<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Chrebet Gave Us Reason to BelieveWayne Chrebet will officially retire Friday here at Weeb Ewbank Hall. He is just a few months short of 33 and his remarkable football playing career is over. Chrebet says it will be ?weird? to tell people he is retired.?I?m grateful that I did last this long. I was 21 when I was a rookie, so even if I played for a long time I was going to leave the game at a fairly young age,? Chrebet said this week. ?I have my health and I have a lot of business ventures going, so hopefully it will be my second career.?Listen to the Chrebet Retirement Press ConferenceWe talked to Chrebet via phone while he ran errands. At the same time, his former teammates took part in one of their Organized Team Activities (OTAs). There is no longer the familiar sight of #80 lining up in the slot before torching a defensive back or Chrebet tutoring an undrafted free agent wideout. Instead he will address the media in what promises to be an emotional occasion.?I?ve thought about this one throughout my whole career about how it would be. I don?t know if I can play out how it?s going to go, but I?m sure it?s going to be very emotional,? he said.?There are a lot of people I want to thank. Some people don?t know I?m retiring; some people have assumed it already happened. I think it?s the right time to finally thank the right people: the fans, my teammates, and people who were with me for the ride. Just letting the emotions flow will make it easy.?It has been a hell of a ride for Chrebet and those of us fortunate enough to witness his brilliance. Chrebet, a Garfield, New Jersey native, was a college standout at Hofstra but went undrafted and didn?t sign with the Jets until April 25, 1995. The young local believed he could defeat the odds and make the team.?I was confident but I?m not going lie, I didn?t expect any of this,? he said. ?I just thought that numbers-wise if I just get a chance, then I would have an opportunity to make the squad.?Little by little, the 5?10? Chrebet made his mark. He started by finding seams in the defensive backfield against his veteran teammates in camp before collecting 66 receptions as a rookie.?I knew early on that I could play, just by going out against some of the guys we had on our defense because we had real good cornerbacks,? Chrebet said. ?Then on Sundays, I started going out there and felt comfortable. I got to the point where I could just impose my will out there and felt like there was nothing I couldn?t do.?Some critics wondered aloud if Chrebet was just a one-year wonder who would disappear from the NFL landscape. His answer was emphatic, grabbing 84 balls his second season for 909 yards and totaling three touchdowns. Wayne Chrebet was here to stay.?Most people always wonder if their first year success was just a one year thing and the second year started and again, I felt comfortable out there, it just felt like home,? he said.Chrebet became the face of New York Jets football. He earned the ?Mr. Third Down? moniker because the Jets would always throw to #80 on third down and he?d make the reception, moving the chains in the process. Chrebet was not only clutch but fearless. He never had a problem accepting punishment. Instead he took it and defenses paid for it throughout the league. ?I think that part is courage, part is stupidity,? said Chrebet of his gutsy play. ?The truth is I would make myself believe that I could do things that maybe I couldn?t.?And that?s why we gravitated towards Chrebet. You couldn?t help but respect an 188-pound wideout who truly laid everything on the line for the team.?It ultimately ended my career playing that way, but that?s when I felt most alive out there. The big hit gets the crowd on their feet,? he said. ?Making that extra yard or inch got the crowd on their feet. There was something about doing what nobody else wanted to do is where I felt I could make my mark in the league and hopefully play a long time. It was the thing that got me most noticed and the thing that ultimately ended my career.?The force of those violent collisions left Chrebet with a number of well-documented injuries. But he didn?t empty his locker before totaling 580 receptions, 7,365 receiving yards and 41 touchdown receptions. He was labeled as an overachiever.?I don?t think it?s the right term, I think I took the abilities I was given and made the best of them,? Chrebet said. ?I don?t know what the term would be for someone like me, but at this point there?s no sense in thinking about. I am just grateful for the career that I had. If people want to label it, so be it.?It would be fair to label Chrebet a good teammate. Away from the cameras and the microphones, there was a different side to Chrebet. He was a reliable friend, a guy players liked to be around. Whether it was with Vinny or LC or even a wide-eyed rookie, Wayne was relaxed and playful.?I had a sister growing up and was as close as can be, but I never had brothers,? he said. ?Whenever I was on the team, I considered each one of my teammates my brothers ?whether