Fans eager to enjoy good read with Rex
Rex Ryan the coach of the New York Jets, recently wrote a book entitled "Play Like You Mean It". Ryan autographs copies of his recent book at the Book Revue in Huntington.(May 4, 2011) Credit: Chris Ware
It was football weather in May with the rain falling steadily from a lead gray sky, but that didn't deter the Jets fans who lined up inside Huntington Book Revue, out the door up New York Avenue around the corner down Main Street and then back down Wall Street.
The object of their affection was second-year Jets coach Rex Ryan, who was there to sign his new book, "Play Like You Mean It." Most of those on line already know how Ryan's story has unfolded with the Jets, but they had to meet the man who promised things would change and then actually delivered two AFC championship games.
The last time Greg Hastava, 44, of Huntington, did something like this was to meet President Clinton, whose line was even longer than Ryan's. "I'm very selective," Hastava said with a smile, "but I hold Rex in high esteem. He seems able to back up [his bluster], and he looks like he's having fun."
For the first time in what seems like forever, so are Jets fans. Many mentioned the difference between Ryan and his predecessor, Eric Mangini, who left a sour taste for many.
David Klang, 13, of Jericho, said he used some of his bar mitvah money to buy tickets to three Jets games last season. "Rex has got charisma, which is something Eric Mangini didn't have," Klang said.
It's Ryan's bold talk and matching actions with the team that has served to change a culture that largely has been dreary and disappointing since the Jets' Super Bowl III win in 1969 save for a few breakthroughs. As Chris Argila, 35, of West Babylon, said, "He got rid of the 'Same Old Jets' syndrome and turned it into a team that's going places."
That's why 79-year-old Wayne Record of Huntington was on line waiting to pick up a book for his son, Kevin, 51, who lives in Tallahassee, Florida but still attends some Jets games. Record said, "I always used to say, "Kevin, they're going to break your heart.' Then, Rex shows up. It's been amazing."
Passion for the Jets prompted Centerport's Terry McGrath, 52, to show up early for a couple of books to send to her twin sons, Dan and Brian, 23. They grew up in a family that has had season tickets for 33 years.
She was hoping Ryan would autograph a letter of support to her sons, both West Point graduates, who recently deployed to Afghanistan. "My husband Gerry is a diehard, and he raised the kids like that," McGrath said. "I spoke to my sons and told Dan I bought the book. He was in training the last two winning seasons and didn't get to see the playoffs, and my husband had to DVD the games."
Who knew Ryan's book would make a good care package?
