What Would Make Someone a Jets Fan?

The reason I am a Jets fan is a simple one that can be explained in three letters—dad.

Being my father’s only son, a few things were made perfectly clear.

Number one: The family name will die with me unless I have a son of my own. Can anyone say pressure?

And number two: the sports teams he likes, I like. No questions, no debates, no choice.

So, with that, I was dubbed a Jets fan for life—a title that, while at times has been very difficult to deal with, I have embraced through the years.

Not only was my father a Jets fan, but beginning in 1985, he was a season ticket holder.

So there I was, an easily influenced child who was coerced into becoming a Jets fan by not only the one person who could convince me to do anything, but also with the pleasure of seeing them eight times a year.

As I grew older, I became more and more infatuated with the team, the unruly Jets fans, and with the in's and out's of the sport in general.

Al Toon became a legend in my mind. I would wear my No. 88 jersey everywhere I went. Posters of Wesley Walker, Ken O'Brien and Freeman McNeil covered my bedroom walls.

And of course, the best part of my week was going to a game with my father.

It was a great bonding experience that I am happy to say has continued through my 20's.

Over the years the names have changed but my loyalty to the team hasn't. My Al Toon jersey has been replaced by a James Farrior jersey, which was replaced by a Jonathon Vilma jersey, which has now turned into a Kerry Rhodes jersey.

My fandom is something that will never waver, no matter how hard the Jets try.

While the history of the New York Jets may be considered bewildering, I have taken on the role as the optimist, knowing that eventually, some how, this organization will rise up and win another championship.

I have seen 1-15 seasons and playoff appearances, a number one overall draft pick and a loss to John Elway in the AFC Championship game. Through all of that, one thing is clear—if being a Jets fan is good enough for my father, then you better believe it's good enough for me.

Plus, we always have the Yankees.