Eric Decker is now playing for the enemy

While nostalgic New York Jets fans may hate seeing a former star player catch passes from Tom Brady, they shouldn’t worry about the Patriots’ latest signing of wide receiver Eric Decker. 

An unfortunate reality of sports is that only the fans are loyal.

Teams relocate. Players sign with different teams. Only the fans remain completely loyal.

Of course, professional sports are a business, and it’s hard to blame owners and players acting to secure their financial futures.

That doesn’t make it any less painful for the fans though.

Of course, Jets fans are used to the harsh business side of sports. They witnessed perhaps the greatest defensive player in their team’s history, Darrelle Revis, engage in frequent contract disputes with Jets ownership.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

Ultimately, Revis ended up with the hated Patriots, where his first team All-Pro performance helped them win the Super Bowl in 2014.

In light of this painful history, Jets fans may be especially sensitive to seeing former star players join the Patriots. Unfortunately for those fans, former Jets wide receiver Eric Decker has recently agreed to sign with the Patriots.

Decker, along with Brandon Marshall, were part of a revitalized Jets offense that won 10 games in 2015.

While some Jets fans may be disappointed to see yet another former star join the enemy, they shouldn’t be too worried about Decker’s defection.

For starters, Decker is not the same player he once was. Consider his production over the past few years:

Decker is now 31-years-old and two years removed from his last 1,000-yard season. While working with Tom Brady will inevitably boost his career, it is doubtful that Decker will be able to replicate the success of his prime.

Even if Decker does put up a good season in New England, it’s really not something Jets fans should be concerned about. Tom Brady always put up impressive numbers. When Brady throws for 4,000+ yards yet again, does it really matter who is catching his passes?

Finally, rather than be hung up on the past, Jets fans should embrace the future. Sam Darnold has been lighting it up in training camp. While it is far too early to make any conclusions, the Jets may finally found their franchise quarterback.

Why worry about an ex when you’re currently dating a model? For the first time in a long time, Jets fans have reason to hope. Rather than worry about what aging and declining former Jets players do, they should enjoy the promise of their current team.