Rex Ryan, Patriots fan?
Rex Ryan coaches against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. (Oct. 17, 2011) Credit: David Pokress.
Rex Ryan's decision to play a Patriots fan in an upcoming Adam Sandler movie drew mixed reviews in the Jets' locker room Friday.
"My reaction is any time they put an amateur in the movie, they just give him an easy role and something that's natural to him," safety Jim Leonhard said. "I think it's pretty obvious over the past couple of years that he's a big Patriots fan and a Tom Brady fan and a Bill Belichick fan. He really doesn't need to go out of character very much."
Defensive tackle Sione Pouha, who has shot some commercials with the Jets' coach, sees the cameo as the role of a lifetime for Ryan.
"I'm sure his acting side is coming out," he said. "It's no surprise he's venturing out a little bit. I think it's quite a stretch, but Rex can pull it off."
Ryan plays a Boston lawyer and Patriots fan in a yet-to-be-released movie entitled "I Hate You," which was filmed in Massachusetts. He talks about Brady and Belichick in the movie.
Ryan said he could not pass up a chance to appear in a movie with Sandler.
"I'm not going to guarantee that there's an Oscar coming my way," he said. "De Niro, Ryan. Well, you just have to see the movie."
Burress questionable
Plaxico Burress, who is coming off his best game as a Jet, is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills. Burress began to feel tightness in his lower back Monday and it apparently remains a lingering issue. He went through drills Friday but did not practice fully.
"The thing with Plax is that he's sore," Ryan said. "It's really limited him today. You think he'll be fine, but sometimes with backs, it can be troublesome."
Also listed as questionable are DE Mike DeVito (knee), DT Kenrick Ellis (ankle) and CB Isaiah Trufant (hamstring).
Ryan said Friday that TE Shawn Nelson made a great catch in practice but that there is "no way" he will be ready to play Sunday.
