The best cornerback in Jets history has taken his last flight

When it’s all set and done, there is no doubt that cornerback Darrelle Revis will be enshrined into that exclusive club in Canton one day. He will forever be the best cornerback in the history of the New York Jets.

There was a period of time when number 24 reigned supremacy and terror amongst all of the NFL’s wide receivers—even the top ones. There was a time where the elite play of cornerback Darrelle Revis earned him the nickname “Revis Island.” It was a place no man wanted to go because the only success that existed in those acres of space belong to the star cornerback.

In a progressive time where the fans and media have all grown to fall in love with the quarterback position, Revis transcended his stature and forced everyone to know his name. He was quiet with words, but his elite playmaking ability was louder than any commentator on Sundays.

It was announced earlier this week that the New York Jets have officially released the 31-year old defensive back from the team. The move shouldn’t be all that surprising for fans, though. There’s the speculation that this move has everything to do with the pending charges he’s currently facing for the altercation in his hometown. However, even with the pending case, this move makes sense given the decline in production, especially last season. It’s arguable that it’s more based on a football decision than an altercation that’s waiting to be settled.

He enjoyed a nice Welcome Back tour in 2015, where he appeared rejuvenated and determined to get the Gang Green over the hump and into the Promise Land. He actually had the second most interceptions (5) in a season in his second go-around with the Jets. He had just won a Super Bowl with the enemy in New England the season before.

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Revis appeared to know how much dedication and hard work was needed to get there again. Fans were excited to see him back in MetLife Stadium on Sundays. Surely with the acquisition of Brandon Marshall, together with Eric Decker and company, things seemed nicely set up for them to make a deep run. It was a good year for the Jets, but unfortunately, it didn’t end how they wanted it.

Fast forward to the beginning of this past season and things started to derail from the very first game. All-Pro star receiver A.J. Green burned Revis for a huge gain and score on one play. The following week Buffalo Bills kick returner Marquise Goodwin showed the world why the speed of the youth will always get the older man, in this case, Revis. That was just the start.

With a tough schedule the following weeks it was becoming easier and tougher to see this future Pro Football Hall of Famer get beaten by everyone. He was giving up a lot of yards every game and it appeared that the mighty Revis Island had finally vanished. The Jets had a lot of things go wrong for them in 2016, so Revis isn’t the only one at fault there. The thing is though that the fans and the organization certainly fell in love with the caliber and potential to revive the glory days of Revis Island. The thing is that potential can be a dangerous thing to fall in love with because it is so uncertain.

There’s no doubt Revis will be inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor and eventually the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. Who knows if the football world has seen the last of number 24 on the sidelines on Sundays. The man may not have had the all-time interceptions record, but it shouldn’t be forgotten how much of a difference maker and pain in the butt he was for the opposing quarterbacks all those years—especially the ones in the AFC East.

Whether you loved or hated Revis as a Jet is totally your own personal opinion. There are many reasons why fans would despise him, but at the same time, he gave many fans reasons to fall in love with him. At some point Jets fans will realize what he meant to the organization despite any personal thoughts about him.

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The days of Revis Island may be over, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the memories he brought to a team that was on the cusp of winning it all two years in a row. The numbers are there and speak for themselves. Now it’s time to appreciate that there will never be another Darrelle Revis. The man arguably made the cornerback position a premiere position to watch. It’s going to be interesting, to say the least as to what direction the Jets take after this kind of move. Whatever the case is, let’s cheer number 24 one time because he’ll be missed wearing that Gang Green.

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