A fan guide to surviving the 2017 season

Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans cheer at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won, 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans cheer at MetLife Stadium. The Jets won, 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the New York Jets prepare for what could their worst year in franchise history, here’s a fan guide to survive the upcoming season.

As we all know by now, being a fan of the New York Jets is not often easy. Fans have endured decades of disappointment as they hope for a return trip back to the Super Bowl. Fans have seen meltdowns, breakdowns and plain awful teams over the years. I, in fact, blame my growing baldness on the franchise! I’ve been pulling hairs out for years!

Of course, I only jest over my hair loss, age is the true culprit and time is slowly eating away at my chances of seeing another Jets victory in the big game. So in this particular case, I offer up my fan guide to surviving the 2017 season. These are just a few tips I’ve learned over the course of many years.

Never expect too much

I find it best to keep my expectations in check when the season or any individual game begins. This team underperforms more than it surprises. If you go in expecting big things to happen, you are more likely to be disappointed coming out.

Do not bet on or against the Jets

Sports Gambling is illegal in most States, but if you do wager on games, the Jets aren’t a team that is going to make you rich! No matter what the wager is, you’re going to lose the money you staked on this football team. I myself have ruined more “cards” betting with or against the Jets then I care to count. Over/Under, point spreads, you name it, the Jets will cost you money. Not betting on them is a much less strenuous experience when you sit down to watch a game.

Keep all heavy objects away from your viewing area

It’s just my experience, but throwing snacks at the TV screen is by far less costly then let’s say throwing the remote control at it! Just in case you don’t know, this includes bottles and cans of beer.  Watching a Jets game can be extremely stressful at times, and hiding heavy objects is a good way to keep from costing yourself more money in the long run.

Avoid wearing your Jets gear when going to a sports bar

If you live outside of the Tristate area, wearing your gear is more than likely not going to cause you to be ridiculed. This holds true at certain establishments within the NY/NJ area, so be careful and check out the atmosphere first. The danger here is alcohol, a Jets fan is more often aggravated than not, and when the guy down the bar gets on you about the Jets jersey you are wearing, it could turn to a physical altercation!

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Pick a favorite player to root for

Picking a single player to root for instead of rooting for the whole team has its advantages. One player is less likely to disappoint you then the whole team will.

In picking my guy, I like to pick a player with consistency, the type that produces something to cheer about on a regular basis. This does two things, it keeps me focused and something to cheer about, secondly, it keeps me distracted from the other player’s poor performances!

Never assume a Jets game is over before the end of the game

The team has a knack for blowing fourth quarter leads and if you turn it off too soon, and find out later that they lost, it will only send your stress levels higher. Same is true for a rare final drive victory for the team. Trust me, they don’t do it very often, but when they do, and you’ve turned it off, you’ll kick yourself for missing it!

Check with your doctor before the season begins

If you’re a Jets fan and have problems with your heart, blood pressure or suffer from ulcers, this may save you some misery. I have my annual physical scheduled for August every year just to be safe.

Avoid watching games at home with a group larger than four

If you’re planning a party at the house to watch a Jets game, keep it small. This is especially true if alcohol is being served. The fanbase has been divided for so long, that in large groups things could go bad quickly. Food fights, excessive foul language, and physical altercations have been known to occur when avoiding this suggestion.

Use the mute button when Joe Namath is talking

This one is more of personal preference, but I find it a good rule of thumb to reduce my stress level. Sorry Joe, but this is not the NFL of your youth!

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Relax and take it easy

Remember this is football, it’s not life or death. Enjoy the game for the game. Football is still a spectacular sport to watch, just because the Jets play it poorly at times, doesn’t mean it should spoil the experience.

Those are my tips for the year. I hope they help. Enjoy 2017, as with most Jets seasons, it promises to be a roller coaster ride! Hang in there Jets fans!