Countdown to Camp: 42
As we look ahead to training camp in late July, we're taking a daily retrospective look back at some random people, moments and games from Jets history...
The Current 42
Thomas Hennessy did a pretty good job replacing Tanner Purdum as the long snapper last season, also adding a number of athletic plays in coverage. Hopefully he can be effective in the role for several years like Purdum and James Dearth before him.
The Greatest
Bruce Harper was an effective running back and return man, but moreover a popular and exciting player throughout a period which mostly saw the Jets flattering to deceive. Of course, 42 was also Fireman Ed's number - in honor of Harper.
Here he is (Harper, not Ed) in action:
The other 42's
Marcus Coleman, Randy Beverly, Ronnie Lott...
42 years ago
In 1976, the Jets endured another three-win season, which turned out to be Joe Namath's last. We detailed that earlier in our countdown, here.
42-yard touchdown
Here's a beautiful gadget play during the 1986 playoffs, which led to a Wesley Walker touchdown from Pat Ryan:
42 on the scoreboard
The Jets beat Buffalo 42-36 in 2001 but it wasn't as exciting as it sounds. They led by 20 with under five minutes to go and the Bills scored two late touchdowns including one with just seconds remaining. Curtis Martin rushed for 135 yards and two scores and Mo Lewis scored on a fumble return for the Jets.
42 on the stat sheet
Richard Todd set an NFL record with 42 completions in one 1980 game. By the time Vinny Testaverde tied him for the team record in 1998 - in that game where he "scored" the winning touchdown on a controversial quarterback sneak - Drew Bledsoe had set the NFL record which still stands to this day. Two other players moved ahead of Todd and Testaverde during 2017 but they remain tied for fourth all-time.
Let us know if there's any connections to 42 that we missed...