EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 11: A fan of the New York Jets watches on against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 11, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Being a New York Jets fan is a unique experience, and these five things are all a key part of the experience for the Gang Green faithful.

The New York Jets aren’t the easiest team on the eyes these past fifty years, to put things nicely. However, there are some smile worthy moments that bring the word “respect” out of a Jets fan’s mouth.

Are there more than the five I’ve listed? Certainly. However, whether it’s a huge deal to you or not, these five moments in franchise history will fit the criteria if you call yourself part of Jets Nation.

The Guarantee

Broadway Joe is all hero and legend, and winning the Jets only Super Bowl against the then Baltimore Colts 16-7, making Jets history.

Namath and the Jets had lead 16-0 all the way to the end, and late in the fourth quarter came the Colts answering back, but the damage was done, making the Jets Super Bowl Champions. A Gang Green legend, a true champion with a hilariously awesome personality. If you were around to witness this, you probably appreciate it just a tad more, because you’ve been a part of magical season too. If you haven’t, you can still find the clips on YouTube and watch with admiration anyway. There will never be another, although the Jets hope Sam Darnold will match his energy and talent with his big expectations.

Monday Night Miracle

It’s not easy to overcome any deficit in pro sports. With a massive lead, especially late in the game, you think the other team has it in the bag, hoping your team doesn’t let up and roll over to quit.

The Gang Green and their fans got a taste of pure magic on October 23rd, 2000. Late in the fourth quarter, the Miami Dolphins allowed the Jets to take the game by storm. 30 points later, and the Jets pulled off possibly the most incredible win in that decade, and giving the other team the most embarrassing way to lose if you are a Dolphins fan or any sports fan in particular.

Have there been more impressive feats in professional sports? Certainly. You can argue that. If you’re a Jets fan, or even an NFL fan, you can’t take the fact away that this is not your everyday accomplishment. That’s totally worthy of the name “Monday Night Miracle” This is not a drill.

Revis Island

How can you not appreciate Darrelle Revis? The seven time pro bowler and four times All Pro cornerback has to have your appreciation as well. A vital part of the Jets organization after being drafted in 2007, he played in ten playoff games, six of those with New York, which the Jets notched five victories of those six he’s been a part of. That’s pretty sweet. I’m a proud rocker of his jersey to this day.

Adams rocks Gronk

The Patriots aren’t too welcomed in town at Met Life Stadium, or most, and Jamal Adams made that perfectly clear on November 25th in 2018. The end result, a Brady pass was broken up thanks to a super effective safety wearing number 33 looking for any opportunity to prove he’s a rising star. Gronkowski is a big man, however, Adams wasn’t too worried about that, earning much appreciation from Gang Green nation, who surely wouldn’t want to miss seeing a Patriots player get embarrassed. One fan can or may draw criticism to the hit on Pat the Patriot, however, a real Jets fan also admired that move, and may just be choosy where to brag about it.

Rex Ryan’s D

Defensive coordinator Rex Ryan was among the names thrown out by Jets fans before the Jets settled on Gregg Williams this off-season.

Guys always wanted to line up to play for Rex, and his defense was picture perfect during his tenure in New York. It can be said that Ryan had too much confidence in Mark Sanchez, and you’re totally not wrong, except for the fact that Sanchez beat Tom Brady in the playoffs. However, what happened in Buffalo wasn’t exactly the case during his days in New York. You can say he isn’t an offensive coordinator, but he’s one of the smartest defensive coordinators and that’s a fact.

The Jets hope to give their fans a bigger reason to smile, as most of these things were not too recent. It’s been some time before the Gang Green reached the final boss, but I hope this brought back some sort of appreciation without groans of “the past”.