We managed to get an exclusive interview with the Lombardi Trophy, which sits inside the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, and he preferred to call himself Lombardi.
Post: How was your offseason?
Lombardi: Honestly, it’s been like most offseasons over the last 50-plus years since Jan. 12, 1969.
what do you mean?
As you all know, I guaranteed Broadway Joe would win back-to-back games and win Super Bowl IV, so need I mention the Mud Bowl or the 2009-2010 AFC Championship Game again?
People forget that Parcells lost to Elway in the 1998 AFC Championship Game.
Please stop.
Sorry. I couldn’t resist. (Laughs.) So let’s talk about the 2024 Jets.
Yes let’s do it.
Super Bowl or bust?
I’m tired of standing here alone, and besides, I’m not as young as I used to be.
Are you optimistic?
Cautiously optimistic. More optimistic about Aaron than about Zach.
I hope so!
He looked fine too. He walked past me and looked 100% fine. He looked refreshed and rejuvenated. We started talking about our trip to Egypt, but then he had to take a call from RFK Jr.
Uh oh.
Don’t worry, there’s nothing to see, he’s busy clearing the crap out of the building.
I hate to be nitpicking before training camp starts, but if he doesn’t win, and win big, the GM and head coach will be kicked out of the team.
You really know how to hurt a guy, don’t you?
You may have heard Parcells say, “Your record shows how good you are.” Robert Saleh’s record is 18-33, a winning percentage of .353.
I know that, but he’s a really good guy. The players love him, especially the defense. I see him walking by me all the time with a smile on his face and a “Positive Vibes Only” T-shirt on.
Did he throw away all the receipts he said he kept?
Are you trying to be sassy?
Absolutely. Do you really think he could lead your team to the playoffs…let alone the Super Bowl?
What are you trying to imply? As a head coach, he’s a great defensive coordinator?
Your words, not mine.
As long as Aaron is comfortable with him, I’ll be comfortable with him.
And Hackett?
And Hackett.
It’s true, the division is a close call, and it’s hard to believe the Jets haven’t made the playoffs in 13 straight seasons.
It’s just piling up now, right?
Not at all, Lombardi. You didn’t even say the name Kotite!
Interesting. Really interesting. This is a great year! Douglas will sign Haason Reddick and that defense reminds me of the ’85 Bears. Quinnen, CJ, Sauce, DJ, Jermaine, Will McDonald’s second year leaps…
Apparently you’ve kept your sense of humor.
And Brees is fully healthy and ready to be Brees the Beast, and we all know how good Garrett is going to be because Aaron has targeted him, and Aaron has always compared Garrett to Davante.
Oh, I wanted to ask about Davante. Aaron would love to have him as a teammate again.
I want him too. Pick who you think will win, Davante or Garrett. If you’re committed to this season, don’t care about the future, get Davante.
The Raiders have said they want to keep him.
I’ll wait until the trade deadline if necessary.
Worried about Mike Williams?
I worry about all of the players with injury histories…especially Tyrone…I’ve seen this movie before, remember?
A movie where a future Hall of Fame quarterback ruptures his Achilles tendon four plays into the season opener?
Here’s my take on Benigno. Let me know what you think. “Ouch!”
pretty good.
Joe D was smart to use Fashanu as insurance for Tyrone and Morgan, but part of me wanted to use Bowers as insurance for Big Mike.
Joe D made the right choice, Conklin and Ruckert are not weak players by any means, and with Tyrone potentially only being a one-year retirement, if Rodgers decides to return in 2025 he’ll know he has a blindside protector.
I still can’t believe Zach was such a bad guy, but at least he didn’t throw you in the locker.
Lombardi, you really know how to hurt your opponents. What are your predictions?
you?
Super Bowl.
Smart guy.
10-7, but I could change my mind. What’s your prediction, Lombardi?
The Super Bowl. Aaron hoists the trophy. Brings it back to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Remember the song “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long”?
Young Rascals!
I’ve been lonely for a long time.
Yes, Lombardi. Yes, that’s right.
