How did you become a Jet Fan .. and How long [Archive]

Namath2Kolber

02-26-2007, 12:35 AM

I'll admit I'm a newbie. I didn't get into football until 1998 (I was 16) when a friend of mine convinced me to do a fantasy football team with him. He was a big Jets fan. My dad rooted for the Jets and Giants. He probably liked the Giants more but was never able to get me into football. That year, the Jets exploded and had a very memorable season and I've been a die hard fan ever since.

dBLitzer28

02-26-2007, 12:38 AM

I 1st saw a jet game when i was 7 (now 20)... been a fan ever since

GSourJr

02-26-2007, 12:47 AM

My two older cousins, one on my father's side, one on my mother's side, were Jet fans and they bred it into me during the early 70's.

The first game I ever attended was at Shea in 1974 when I was 13 years old; Namath beat the Dolphins, and we all stormed the field, as we did many times after.

Whenever my uncle got tickets through his job, he took us. That didn't happen often, maybe a half dozen times.

Jets used to get blacked out quite often during the mid 70's so I would have to listen to games on the radio.

Saw the playoff clincher in 1981 vs Green Bay--still the best game I ever attended.

Finally got my own season tickets in 1986. First game as a STH?
Jets 51, Fins 45.

KyleBradyoverSapp

02-26-2007, 12:48 AM

The Sack Exchange

Beamen

02-26-2007, 12:49 AM

As a really young kid, I started becoming a fanatic in 1996. My dad took me to the Jets vs Eagles game. It was dank as hell outside, and we were all the way up top, but I had the time of my life and fell in love with the Jets (we lost 21-20, I believe, en route to a 1-15 season) So it's been a little more than 10 years...

Twombles

02-26-2007, 04:23 AM

Im really a Mangini kid. I didnt become a die hard fan until last season

ScotsJet

02-26-2007, 05:30 AM

After going to a Superbowl party when I was living in Sweden in early 2002 I resolved to watch the following season on the telly. I was a student, so the late nights weren't a problem, and though I didn't know everything that was going on, I still became hooked.

As for why the Jets? It's strange, but I feel more like they picked me than the other way around. I simply found myself rooting for them for no particular reason. It's emotional rather than logical.

Jets81

02-26-2007, 08:28 AM

Became a Jets fan in 1991. Up to that point I had watched super bowls with my parents when thay had parties, but since I played basketball that was my first and favorite sport.

One sunday I found myself watching a game between the Jets and the Dolphins (or was it the Bills). Both teams were 7-8 and vying for the last wild card. I decided to root for New York since it was closer to NJ. The Jets ended up winning on a last second field goal and I went nuts jumping up and down and running all over the place. My fate was sealed.

Too be honost, I don't even remember what happened in the playoffs that year. We lost to Houston maybe? I could be confusing that with the year we missed the playoffs do to a dismantiling in Houston though. I was only 10.

Didn't really start to follow every game untill Boomer was brought in. Vague memories of Kenny O., Al Toon, Brad Baxter, Terrance Mathis, Rob Moore, etc. It's been a bumpy ride, but at times it's been a pretty god damn fun one too. Jets fan for life.

NYMagpies

02-26-2007, 09:27 AM

0-5 years (started in 04)

why? mainly because of Ben Graham and that i have moved here from Australia. I am totally addicted to the Jets team as well as have many favs playing in the green and white....i live and die by sunday in winter now...:)

championjets69

02-26-2007, 09:54 AM

1965 JWN rookie year

Justwinit

02-26-2007, 10:09 AM

I can remember watching the Jets on TV at my Aunt's house when suddenly the program switched to Heidi and everyone was like "you gotta be kidding me". I was 8. But for some reason I did not watch the remaining games they played or the SB. I started following them in earnest in 71 and still waiting like everyone else to see that SB that I missed.

Although I did see the Jets SB win a couple of weeks ago when a friend taped it. Man could Namath throw. Talk about a defense that had to stay honest. Where has that been.

Allentown Ernie

02-26-2007, 10:16 AM

I am old,"69 years" however the reason was Joe willie Namath, He was the person from PA. that drew me to the Jets. Man, in those days the games were like 45 to 40, bombs away all game long. They were fun to watch. Yes we had T.V. in those days. But we had to get up to change the channel," no remote". Allentown Ernie.

Allentown Ernie

02-26-2007, 10:18 AM

Hey champ, am I older than you ? Allentown Ernie.

MSUJet85

02-26-2007, 10:18 AM

I was rooting for Murrell to get 1,000 yards during the 1-15 season in 1996

Mjet67

02-26-2007, 10:21 AM

Watching.....Joe Klecko and the Sack Exchange................

