The New York Jets are beginning a new era under head coach Todd Bowles, and one of the most recognizable fans in franchise history has decided to return to his post when his team takes on the Cleveland Browns.
Ed Anzalone, better known as “Fireman Ed,” is planning to lead the J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! chant on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. In an open letter to Jets fans that was published in Metro, Anzalone revealed that the Jets asked him to return to lead the chant one last time.
“I want to say thank you for all the support for the 28 years of leading the cheer for the greatest chant in all of sports,” Fireman Ed wrote. “The New York Jets organization asked me to come back and lead the chant with the new leaders of the chant one last time. I know the fan base loves the chant and rocking our house and I know that the tradition will continue with these energetic and passionate leaders.”
Anzalone said he is planning to pass the torch to other Jets fans, though he would not rule out leading the J-E-T-S chant in the playoffs or at some other big game.
“I want to help this team. I love this team and I love this chant, it’s the best chant in all of professional sports,” Anzalone told Metro. “I’ve been to every game since that Patriots game when I walked away. I will never give up on this team.”
Fireman Ed stepped down from his unofficial post in 2012, citing increased confrontations with other fans as the main reason why. The Jets have asked him to return on more than one occasion and have done some pretty lame things in an attempt to keep the chant going. The great thing about Fireman Ed’s chant is that it was organic and not some team gimmick, which is why NFL greats like this guy appreciate it so much.
Expect MetLife Stadium to be riled up against the Browns.
