Getty Former New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis had some words for an NFL reporter.
In the social media age, famous athletes never truly leave the spotlight, and former New York Jets superstar Darrelle Revis was reminded of this when he was dragged back into it on June 28.
The controversy began after NFL reporter Dov Kleiman decided to post a “random highlight” on his Twitter account that he labeled: “@TomBrady beats @Revis24 deep to @WesWelker for 73 yards.”
Random highlight: @TomBrady beats @Revis24 deep to @WesWelker for 73 yards.
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Revis Island Strikes Again
No offense to Mr. Kleiman but he must have forgotten who he was taking aim at in this tweet. Like receptions often were, digs are shut down by the four-time All-Pro in the no-fly zone that is Revis Island.
The NYJ great responded this morning on June 29: “Very random. Safety help on this one. Saved a TD with tackle. Good one though.”
@NFL_DovKleiman @TomBrady @WesWelker Very random. Safety help on this one. Saved a TD with tackle. Good one though. 🤣🤣🤣
Revis may have kept it classy but the message is fairly obvious — don’t step to me.
Not only does he correct Kleiman’s assessment of what occurred against Brady and the New England Patriots on that play, but Revis also points out his hustle, which did indeed save a touchdown. Many cornerbacks would have given up on Welker in that scenario. Not Revis, and that’s what separates the talented from the NFL elite.
Judging by the engagement — Revis’ reply has more likes than Kleiman’s initial tweet — it’s safe to chalk this one up as a “W” for the Jets legend.
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Fans Rally Around Revis
Revis’ reply really got the Green & White faithful going and here were a few of the most popular comments.
@Revis24 @212NYNY @NFL_DovKleiman @TomBrady @WesWelker Dov a football casual!!!!
“Dov a football casual!!!!” Joked NYJ Matt. Following him was Will Parkinson of the “Turn on the Jets” podcast, who wrote: “Revis goat corner and elite on Twitter??? JUICE!!”
@Revis24 @NFL_DovKleiman @TomBrady @WesWelker Revis goat corner and elite on Twitter??? JUICE!!
Another fan voiced that “Dov isn’t even a real person,” adding “just ignore him, you the [GOAT].”
@Revis24 @Djbienaime @NFL_DovKleiman @TomBrady @WesWelker Dov isn’t even a real person just ignore him. You the 🐐
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Can Sauce Reawaken the Glory Days?
After rookie first-round cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner revealed that meeting Revis was on his bucket list, the all-time coverage expert supposedly reached out to the youngster to take him under his wing, so to speak.
“I spoke to Sauce once he got settled about a week after he got drafted fourth overall,” Revis told Pat McAfee on his show. “We have each other’s numbers and we are just going to continue to communicate as best we can.”
This is the dream scenario for Jets fans, who are all collectively praying that Gardner can help bring this franchise back to relevance with a Revis-like ability on the outside. Even though Gang Green never made it to the Super Bowl, those back-to-back AFC championship games might as well be the glory days outside of Joe Namath and the 1969 title.
For the Jets, just about every great team has started with a lockdown defense and head coach Robert Saleh is looking to jumpstart some life back into his unit in 2022 after a disappointing year one in his system. Gardner and newcomer D.J. Reed Jr. will be an integral part of that plan, which should also rely on a heavy pass rush.
Paired hand in hand, talent at those two positions can stifle the top offenses in football. Gardner is well aware, he studied idols like Revis and their defenses growing up.