TROPHY STRIFE
Imagining what Jets’ lonely Lombardi Trophy would think about finally having company
WE MANAGED to get in touch in an exclusive interview with the Lombardi Trophy that sits inside the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. He asked to be identified as Lombardi:
The Post: How was your offseason?
Lombardi: Same as most of the last 50-plus offseasons since January 12, 1969, to be honest with you.
What do you mean?
Well, as you know, I guaranteed that Broadway Joe would repeat and win Super Bowl IV, and do I really have to talk again about the Mud Bowl and the 2009-10 AFC Championship games?
You forgot Parcells coming up short in the 1998 AFC Championship game against Elway. Please stop.
Sorry. Couldn’t resist (lol). OK let’s talk about the 2024 Jets.
Yes, let’s.
Super Bowl-or-Bust?
I’m tired of standing here by myself. And I’m not as young as I used to be.
Are you optimistic?
Cautiously optimistic. More optimistic with Aaron Rodgers than I was with Zach Wilson.
I would hope so!
He looks good, too. Walked by me and looked 100 percent. Seems refreshed and rejuvenated. Started telling me about his Egypt trip but then he had to take a call from RFK Jr.
Uh oh.
Not worried. Nothing to see there. He’s busy flushing the BS out of the building.
Hate to be a killjoy before training camp even begins, but if he doesn’t win, and win big, your GM and head coach will be flushed out of the building.
You really know how to hurt a guy.
You must have heard Parcells saying that you are what your record says you are, and Robert Saleh sports an 18-33 record.
That’s a .353 winning percentage.
I know, I know. But he’s such a nice man. The players love him, especially the defensive guys. I always see him walking by me with a smile and a “Positive Vibes Only” T-shirt.
Has he thrown out all those receipts he said he was keeping?
Are you trying to be a smart ass?
Of course I am. Do you really think he can lead your team to the playoffs ... much less a Super Bowl?
What are you trying to intimate? That as a head coach, he’s one heckuva defensive coordinator?
Your words, not mine.
As long as Aaron is comfortable with him, I’m comfortable with him.
And Nathaniel Hackett?
And Hackett.
I will admit that the division appears wide open. It’s hard to believe that your Jets have gone 13 consecutive seasons without making the playoffs.
You’re just piling on now, aren’t you?
Not at all, Lombardi. I haven’t even mentioned the name Kotite!
Funny. Real funny. This is the year, GODDAMIT! Douglas will get Haason Reddick signed, and when I look at that defense, I can’t help but see the ’85 Bears. Quinnen, C.J., Sauce, D.J., Jermaine, Will McDonald’s second-year leap ...
I see you’ve somehow retained your sense of humor.
And Breece Hall is completely healthy and ready to be Breece The Beast. And we all know how good Garrett Wilson will be with Aaron targeting him. Aaron has always compared Garrett to Davante Adams.
Oh I meant to ask you about Davante. Aaron wants him as a teammate again.
You better believe I want him, too. Davante and Garrett, pick your poison. If we’re going all in on this season, the hell with the future, let’s go get Davante.
The Raiders are saying they want to keep him.
I’ll wait until the trade deadline if I have to.
Concerned about Mike Williams?
I’m concerned about all the guys with injury histories ... especially Tyron Smith ... I’ve seen this movie before, remember.
The movie where your future Hall of Fame quarterback tears his Achilles four plays into opening night?
Here’s my Benigno imitation, tell me what you think — “Oh, the pain!”
Pretty good.
Joe D was smart drafting Olu Fashanu as insurance for Tyron and Morgan Moses. On the other hand, a part of me wanted Brock Bowers as insurance for Big Mike.
Joe D made the right pick. Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert are no slouches. And Tyron could be one-and-done. If Rodgers decides to return in 2025, he’ll know he’ll have his blindside protector.
I still can’t believe Zach was so bad. But hey, at least he didn’t throw you into a locker.
You really know how to hurt a guy, Lombardi. What’s your prediction?
What’s yours?
Super Bowl.
Wiseass.
10-7, but I reserve the right to change my mind. Your prediction, Lombardi?
Super Bowl. Aaron hoisting the trophy. Bringing it home, to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Do you remember the song “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”? The Young Rascals!
I’ve been lonely too long.
Yes you have, Lombardi. Yes you have.