they were younger, older, black or white, it didn?t matter. When I was out there, I was willing to do whatever I could to help them succeed.?I?m going to miss them all, I had a chance to meet great athletes and play with great people over the years, everybody I was on the field with out there, I consider each of them family.?And you were his family too. Chrebet not only related to the fan, but he fed off their energy. You must remember that before he slipped on #80 for the Green & White, Chrebet was a young boy just trying to get a ticket to enter the Meadowlands.?It?s a surreal feeling, I was always in sink with what the fans felt, I grew up going to Jets and Giants games - we didn?t go to many games, maybe once or twice a year ? and my Dad would scalp tickets on Route 17,? said Chrebet.People embraced Chrebet?s tenacity from day one. He has been stopped countless times since and told how he?s inspired people. Possibly the greatest thing Chrebet did was give people a reason to believe.?When I look at the stands during pregame, or even in between series? or walking into the stadium or driving in, and I see a father and son or family, and they?re all wearing my jersey - I know what that feels like and it?s amazing that I?ve had that impact on people,? he said. ?I?m glad I gave them something to believe in. Everybody knew that when I got a rise out of the crowd is when I knew I made a good play. It wasn?t just making the play; it was just getting the fans on their feet that made me happiest when I was on the field.?Chrebet will be happy off the field too. He is a family man whose voice resounds of pride whenever his young sons, Lukas Kane and Cade Jagger, are mentioned. Wayne has some more time on his hands now to help his wife Amy, his former college sweetheart at Hofstra, with the daily family chores. ?One of the best things is the fact that I can be there when my kids go to school or daycare and be able to pick them up and spend more time with them,? he said. ?I can already see that it?s changed in my relationship with them as far as I was always second fiddle to mom because I wasn?t around as much. Now I?m a part of there life and it?s great - I cherish it. Some days I miss being here so much but it?s worth it to be that close to be to my kids again.?He will remain close with the community as well. In May, Chrebet joined a number of Jets employees at a gathering celebrating the team?s new practice facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. In two weeks, Chrebet will again participate in the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) Walk at the Meadowlands. And just across the street from Hofstra at Weeb Ewbank Hall lies the old Bogart?s, a bar & grill which no longer operates. Chrebet is hoping to transform the establishment for the locals.?It?s still in the process to see if it will work out. It?s going to be an upscale restaurant and lounge, though it?s not etched in stone yet,? Chrebet said. ?Something I always wanted to do was to give back to the community, to have a place to go to watch the games and to have a place to go to after the Hofstra games. Hopefully it works out.?One would be inclined to think retirement will work out just fine for Chrebet. He will miss the game and the game will miss him, but Chrebet will be remembered for generations to come. He epitomized all that is good in sports by working and sacrificing and by playing with such heart. Saying goodbye to a legend is never easy.</div>http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/articles/s...&article_id=724Goodbye Wayne.
It is always nice to see a player spend his whole career with one team. He was a solid receiver for the Jets.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (links @ Jun 2 2006, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It is always nice to see a player spend his whole career with one team. He was a solid receiver for the Jets.</div>Too bad Herm and Brad cut Mickens.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Jun 2 2006, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (links @ Jun 2 2006, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It is always nice to see a player spend his whole career with one team. He was a solid receiver for the Jets.</div>Too bad Herm and Brad cut Mickens.</div>Ehh, Mickens will always be a Jet....Wayne Chrebet - The only success to come from the Kotite Era, and forever will be my favorite Jet.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 2 2006, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Jun 2 2006, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (links @ Jun 2 2006, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It is always nice to see a player spend his whole career with one team. He was a solid receiver for the Jets.</div>Too bad Herm and Brad cut Mickens.</div>Ehh, Mickens will always be a Jet....Wayne Chrebet - The only success to come from the Kotite Era, and forever will be my favorite Jet.</div>Yeah, but he spent a year with the Browns. That just annoys me, I love Mickens. Mickens and Cherbet are studs!
