The first story I wrote for this website was Darrelle Revis’ last home game in late December 2016.
Fittingly, Revis lowered the curtain on his future Hall of Fame career with an interception late in the game – the first of the season – and rambled down the sidelines toward the endzone before he was tripped up at the three-yard line.
Moments later, he was swarmed by his teammates on the field and was greeted by a series of hugs and handshakes from players long the sidelines as well as head coach Todd Bowles,who greeted him with a wide grin and then pulled him aside for moment between the two of them.
It was obvious to everyone in Met Life Stadium and Jets’ nation that this was Revis’ last game in a Jets’ uniform, and an unfitting end to a highlight film career as arguably the best defensive back in club history.
Revis knew it, too. When being berated by reporters about a possible and inevitable release by the team, Revis took the high road and spoke about the team.
After a brief and awkward stint with Kansas City last year, Revis officially ended his 11-year NFL career Wednesday.
During his heyday during the team’s AFC Championship game runs, Revis made it look easy. He became the league’s best shutdown corner, seemingly doing it without even trying.
But time quickly caught up with him, and his decline became easy to spot. Ironically, he and
Nhamdi Asomugha — who also was considered among the best corners when he was with the Raiders but flopped with the Eagles — both lost their game at the same time.
Revis’ departure can continue to signal the new wave of Jets’ stellar secondary play. The ever-maturing safety tandem of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye should continue to gain more respect this season.
The resigning of Morris Claiborne and the signing of free agent Trumaine Johnson solidifies the corner positon and gives the Jets one of the league’s better secondary units.
They also can move Buster Skrine back to a nickel of number three spot, better utilizing his talents. Rookie corner Parry Nickerson has been impressive, and there is core of veterans who will be fighting for spots at safety and corner.
Depth won’t be a problem.
“Since I’ve been here, it’s probably the most athletic and versatile secondary that I’ve had going into the season,” said head coach Todd Bowles earlier this year about the unit.
Darrelle, thanks for the memories. When you were on top of your game, you were fun to watch.
Revis Island will forever reign in Jets’ lore.
Yet, there is plenty of space for the creation of another island with the current secondary.
They should help make the defense one of the league’s better ones this Fall.