Tomorrow will be my 300th Jets home game. Thanks to Pro Football Reference I was easily able to count them. Doesn’t include “away” games against the Giants at the Meadowlands, or any preseason games. It does include all five home playoff games. I’m posting this is to see how many others have been to more than 300, rekindle some home memories during Thanksgiving weekend, and also to remind some of the younger guys about us "grizzled game veterans" here on TheGangGreen. I know there are many others. I salute you! Along the way I’ve been there to see: A rowdy home crowd for a rare MNF football game in ’79. A fan climbed out on the Shea backstop screen bouncing for laughs - then got pelted with debris thrown by other fans when they tired of him. Flying lawnmower nosedive into the crowd during a halftime show, killing a fan. Bill Simpson's interception at the goal line ruining the epic playoff comeback of '81 Shea goalposts being torn down after qualifying for the playoffs with 9 sacks vs Green Bay. The 51-45 OT shootout O’Brien win vs. the Marino Dolphins in ’86 Dennis Byrd’s tragic injury vs. KC (From my vantage point it looked like Mersereau was hurt worse.) The Fake Spike. (Jets were destroying Miami in the first half and should’ve been further ahead) 13 straight home losses during the Kotite regime (But the tickets were still affordable) Playoff win vs. Jacksonville. A rare moment of true Jets-elation. Confetti everywhere. The buzzkill when Vinny ruptured his Achilles tendon. Tupa played QB. Monday Night Miracle comeback on MNF. I personally despise Miami, so this was wonderful. Routing the Packers to win the division, after the stars and planets miraculously aligned for us. Demolishing Peyton and the Colts 41-0 in our most recent home playoff game. Butt fumble. Thanksgiving. The only time I walked out of a game in the 3rd quarter as a humiliated Jets fan. Other memories include; watching the J-e-t-s chant grow at Giants Stadium when it used to be a 'call and answer' between both Upper Deck end zone sections, how Shea would rock when the Sack Exchange got-going, the shenanigans at halftime at the spiral ramps at Giants Stadium. All the familiar faces in my section game after game at Giants Stadium. (Big Daddy and his Jets Rooters in 122) I had season tickets from ’79 through 2014 but now I get to about six games per year. Luckily I have yet to miss a “seminal” Jets moment. Thankfully I’ve seen them win more than they’ve lost, but it’s pretty close. (With one tie) I think I’m young enough to hit 400 but I don’t think I’ll get there. Here’s to 300!
Many congratulations. You are a first ballot inductee into the Jets' Hall of Pain. The 51-45 OT game is still my fondest memory as a Jets fan.
Thanks! On the pass that sent it into OT, from my vantage point in the EZ, O'Brien's seemingly desperate pass towards the Goal line looked hopeless, until Wesley cut- across into our sightline to nab it at the goal line. Exhilaration! It's cool when most of your Jets memories are the angle that you had from your seat - not what everyone else sees on TV
I was at the WC game in '81. What I remember was that it was cold as shit and I drank a large flask of brandy. Todd turned into Joe Willy halfway thru the 3rd quarter...then he reverted back to Todd at the end. Oh well. I don't want to think about the Kotite games. Yuck.
Never missed a home game from 1969 till I was forced to retire from teaching in 79. Moved to Vegas cause I couldn't afford to live in Plainview anymore. Watched games from the casinos and went to Arizona and San Francisco to see them play. Went back to NY on occasion and stayed in Jersey to see a few games. Stuck now in Florida and can't see them at the Fins, so just watch at home or at a local bar.
I've been a season ticket holder since 1980... I'd love to figure out how many games I've been to. You certainly deserve recognition for your dedication .
Wow! Congrats Loge you are a fan among fans! Very lucky to witness history At the same time I am saying to myself "this poor guy"! I happen to be at Shea stadium for two ugly 1983 Losses : one against the Colts and then the LAST game against Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers 34-7...I remember Johnny Hector trying to do an end around to start the second half..ahahah Thanks for the memories!! Oh well we are THAT old and this team still seeking the Promised Land....sigh
STHer since 65 so that makes U just beyond rookie status. The BEST VERY BEST game up to now was the Oak/NYJ PO game played in Dec 69 @ Shea which after the win propelled the NYJs to SB 3
First of all, well done on reaching that milestone. That’s real dedication. And secondly, that’s amazing to hear about your perspective on the O’Brien pass. It’s so easy to forget that the TV angle isn’t the only one.
