It’s now “Broadway Darrelle.”
New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis is gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated this week for what will be an in-depth profile with the team’s brightest star player since Joe Namath took New York City by storm. The cover features a stunning shot of Revis, a Jets helmet tucked underneath his right arm and Broadway in the background. It is the same shot – different player of course – that ran on the cover of Sports Illustrated 46 years ago and helped launch the “Broadway Joe”moniker that is now part of Namath’s legacy. Namath, of course, is the biggest star on Planet Jet, the icon on and off the field who brought the franchise its only Super Bowl appearance and win. A Hall of Fame quarterback, Namath is perhaps only challenged by Revis among the all-time greats in Jets history. That Revis returned to the Jets this offseason after two years away from the team can only enhance his place in team lore. Revis was the biggest grab in a Jets offseason that is largely proclaimed as a home run. The team did well in free agency and the early returns on their draft have been nothing short of positive.
“I feel like I’ve been on the road the last two years,” Revis said in the Sports Illustrated profile. “I never wanted to leave.I’m coming home.”
The story was comprehensive and intriguing, with Revis telling SIthat he isn’t bothered with his mother having beenturned away by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft at the team’s Super Bowl ring ceremony earlier this summer. He took the high road in his answer, saying, “If that’s how they want to do things, that’s fine…. I’m not going to waste my time on it.” There is also a behind the scenes video available on SportsIllustrated.com recounting the recreation of the Namath cover. And of course, “Broadway Joe”in all his enthusiasm was there to watch some of the moments. Namath, not shy to express his opinions about the Jets in recent years, was ecstatic when talking about the impact that the return of a current icon means to the franchise. The return of Revis bolsters a secondary that was poor last year, lacking depth. With Revis, as well as Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine all aboard, the Jets suddenly have one of the league’s better units in the backend. Revis also adds star power and clout to the organization, a face that fans are familiar with, anda building block to import free agents.
“When Darrelle re-signed with the Jets this year, along with some other changes the Jets made, I think it’s given all of us Jets fans some enthusiasm,” Namath said. “We’re looking forward to this season.”
Darrelle Revis lands on Sports Illustrated retro cover, posing like Joe Namath
