New York Jets Darrelle Revis is Handling Situation All Wrong

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

I love Darrelle Revis. He is one of a handful of players that I will stop watching the ball, and watch his technique for. He is, and likely will be, one of the 5 best players to put the uniform on in my lifetime. I would love to have this guy be a Jet for life, and it will be difficult to watch him perform in another uniform.

But, the way he is handling the situation regarding his possibly being traded, is all wrong.

Let’s look at some of these quotes from his interview on the NFL network. First, I want to look at the quote about his initial reaction to the report:

I was speechless. I was speechless because I didn’t get a phone call. I know it’s a business — just call me; don’t have it lingering out there. I need answers and I’m not getting (any). Just the fact that that was put out there instead of contacting your best player on the team. If that’s how you want to do business, then that’s fine. As soon as the season is over, you try to make changes as management. You try to do what you can to build your team and restructure your team. It was kind of, to me, rude because it was John Idzik’s first day on the job (when the trade reports surfaced).

And here, in case you haven’t heard it by now, is his reaction to the question about whether or not Woody not wanting to pay Darrelle is the issue here:

That might be a situation. That might be something. That might be an option. If I do get traded, I’m not going to sit here and pout and cry, but I told them numerous times that I want to be there so it’s up to them and management of what they want to do.

First, let’s talk about the second quote, regarding Woody Johnson. Darrelle may be right about Woody, in fact, he probably is. It likely is an issue of money for Woody Johnson. But, is calling out the owner in an interview the best way to get treated the way you want to be treated? Yes, he was asked a question, but there are times when deferring the question is OK. Maybe you are mad, but calling him out is not going to help things. Darrelle should have more sense than that.

Now, about this “I need answers” stuff. Darrelle Revis needs to remember that he is the employee, not the boss. Woody Johnson is the boss. Whether we like how he handles things or not, he is the owner. Woody Johnson’s responsibility is to take care of this whole football organization, not just Darrelle Revis. Revis is responsible for playing football, that’s it.

Despite the fact that Darrelle Revis thinks so, he does not “need” answers, nor does Woody Johnson have to give him answers. Revis is an employee, Woody doesn’t have to ask his permission before trying to trade him. Would answers be nice? Sure. Revis has done a great deal for this football team. It would be nice for him to be consulted. But it is far from required.

No matter who you are, nobody is bigger than the football team. One thing coach Ryan always says to this group is “this is a football team”. It’s the New York Jets, it’s not the Darrelle Revis and friends football team. Darrelle Revis doesn’t get special consideration because he is Darrelle Revis. Peyton Manning changed teams. Joe Montana changed teams. Johnny Unitas changed teams. Heck, our own Joe Namath changed teams. Nobody is bigger than the franchise, and it’s pretty infuriating when athletes act like they are.

Darrelle, get over yourself. The Jets don’t have to ask you first before they try to trade you. It’s about the team, not you.

And by the way, a lot of teams have won the Super Bowl since Darrelle Revis entered the NFL. Darrelle Revis was not on any one of those teams. Earth to Darrelle, you are not essential to winning a Super Bowl. Don’t act like you have won 3 Super Bowl MVPs and are untouchable.

On a 6-10 team, EVERYONE is expendable, and that includes Darrelle Revis.

If Darrelle Revis truly wants to be a Jet for life, he has a funny way of showing it, because the way he is handling the situation is dead wrong.

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