Jets fans torn about longtime quarterback's Ring of Honor chances

Boy, what New York Jets fans would likely give to have a quarterback of Chad Pennington’s caliber back under center.

That’s nothing against Geno Smith, of course. It’s instead the simple reality that Pennington, the injury-plagued 2000 first-round pick, at least led the Jets to three playoff appearances.

When healthy, Pennington held down the Jets’ starting quarterback role from 2002 through 2007. However, he only started double-digit games three times during that stretch, though the Jets made the playoffs every time.

Although the Jets initially intended to open the 2008 season with Pennington at quarterback, that changed when Brett Favre became available. As a result, the Jets cut Pennington, who quickly joined the rival Dolphins.

The less said about that 2008 campaign, specifically the final four games, the better.

Nearly two decades after throwing his final touchdown for the Jets, Pennington’s name emerged in a Reddit thread discussing his potential Ring of Honor candidacy.

The argument for Chad Pennington’s Jets Ring of Honor case

As of May 2026, Joe Namath is unsurprisingly the only quarterback in the Jets’ Ring of Honor. Namath, Curtis Martin, and Joe Klecko headlined the inaugural three-man class in 2010.

Over a six-season span, the Jets welcomed 15 players, as well as coach Weeb Ewbank and owner Leon Hess, into the Ring of Honor. However, the club has only inducted four players over the last decade: Kevin Mawae in 2017, and the trio of Darrelle Revis, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, and Nick Mangold in 2022.

As for Pennington, there is no indication that he’ll be next up, though some Jets fans certainly love the idea.

“He was the face of that franchise for a good stretch,” one user wrote. “Embodiment of an all heart player.”

Another added, “Personally I loved the guy but I don’t know if his numbers as a Jet support it. I mean is there even a real criteria for this thing besides feels? I wouldn’t argue against it I guess.”

Pennington’s 13,738 yards and 82 touchdowns both rank fourth in franchise history. His 65.6% completion percentage is the highest among qualified quarterbacks.

“He had a ceiling, and we hit it a lot,” read one comment. “But he was a NY Jet through and through. Any fan worth their muster knows CP10.”

Other Jets fans believe Pennington shouldn’t be in the Ring of Honor

Of the Jets’ 21 Ring of Honor inductees, eight are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold was a semifinalist this past year.

“Love the guy but I think Namath, Weeb, Mangold, and that type more the identity of the small modicum of honor this horrific franchise has cobbled together,” one user wrote.

“I love Chad, and I love that era of Jets football, but being starved for adequate QB play for over the past decade by comparison is not a reason to put a guy like Chad in the Ring,” another commenter replied.

Others suggested the Jets should instead induct Vinny Testaverde into their Ring of Honor. Testaverde, who played seven seasons over two stints with the Jets, ranks fifth in franchise history in yards and touchdown passes.

“Not appreciated enough but no,” read one response. “Homecoming game honor, draft pick representative, alumni role? Hell yeah.”

The Jets have not announced whether the Ring of Honor will receive any further members this year.

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