Rex Ryan Rewards Jets' Defense With Black Jerseys
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (WFAN/AP) -- The Jets' defensive players were "Men in Black" on the final day of minicamp.
Rex Ryan said he stole an idea from new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano by having the defense wear black jerseys Thursday. It will be a reward, determined by Ryan, for who did the best - offense or defense - in a specific emphasis during training camp.
Ryan said he let the defense wear them first because "I'm a defensive guy."
"It's just a fun thing," said Ryan. "Maybe it will pick up the practice and stuff like that. Really it makes them think of what the emphases are, so that's why we broke out the jerseys today."
The players didn't know why the jerseys were hanging in their lockers, but linebacker David Harris said "it looked good on the defense." Cornerback Antonio Cromartie said the players joked about having black jerseys "with green with a little bit of white, maybe gray in it. I think that would look real good."
According to Ryan, it's all about motivating his guys.
"The thing about football players -- and probably any sport -- guys love competition," he said. "And it's just a way, when they're on the field and that offense is in the black jerseys, 'Oh, they got the better of the defense.' "
Do you think Rex's Jets will be a force this upcoming season? Be heard in the comments below...
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