Laxman

02-26-2007, 10:27 AM

I was born into it. We only watched Jets games in my house as my dad and uncles are all Jets Fans.

ToddtoBarkum

02-26-2007, 10:35 AM

My Dad got season tix in '75, I turned 5 years old, and we have been going ever since. I've missed two home games in the 32 years since. ('78 woke up with the chicken pox & '95 had food poisioning and was in the hospital for two days)

A close friend of family has had tickets since '60 when we were the Titans. He actually received a letter in '00 from Woody advising that he was only one of I think it was 100 season tix holders left since '60.

CatoTheElder

02-26-2007, 10:37 AM

11 years. First game that I remember watching was in 1995, I'm 20 now.

championjets69

02-26-2007, 10:51 AM

Hey champ, am I older than you ? Allentown Ernie.
Yes I am April 1940. When I next visit my son in NE Philly I will alert U & we can connect.

Murrell2878

02-26-2007, 11:24 AM

Early early 80's. I remember watching the 81 playoff game (I wasn't quite 4 yo yet) but I remember it.

baamf

02-26-2007, 11:45 AM

Been going to games since the early 70s, a season ticket holder for 15 or so years. It's all my Dads fault....

Jtuds

02-26-2007, 11:46 AM

I am actually a JETS fan. I like the whole team, not just one player.

thegoldengod

02-26-2007, 12:37 PM

i was an army brat...mainly lived in nc which didnt have a team until the panthers came in 95' and i chose the jets in 94'...dad was a cowboys fan and the uncles were dolphins fans so it doesnt make sense at all
i am a huge fan of the underdog...and in 94', 95', 96' i couldnt have picked a better team...and who doesnt like the color green
i stuck with them b/c i liked keyshaun coming out and was a parcells fan
huge pennington fan...if there is a player who fit the underdog mold on the underdog team it is him
just became more and more addicted over the years

jonnyd

02-26-2007, 12:39 PM

born into it as well. My father sat me down when I was like 8 and said "son, youre a Jet, Yankee and Ranger fan, dont worry about basketball, it sucks" and thats exactly what Ive been sonce 1980

winstonbiggs

02-26-2007, 12:45 PM

When I started following the Jets we had a slightly alcholic head case at QB who wasn't that smart but had a rocket arm and a gamblers mentality. They were simply the most exciting team in football at the time and I got hooked.

It's probably why I over rate a strong arm, quick release and a go for it mentality over brains and character.

jetmike

02-26-2007, 12:53 PM

I started going to Jet/Titan Games starting 1961-2.I became a season ticket holder in 1966.Sec 35 upper deck at Shea last row. Now I have seven tix in Sec 228.I still love the Jets and plan on going until I can't anymore. I did have standing room tix for the Giants but when they would not honor them in 1963 I vowed to root only for the Jets. This will be my 42nd season as a season tix holder. Two years ago I spoke to Mr Coangelo if the Jets wanted to do a PR piece about my 40 years as a season ticket holder. He did not seem to care. In fact I don't think anyone in the organization cares about the season tix holders.If I gave up my tix tomorrow they would be gone in 60 sec. I am sure the Jets are not alone in this attitude. It is sad that as we get closer to having a new stadium prices will go up and the organization will be more interested in the "corporate fans". Us older timers will be left by the side of the road. But no matter who owns the Jets or where they play i am a Jet fan for life.

asbcheeks

02-26-2007, 01:26 PM

My dad has been a season ticket holder since Shea and I have been a fan for life, except for a short flirtation with the Giants when I was too little to understand the difference (was LT for Halloween in kindergarten).

I had been to games earlier and surely watched many on TV with my dad, but my earliest recollection of truly being a diehard Jet fan (ie I spefically recall the game, where I watched it, and with whom) was the Allegre game against the Dolphins to get us into the playoffs in 1991, so that puts me at 16 years.

winstonbiggs

02-26-2007, 01:50 PM

skoobz2001

02-26-2007, 02:22 PM

Prior to University, I wasn't even very interested in the NFL - being from Edmonton, Canada, it was hockeyhockeyhockey... In my first year of dental school, my buddies would always talk NFL - and one friend in particular talked about the Dolphins CONSTANTLY. I knew that I hated the Dolphins even though I wasn't a big NFL guy at the time - and it happened that we watched a Jets/Phins game. Needless to say, I cheered against the Dolphins, but ended up really loving the Jets from then on. That was '97...