Chrebet was a great guy with alot of heart. Too bad all the shots he took eventually ended up making him retire this early.
I give a lot of credit to Chrebet. Coming into this league as a undrafted free agent and he ended up having a stellar career.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Uptown @ Jun 2 2006, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Chrebet was a great guy with alot of heart. Too bad all the shots he took eventually ended up making him retire this early.</div>I really will miss him as a Jet and a player. No matter what team he would play for I would have always respected his heart and ability to hold on to the football. Everyone underestimated him because of his lack of size and speed, but every time he touched the field he gave his all. He always was a favorite of mine and it sucks to see him go so soon. I bet he would of had another good 2-5 seasons left in him, but as you said he took shots all the time, but always found a way to provide for the team. He was a true team player.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT WAYNE CHREBETNew York Jets Owner & CEO Woody Johnson: ?His story is one that has been told countless times, but bears repeating. He overcame the doubters with persistence and hard work and talent and he followed his dreams. He represented the Jets with class and dignity. We are thankful he is part of our franchise?s fabric.?New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum: ?Wayne Chrebet was a one of a kind player. I spoke a few months ago about turning over every rock in an effort to find the types of players we want on our team. In 1995, that kind of player walked across Hempstead Turnpike and had to convince Harry Fisher, our security guard at the time, to let him into Weeb Ewbank Hall as a rookie free agent. And here we are 12 years later, celebrating a wonderfully productive football career, entirely the New York Jets. I hope that we are able to find more ?rocks? from the likes of which produced Wayne.New York Jets Head Coach Eric Mangini: ?He?s inspiring to players, coaches and fans. He was a fun player to cheer for because of how he came into the league and how much he appreciated his opportunities. As a coach, you hope that all of your players have his level of dedication, toughness and professionalism. You are always grateful to have a player of his caliber on your team, but as an opposing coach, you?re disappointed to have to face him. When I personally coached against him, we spent countless hours and reps trying to stop Wayne Chrebet and were rarely successful. I wish him nothing but happiness and success in his future endeavors.?Charlie Weis, Notre Dame Head Coach; Jets? Assistant Coach 1997-1999: ?Wayne?s two greatest strengths as a player were as a slot receiver and as a blocker. You could line him up in the slot and no one could cover him. He was also a dominating and willing blocker and as tenacious as they come. Wayne could play on my team any day.?Boomer Esiason, Studio Analyst, CBS Sports, New York Jets quarterback 1993-1995: ?He is a testament to what hard work and desire can do for somebody. His career has been fantastic and although he?s never been to a Pro Bowl in my eyes he?s a Pro Bowl teammate. When he arrived at Hofstra I didn?t know who he was. I thought he was a ball-boy. I think he was probably 10th on the depth chart at wide receiver. What I do remember is how eager he was to learn, how eager he was to work, and how hard he worked because he wanted it more than anybody in the room. In my estimation he will go down as one of the greatest Jets of all time because he did it for the little guy and the little guy showed what a big heart could do. He had a wonderful career that nobody believed that he could accomplish. He did it with dignity, he did it with class, and he?s been a great friend, and I know nothing but good things for him will happen in the future.?Bill Parcells, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, Jets? Head Coach and Director of Football Operations, 1997-1999, 2000: ?Wayne was a player any coach would have been happyto have. He proved year-after-year that size is not really a prerequisite. He certainly is to be listed among the all-time New York Jet players and among the best I have been fortunate to have coached.?Don Maynard, Hall of Fame Wide Receiver: ?He came to play. He?s a winner and always will be a winner.?Ray Mickens, New York Jets CB 1995-2004, Cleveland Browns 2005, New York Jets 2006: ?He was the toughest football player and competitor I have ever been associated with, that I?ve ever seen. That guy right there is the epitome of what football means to me.?Phil Simms, CBS Lead Analyst: ?I used to get upset when I saw articles that said Wayne Chrebet is an overachiever. I felt it did him a major disservice. He is a man with talent and toughness and he took it on the field and achieved. He got as much out of his talent as about any player I have seen in a