Namath Supports Revis’s Decision to Hold Out
With some criticising New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in his decision to not report to training camp until he receives a new contract, he has support from not only a former Jet, but also legendary Hall-of Fame quarterback Joe Namath.
"Revis has his good reasons for not being here, and they are justified. Mr. Johnson is going to have to change the contract, and they are willing to do that."
Namath led the Jets to the franchise’s lone Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl III when the charismatic quarterback actually guaranteed victory over the heavily favoured Baltimore Colts. Namath led the AFL Jets to a 16-7 victory and a huge upset over the Colts. His legend has lived on ever since.
“I have confidence Revis will be here and will be on this team and will sign," Namath said. "I don't think it is going to be long, but believe me, Mr. (Woody) Johnson, the Jets' owner, as well as Mike Tannenbaum (the general manager) and the entire team wants Revis here. And they want to make the deal, it is just going to take some time to work out.”
Johnson showed his willingness to work out the dispute, as he recently contacted Revis’ agents. The two sides are reportedly still far from an agreement. Revis is entering the fourth year of a six-year rookie contract and is scheduled to make $1 million this year. Revis has refused to report to camp. His demands are that he wants to be the league’s highest paid cornerback. Such a demand would require the Jets to pay him $17 million a year.
Namath also went on to say that he believes the Jets are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this year.
"This team that I'm looking at today is more suited to be able to follow through with a championship, or to get a championship, than what we've had out there."
The Jets certainly made many moves this off-season in order to set themselves up as being bona fide contenders. And now the team can take confidence in having the most famous quarterback in its history, and the whole league is taking notice.
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