In 2002, we made the trek from Edmonton to the Meadowlands for the regular season finale against the Packers. We wandered around the tailgate listening to and watching the Pats/Phins game - it was amazing - people handing us beers, burgers and brats in the name of the Jets! It reinforced my love for the team with a love for my fellow Jets fans - and to see the Jets win the Division was unbelievable. The great corollary to the story is the two buddies who made the trip with me - one, a Vikings fan who soaked in the atmosphere and had the time of his life - and the other, THE Dolphins fan who got me into NFL and the Jets, pouting and angry as the Phins season turned into crap!

statjeff22

02-26-2007, 03:00 PM

15+ years is WAY too little to be put in the "OLD" category - I'm with champ, Ernie, winston, and jetmike in the 40+ years category. For me the Shea Stadium-Mets-Queens-new kid on the block connection made it an easy choice, and the hiring of Weeb in 1964 and signing of JWN in 1965 gave them immediate credibility.

Jetfanmack

02-26-2007, 03:29 PM

I'm 18 (almost 19) and I can almost be in the OLD category... My first memories of the Jets are 1993, when I was 5, so I'm almost there...

MDBigDog

02-26-2007, 03:32 PM

My theory is that I am a Jets (and Mets fan) since I was born in 1969 when they both won. Besides that I've just been a fan for as long as I remember. Funny thing is that I've yet to see a Jets home game despite growing up in NJ though did get to a few Giants games at the Meadowlands because my uncle had season tickets.

Italian Seafood

02-26-2007, 04:04 PM

My dad is a Jet fan and we had Joe Namath in the 70s when I started watching football. That did it for me.

Thanks, Dad.
Thanks, Joe.

You fuckers!

JUNJOBX2199

02-26-2007, 04:04 PM

I�m a third Generation Jets fan, my grand farther and farther got to see a champion. I have been going to games since I was a young lad. I reached my teens and faded away from the football games for a while (Girls and my own quest to become a football player) Early twenties I watched my boy's but never regained the sprit that my dad taught me. In my late twenties and early thirties I became a farther and got married. I now have the time to fill my soul with the anguish that thruster me away as a youth. I�m stronger now and more suited to deal with the ups and down's that made me drift away from the team. I have a Tattoo of the Jets on my chest where it would be if you were wearing a jersey. Branded for Life and a Jets fan for life!! I guess im servin a 15 to life!

The Future

02-26-2007, 04:06 PM

6-10 years.

I remember when I was little my dad would be watching the Jets games. And my first football jersey ever was a Glenn Foley, and I all I knew about him really was that he was on the Jets, and that they were/are still my favorite team.

Dierking

02-26-2007, 04:35 PM

Its my dad's fault.

When I was little, he used to turn the sound off on the TV so we could listen to Marty Glickman call the game on radio.

vitolola

02-26-2007, 04:41 PM

1965....I guess that it makes me one of the oldest..Still rooting(foreverajet in boca ).....I will be 73 this year ...go jets...

Dinobot 2

02-26-2007, 04:53 PM

Almost in that old category.

Carl Spacklers Grass

02-26-2007, 05:23 PM

I was raised a Jets fan. My dad is a die-hard, altho the story behind my Dad becoming a Jets fan is interesting

During the mid 1960's the Jets used to practice in Peekskill, NY (roughly an hour north of NYC, hometown of Gov. Pataki and Elton Brand). The Jets used to practice at a place called Torpy Field, a large playing field on Hudson Ave which is part of Depew Park.

My dad happened to live across the street from Torpy Field and at the age of 15 got to be a ball-boy for the Jets. For two summers ('66 and '67) my dad got to help out at practice and play catch with Joe Namath. Doesn't get much better than that. Needless to say, my father has bled Jets green ever since.

My first memory of the Jets was the 1991 Playoff game with the Oilers. I was only 6 years old, but i remember distinctly my father throwing the remote against the wall and breaking it during that game. Maybe its a good thing that my first memory of the Jets is a heartbreaking loss...because thats pretty much been the status-quo ever since...

Luckily I've been fortunate to go to at least one Jets game a year for the past 10 years. I'm currently about 3 years away from getting Jets season tix (according to the waiting list)

I look forward to one day indoctrinating my own children with Jets lore and Jets fan-dom....

Mickey Shuler 82

02-26-2007, 05:30 PM

1965....I guess that it makes me one of the oldest..Still rooting(foreverajet in boca ).....I will be 73 this year ...go jets...
The impressive thing here is not the length of your Jets fandom, but that you know how to use a computer at age 73. My in laws are younger than you and don't know boo about computers. Nice work!

Jets81

02-26-2007, 05:52 PM

By the way...being a Jets fan for 15+ years does not make you old. I'm 26 this Sunday.

