With Favre-mania sweeping over Jet fans, some may be forgetting the quarterback we are now forced to say goodbye to. Expected to be released before the day’s end, the Jets will be playing this season's first preseason game this evening without Chad Pennington on the roster.
Throughout this offseason, I have been one of the harshest critics of Pennington that a Jets fan could reasonably be. My evaluation of his abilities were never an attempt to discredit his quality as a man.
It was my belief that Pennington had reached his ceiling as a New York Jet, and that it was time to embrace a future where he wasn’t the offense’s primary signal caller.
While I stand by my analysis of his inconsistencies as a quarterback, I’m forced to remember the better days.
The 2002 season provides some of the best memories of Chad Pennington a Jets fan could muster. His fired-up debut as the Jets’ starting QB brings memories of a young guy head-butting his teammates before the game started.
Over the years, we saw Pennington manage enough games to lead him into Jets’ records books. But it was his classiness that solidified his position in the hearts of Jets fans.
When I declared my support for Kellen Clemens back in June, I wrote the following about Chad Pennington:
Chad has a quality about him that makes me want to see him succeed. He’s a great man that effortlessly displays class and integrity. With the terrible luck our favored franchise has seen over the years, it’s incredible to know that he wants nothing more than to be our starting QB, and I respect the hell out of him for it.
So here’s to a better future for Chad Pennington.
Hopefully he finds himself wearing a uniform for a team that can properly utilize his skill set. Placing Pennington on a team with a strong defense and an effective running game may allow him to continue the efficiency that worked so well in New York for a few years.
The Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs seem to be the most obvious landing spots for the veteran QB.
No matter where he goes, I sincerely wish him the best. He may no longer possess all of the physical tools from earlier in his career, but his heart and competitive streak remain unparalleled.
Goodbye, Chad Pennington. It has been an honor having you in New York.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.
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2 months ago
Ditto. I became a Jets fan (and a serious football fan) because of the role model Chad Pennington was and and is for my young son. Will miss Chad's spirit and will keep rooting for him no matter where he ends up - although I sincerely hope I won't be rooting for the Dolphins!
2 months ago
Simply a nice, accurate and compassionate piece....
Kudos to you, Angel...
And, best of luck to the classiest man in the history of football, Chad Pennington.
2 months ago
Chad was the only reason I didn't give up on the Jets years ago - 'what if' is a overused phrase, however I always replay the scramble against the Bears which caused the first shoulder gimp, the falling down fracture during preseason, and always the idiot Herm Edwards who sent his banged up quarterback out on the field knowing he was risking his career just because he was willing to sacrifice him for a win (blame CP partly as well for risking himself) however he was always a leader and underrated as a QB - still most accurate passer of all time - would love to see him land on his feet with another team, I'll always root for him.
paul s.
maplewood NJ
2 months ago
i've been a Jets fan for 25 years and I will miss the greatest heart and leader in My Jets history. Chad you will be MISSED.
2 months ago
Chad's heart surpassed the promise of Richard Todd and Ken O'Brien. He was the successor to what Tuna and Vinny had started. He was the great hope for the Jets. Too many injuries. Now he is a Dolphin.
We are the same fans that stayed after the Kottite fiasco. This Favre thing better work out!
2 months ago
Absolutely agree. Pennington is a class act that is rare in the free agency era. His inability to stay healthy was unfortunate. Who knows how he could have improved on his throwing velocity and distance without those two major shoulder surgeries.
I wish him well and he will be successful if he can remain healthy. I must admit - I'm not looking forward to facing him in week 1. I think the Jets will win, but Pennington has his moments of brilliance.
Good luck to him. I wish him all the best - just not weeks 1 and 17
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