Garrett McIntyre: A New York Jets Fan’s Fond Farewell

Oct 13, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker

(50) celebrates his sack of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback

(7) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Every year Jets fans have to say goodbye to one or more of their favorite players, as cuts are made and aging players are deemed expendable or “washed up”.  As I age I guess I’m getting a bit sentimental towards these guys, they are young in real life but their “football age” makes them obsolete. The guy I felt for this year was Garrett Mclntyre.

Garrett Mclntyre had a long journey to get to our team, and it’s an interesting one at that. Garrett was born November 26th, 1984 in South Lake Tahoe, California, and went to high school in the same town, before moving on to play football at Fresno State University. He went undrafted in the 2006 NFL draft before being signed by the Seattle Seahawks. He was signed and cut three times that season, spending brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans. Failing to make it on the rosters of NFL teams, he sat out the 2007 campaign.

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For many players that might have been enough for them to hang up their cleats and move on from the game they love. Not so for Garrett, as he made his professional debut in 2008 with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena league. Garrett moved on once again, signing with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2010.

In stepped the NY Jets who signed him in 2011. Garrett made his NFL debut with the Jets that same year on special teams against the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. He made the highlight reels in that game, taking on two Cowboys to allow Joe McKnight to block the punt which was returned for a touchdown. Many fans may remember the play as it turned the game in the Jets favor. Garrett  made his first start for the Green and White on November 17th, 2011 against the Denver Broncos.

Garrett appeared in 42 games spanning his three yrs with the Jets, mostly contributing as a backup and special teams player. He was credited with 72 combined tackles and 44 solo tackles on defense, adding  5.5 sacks along the way.  He played a big part in Rex Ryan’s rotation in 2012 and 2013, providing rest for the linebacking corp.

I for one will miss Garrett Mclntyre. The Jets chose not to resign him in the spring, allowing him to briefly test the free agency market. He was then resigned and by many reports had a strong summer camp. He failed to make the final roster on Saturday, giving way to the youth movement the Jets are currently undertaking. Garrett played hard-hitting smash mouth football. He played like a Jet!  Farewell Garret, Good Luck in your next endeavor in life. I sure I am not alone in saying you will be missed.