Chad10

02-26-2007, 06:06 PM

My Grandpa was a jet fan since the start and my Unc(his son) became a huge fan and I kept tradition going, he took me to a game when i was 4 and from then on till now......im 18 ive been die hard. My life goes with the jets, as many of you.

Dinobot 2

02-26-2007, 06:18 PM

By the way...being a Jets fan for 15+ years does not make you old. I'm 26 this Sunday.

I agree. There should have been a 30+ option.

Penny2Moss

02-26-2007, 06:23 PM

My dad was watching a game when I was 4-5 and back then my favorite color was green so I told him I liked the "green guys" and it stuck, I will be 26 in April so I have been a fan roughly 21-22 years.

Merkava

02-26-2007, 06:24 PM

I was an off and on jets/giants fan until I had the privledge to watch the Monday Night Miracle. At that point, i knew I bled green and white.

mrjet80

02-26-2007, 07:38 PM

I've been a Jets fan since 1981 (10 years old), although I can remember watching a few games in late 1980. My grandfather was a huge Giants fan -so is my mother, and my father liked the Dolphins at the time (he hates them now). The moment it really all clicked for me occured in August of 1981, while watching TV, Channel 5 in NY showed a commerical promoting an upcoming Jets pre-season game at Denver (I even remember the time 9:30 pm ;), the commercial was showing Jets players in action - and that was it I was hooked, the only Jets fan in the family. From then on I've watched every Jets game played and the few I've had to miss over the years because of work, I've always been near a telephone for those 1800- scoreboard numbers. Of course with the internet today it's alot easier to keep up.......

Anyway, it's been an eventful 25+ years and although there have been some pretty exciting and depressing moments - I wouldn't have it any other way.......:beer:

GreenHornet

02-26-2007, 10:01 PM

I watched a young Joe Namath and Jets team completely dominate a heavily favored Colts team in Super Bowl III. Joe Namath put the AFL on the map. I was a fan ever since. I have seen too many things over the years to count. What an amazing ride.

It has been 40 years. I may die soon.

The Screed

02-26-2007, 10:10 PM

since 1994

CapoStatus27

02-26-2007, 11:11 PM

I'm 20 years old, and I was always a huge Dallas fan (i'd be more than happy to let you hate me because i hate that now too). My second cousin, who happens to be a 6 season ticket holder asked me if i wanted to go a jet - dallas game a few years back and i said sure. ever since then ive hated the cowboys and loved the jets, and always will love the jets. now my father (giants fan) and I are season ticket holders ourselves. i cant wait for next season to start.

ollie

02-27-2007, 09:15 AM

1981... I was 8... I remember after my pee wee football game, I played safety that day, we went to my grandmothers house for dinner... my parents are die hard giants fans and even at a young age I enjoyed annoying them...

anyway... the Jets were on and were playing Green Bay in the rain... for some reason I was drawn to them imediately... then it happened... Darol Ray came in on a safety blitz and crushed Lynn Dickey, forced the fumble and returned it for 6.... the Jets went on to win in a rout... I was offically a Jet fan

Germanjet

02-27-2007, 04:10 PM

I read this article about Bill Parcells in a german football magazine in 1996. He really fascinated me.

EcKo151

02-28-2007, 07:51 PM

This is my 10th season being a Jets fan, ever since Parcells got here is when I started being a fan, and it's been fun and painful.

I was a bandwagon Cowboys fan as a kid, not knowing what football was, just knew Aikman-Irvin-Emmitt. Then when I was 10, I wanted to pick my teams, my brother was a Giants fan, so I went with the Jets.

SwampThing28

03-02-2007, 01:51 AM

I was born into it. Pops named me after Richard Todd. I grew up listening to him cheer the Sack Exchange and Al Toon and join in the Joe Must Go chants. Can't wait till August!!:pats_suck:

DonnieIsTheKing

03-03-2007, 12:12 PM

I've been for 6 years now (2001-2006, and I accidentally punched in the 0-5 without counting). My uncle took my to my first pro football game ever on 2001 Opening Day. We got killed by the Colts and Santana Moss, Coles, and Curtis Martin were all beaten in an 100 yard dash by a fat defensive tackle, but I felt an excitement at that game that just hooked me for life.