long, long time. He?s an achiever. He reached his potential, something we all strive to accomplish. He can go and retire and feel good that he gave it his best and it was damned good.?Marty Lyons, New York Jets Radio Lead Analyst & Former Jets defensive Lineman; Former Hofstra Football Analyst: ?I remember after he had that huge game against Delaware as a senior. I remember speaking to his parents and telling them that I thought he could play at the next level. When he came in as a rookie free agent, I recall that he caught everything that was thrown his way and he quickly became a fan-favorite. After looking back at his accomplishments after 11 seasons, I truly believe he is the most beloved Jet to ever put on a uniform. He is the blue-collar hero for the people that work hard, the guy who represented all the people that were told they couldn?t do something, and more importantly, he played the game the way it was meant to be played. He played hard every week, he competed hard and played to win, every single week, every single game. He?ll be missed; but never forgotten.?Romeo Crennel, Cleveland Browns Head Coach, New York Jets? Assistant Coach 1997-1999: ?Mr. Clutch. Small in size, big in heart, effort and toughness. If you didn?t double him, he?d make the play. He took great pride in his job and the fact that he was a Jet. He was a Hofstra free agent who walked across the street and became a star.?Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Head Coach, New York Jets? Assistant Coach 1997-1999: ?Just the whole background on him: not drafted, coming into the NFL as pretty much an unknown guy and really established a great role for himself as a slot/third down receiver, one of the best at it that I've coached for or against. He' was just a hard guy to cover. He really beat us down there in 2000 in the Monday night game. He's a very competitive guy. Good, smart player that I think every quarterback that has ever thrown to him, and there have been a lot of them, had a lot of confidence in him because of his ability to get open and catch the ball. Anytime you can do that on third down, anytime a receiver can become what you would call a really good third down receiver or a really good red area receiver, or a both, which Wayne would fall under that category, in the both category, you're talking about that's the tough as it gets. Until the end, he was still the guy, when was out there, he was still the guy that you have to get, even deep into his career. Part of that is him, but a big part of it is the confidence that the quarterbacks have in him and they continued to go to him even though he was doubled and he still got open. He was a real pain in the neck. He was simply a hard guy to cover.?Bruce Harper, New York Jets, 1977-1984: ?I really admire Wayne and the things he was able to accomplish as a player. Quite a few times people made the comparisons between my career and his career and the fact that we both came from small schools and were told we were too small to play. What Wayne had were gifts: great hands, great anticipation and the ability to beat zones, presses and find ways to make plays. He was, and always will be, fun to root for.?Ray Lucas, New York Jets, 1997-2000, Miami Dolphins 2001-2002, Baltimore Ravens, 2003: ?First and foremost, he?s a Jersey guy. We had similar paths into the league. I will always be loyal to him and can?t say enough good things about him. As a quarterback he was exactly what you are looking for. You?d go through all your progressions and reads and but you knew that Wayne would there and he?d do anything he could to make a play for you. In my opinion he?s the best third down receiver to ever play the game. He would do anything for his quarterbacks and anything for his teammates, it didn?t matter if it was going over the top of people to make plays, sliding across the field. He played the game like it was meant to be played.?Pete Kendall, Seattle Seahawks 1996-2000, Arizona Cardinals 2001-2004, New York Jets 2005- : ?What always stood out to me about Wayne, as both a competitor and as a teammate of his, was his tenacity. He was a true bulldog. He would stick his nose in there and take on guys going twice his weight and fight them for every inch. He never had any back down in him. He?s the kind of guy you love to have on your team each week because you knew you could depend on him.?Herman Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach 2006-, New York Jets Head Coach 2001-2005: ?Wayne Chrebet is the ultimate competitor. He played the game of football with great passion, toughness and enthusiasm. He had the unique ability to make the clutch play when the game was on the line. He epitomized the New York fans with his great work ethic and his never-quit attitude. I am honored to say that I coached Wayne Chrebet. I would also like to thank everything that Wayne has done in his professional career to represent the National Football League on and off the field as an