Fireman Ed, who has been a Jets’ Fan since 1975 has stepped down from his role and announced it through a guest column for the Metro New York paper.
On Thanksgiving night, I left the Jets game before halftime. This was the second time in a row I left before there were four zeroes on the clock. We have had much worse teams than this and I never left before. I pride myself in that, because I am not a quitter.
I decided to leave Thursday because the confrontations with other Jets fans have become more common, even though most Jets fans are fantastic.
This is an indication of how society has lost and is continuing to lose respect for one another. The stadium has become divided because of the quarterback controversy as well. The fact that I chose to wear a Mark Sanchez jersey this year and that fans think I am on the payroll — which is an outright lie — have made these confrontations more frequent. Whether it’s in the stands, the bathroom or the parking lot, these confrontations are happening on a consistent basis.
Although I can “hold my own,” I do not want to lose my temper and make a stupid mistake. I have a responsibility to the families and kids that enjoy the game and Fireman Ed.
I have enjoyed my time in chanting the greatest chant in all of sports. I have enjoyed meeting all the wonderful Jets fans around the world and look forward to the day we all can raise the Lombardi Trophy as one and celebrate a world championship down the Canyon of Heroes!
I will always love the Jets because they are in my heart, and I will attend games as usual, just not as Fireman Ed. God bless and, as always, let’s go Jets!
It is utterly pathetic that Jets fans have treated this man this way. He has done nothing but support the team and the players on his favorite team, why are people ridiculing him? This is part of the reason why so many people hate Jets fans, they’re mostly obnoxious, and obnoxious fans are part of the reason people don’t go to as many games anymore. Why would you want to go to games and be harassed by people when you can stay at home and enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home?
I’m glad that Fireman Ed will continue to go to games, even if he is no longer dressing up. The man that created the famous “J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS” chant should get more respect than he is currently receiving.