:jets: :jets: :jets:

jetbo

03-03-2007, 08:29 PM

I've been a J-E-T-S fan since Joe Willie came to New York in 1965. I made my first bet as a child on Super Bowl III, Jets/Colts, with my grandfather for $5.00 and no points, taking the J-E-T-S!!!! W

Hemi

03-09-2007, 03:07 PM

My brother was a Jets fan. The first game I ever watched was Marcus Allen running over the Redskins, the next year I became a Jets fan, the first game I watched the Raiders crushed them 31-0. I don't know why, but I stuck with them and have never left, maybe it is a sickness that we Jets fans have after all the crushing losses and Kotites being thrown our way. I am hoping Mangini's Jets can change all that and end the heartache.

bakojetsfan

03-09-2007, 03:15 PM

started after the OT playoff loss to the browns in 86 or 87 (too long ago...) was only in fourth grade at the time...was in tears when they lost...been die-hard since...was it wise as a child to pick your new team after a LOSS? probably not...but i live and die the Green and White! made my family and friends in seattle livid that i was no longer a seahawks fan, but oh well...

Canadian

03-10-2007, 02:00 PM

15 years, was born a Jets fan on, my first clothes were Jets and Yanks and I am 15 now.

wexy

03-11-2007, 09:28 PM

1968. I've told this awhile back but its a good story, When I was 12, I needed a spinal fusion for scoliosis. When I awoke from surgery in the recovery room, there a young man who had just woken up from knee surgery. "What happened?' I asked him. "I got clipped," he said. It was Jet running back Lee White who was injured opening day. He visited with all the kids in hospital , signing autographs. To me he wrote "Richard, we spent hours together in the recovery room. Friend always, Lee White #34 New York Jets. How could I not be a Jets fan?
When I went back to the hospital for rehab in January of 1969 I watched the Jet Super Bowl win at Special Surgery.

Jetscrazy87

03-13-2007, 02:15 PM

my dad has always been a jets fan and it just stuck with me, but i surpassed him and his knowlege a long while ago.

hickeyQB15

04-01-2007, 02:58 PM

since 1992 when I was born a Jets fan. Learned the game at a young age and have been addicted to it and the Jets ever since.

mondaynightmiracles

04-01-2007, 03:14 PM

The first Live football game i ever saw was the Jets vs. Miami Monday Night miracle game.(i was living in miami at the time) Since then i havent missed 1 game.

Go Jets!

dclark26

04-02-2007, 05:54 PM

1990 i was twelve yrs old and became a jets fan when somone(can't remember who, showed me Superbowl 3 w/ the pre-drama and the guarantee. Joe willie is the reason i became a jets fan and have been ever since.

smball

04-03-2007, 11:41 AM

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

gustoonarmy

04-03-2007, 06:55 PM

I think it was 1984 when the Jets and Giants visited the hotel I was working at. I was kinder into football , but didn't really go into the whole thing.
I had no idea which player was or anything , but the one player who made a huge impression on me was one Greg Buttle , really nice guy , full on but nice. (sp) Ali Haji-Sheikh was also another player whom I had alot of time for. Marvin Powell I remember just about dwarfed everything and everyone and really is the gentle giant. I still have somewhere the brochure about it all and will endevour to try and find it and put it on here.
But overall it was Buttle that made me a Jet , (and his tasty girlfriend :wink:)

Don

04-03-2007, 07:06 PM

I became a Titans/Jets fan in highschool the day Namath decided to buck the NFL and sign with them for $400,000. So I am really old...haha. Have been ever since.

NDmick

04-06-2007, 03:31 AM

I didnt understand the game but I remember as a kid looking in the paper and seeing Neil O'Donnell get trashed, and I felt bad for him. Once I got what football was about, I just stuck with the team I saw in the paper. Thank God they dont suck like that anymore.

JHalpert84

04-23-2007, 03:18 PM

I've been a jets fan since good ol '96. I already liked the Bears at that time, and when I'd watch highlights, I'd see the announcers referring to the Jets as the Yets, and felt bad for them, started rooting for 'em and have been a supporter ever since.

MCHECK62

04-23-2007, 03:29 PM

33 years old and I've been one since I was eight. Looking forward to our day of redemption. It would be the ultimate. My mom took me to Jets' Camp because one of the friends of the family was a Jets Assistant. I stuck ever since.

Leicester Jet

04-27-2007, 04:05 PM

I go back past the Sack Exchange - Marty Lyons, Klecko, Etc. They were the team to watch for me!

JetsBuckeye

05-01-2007, 01:09 AM

I'll admit I grew up in L.A. I grew up a Rams fan. When they left, my allegiance was to the Raiders. Finally when they left. I was left with no one. I moved to ohio and all my focus was on college football and the Buckeyes. Then I met my girlfriend/wife in med school 4 years ago. She has been a Jets fans since she was conceived. Now I,now, pledge my allegiance to the New York Jets.