22 (headline), and Bill Parcells - a man who says what he means - coaching the team from 1997-1999 (some quotes turning into headlines) In 2000, Woody Johnson, of Johnson & Johnson wealth, bought the Jets and it has been said by members of the New York media his personality is closer to celebrity Cowboys owner Jerry Jones than behind the scenes Patriots owner Robert Kraft. (great Mac n' Cheese btw)

After the 2008 season Jets owner Woody Johnson hired bombastic court jester Rex Ryan (ironic he said "bounty" like four times in that video, lucky for him this was pre bountygate sorry sis) as his head coach. (headline) Coach Ryan has since twice guaranteed super bowl victories (headlines) and now traded to get the most polarizing figure in modern sports, Tim Tebow (HEADLINES), fly him in on a personal jet (headline) and give him a press conference (headline). The Jets from beginning to now have never been shy of the spotlight so why would they turn down such a golden opportunity to showcase themselves on national television? Believe me if they are honest with themselves, they won't.

Top 10 reasons why the Jets need to do another season of Hard Knocks

10. As I mentioned before the Giants are coming off a super bowl win, and what better way to steal the spotlight from big blue, who by the way share the same stadium as the Jets, by unleashing HBO TV cameras upon the complex with the sole purpose of filming all things Jets and ignoring all things Giants. Seriously though, who would want to film this.

9. With the increase in sales due to Rex Ryan's clever product placement strategies and over self-indulgence, M&M's will officially jump on board to sponsor Jets charities events and fundraisers.

8. For the first time in NFL draft history, Jets fan's in attendance will not boo their teams #1 pick, now realizing and accepting it wouldn't matter because from now on everything is in God's hands.

7. Tim Tebow.

6. More magical TV moments from Antonio Cromartie, He'll have more trouble this time, it has been two years and I'm sure the total number of kids has increased since.

5. Being able to watch as the show chronicles the slow progression of anxiety and paranoia manifest itself in Mark Sanchez's consciousness as a result of endless questions regarding his lack of leadership skills and if he likes Tim Tebow. So much so that a few episodes in, Mark's one on one confessionals end up with him barricaded in a dark equipment room and holding the camera to his face crying. (major headlines!)

4. Tim Tebow

3. So the audience can watch how all the Jets players become more and more agitated at the fact that all anyone wants to ask them about is Tim Tebow. There are some extremely volatile personalities in this locker room so if you play your cards right HBO producers, you might get an epic freakout.

2. HBO cameramen could be filming Fireman Ed and the rest of meatball Jets fans, as they hold daily pep rallies out at the practice field where Rex and some of the players could join in the festivities and chant J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS then Tebow only having been there a short time, getting caught up in the moment, and not realizing what was being spelled would jump in and chant J-E-S-U-S JESUS JESUS JESUS! As everyone looked at Tim in disbelief one guy with a Tebow jersey would stand up from the crowd and attempt to make it less awkward. That moment alone would be worth the price of an HBO subscription.

1. Let's be honest, Tim Tebow is the absolute undeniable only reason the Jets should sign up for a second season of Hard Knocks, and secretly we all know HBO is desperately trying to make sure they are there day one of Jets training camp. Subscriptions to the premium channel would boost significantly and ratings would never be higher. Love him or hate him Tim Tebow is by far the most polarizing figure in sports, not to mention the most marketable. Personally I don't understand why, the kid says nothing...EVER! If I took an interview of him in college and then took an interview of him yesterday and just listened to it, I would not be able to tell the difference. I would hate to interview Tebow. He would tell me he was "excited" forty five times then about how he's just there to work hard and do what his coach's tell him to do and blah blah blah. For someone that says nothing controversial and be such a lightning rod is mind blowing, Rush Limbaugh is insanely jealous.

Having said that, watching Tebow slowly take Mark Sanchez's job because, lets face it Sanchez seems weak minded. Watching what other Jet players will say about him, good and bad. Watching the fans reaction to him every time he steps out on the practice field and throws a duck will be great television! Hell he may even be able to quell Rex's use of profanity, something that got him in some hot water after the 2010 season on Hard Knocks. If the Jets stay true to themselves and go after headlines like they always have Hard Knocks is the most logical next step. The Jets have to do this...and when they make it official...well, lets just say I'll be as pumped as Bart Scott.                       

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