example to all of those that follow him. I wish Wayne and his family the very best.?Chad Pennington, New York Jets, 2000- : ?He?s a classic. You here the personnel people talk all the time about how they are looking for the big, fast receivers. But ask any quarterback that ever played and they?ll all tell you that they?d love to have played with Wayne Chrebet because he was smart, tough and would whatever it took to make a play. He understood the game so well and he understood what it took to win. He was a tireless worker and supported his teammates to the fullest degrees. I am truly blessed to have been a teammate of his and I wish him the best of luck. We will always be friends and I cherish our friendship.?Curtis Martin, New York Jets, 1998- : ?He inspired me every day. I loved the way he played and how he never backed down from anything. He was an incredible teammate. He was a warrior; and I always felt you?d have to kill him to get the upper hand on him. If every player in the NFL had as much heart and desire as he had, football would be illegal.?Laveranues Coles, New York Jets, 2000-2002, 2005- : ?We came from different backgrounds but the day I walked in here, he took me under his wing and taught me how to be a professional. He knew that I was playing pretty much the same spot on the field, but he pushed me everyday. He is an amazing friend and I love him like a brother.?Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets, 2004- : ?I feel cheated that I only got to play two years with him. People say he was undersized, and I have heard the same thing said about me, but you can?t measure heart and desire, which he is all about. I am really going to miss him. He was an unbelievable player and teammate.?Michael Strahan, New York Giants, 1993- : ?Regardless of what team you are on, whether it is in college or in the NFL, everyone always roots for the underdog and that is what Wayne Chrebet always was. He always played with a chip on his shoulder and gave his best. He never had an excuse and that is why he is one of the most respected players of this era. I really consider it an honor to be one of his best friends. Honestly, he?s like a brother to me.?Brooks Bollinger, New York Jets, 2003- : ?He loved the game more than anyone I have ever played with or against. Passion, toughness, dedication and a guy that you loved to have in the huddle. He was amazing. Simply amazing.?Shaun Ellis, New York Jets, 2000- : ?Wayne is one of the players I will tell my grandchildren about one day and how lucky I was to have met him and played alongside of him. He is a champion. I always loved it when other teams would underestimate him because he thrived on it and would hurt them. He practiced liked he played: full-tilt?Tom Coughlin, New York Giants Head Coach, 2004-: ?The thing that says it all for me is that he was a guy who was told he was too small and too slow and he played 11 years in this league, and he didn?t just play. He made the key catches when his team needed them. He was extremely reliable, and he was their go-to guy. I remember that in our game in 1996 we had a very difficult time stopping him.?</div>
the best part is when guys like Strahan and coughlin (nonteammates/coaches) are praisingbest Jet WR ever... would take him on thrid down before any player in league history
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Jun 4 2006, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>the best part is when guys like Strahan and coughlin (nonteammates/coaches) are praisingbest Jet WR ever... would take him on thrid down before any player in league history</div>Nah, he wasnt better then Don Maynard (NFL Hall-of-Famer and Prime Target of Joe Namath)2nd Best Jets WR Ever.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sheriff Gonna Getcha @ Jun 4 2006, 04:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Pssh... Santana Moss was the best </div>Sideline Santana wouldnt even be in the top 10.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 4 2006, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Sideline Santana wouldnt even be in the top 10.</div>Ok..... Name the other 8!1. Don Maynard2. Wayne Chrebet
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Capt. Comeback @ Jun 6 2006, 04:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 4 2006, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Sideline Santana wouldnt even be in the top 10.</div>Ok..... Name the other 8!1. Don Maynard2. Wayne Chrebet</div>Why would someone who had 1 good season and 1 mediocre season for us be in the top 10 Jets WR's of all time.
Oh, and by the way...Don Maynard - 13 years, 627 rec, 11732 yds, 88TDWayne Chrebet - 11 years, 580 rec, 7365 yds, 41 TDWesley Walker - 13 years, 438 rec, 8306 yds, 71 TDAl Toon - 8 years, 577 rec, 6605 yds, 31 TDGeorge Sauer - 6 years, 309 rec, 4965 yds, 28 TDRob Moore - 5 years, 306 rec, 4258 yds, 22 TDKeyshawn Johnson - 4 years, 305 rec, 4108 yds, 31 TDLaveranues Coles - 4 years, 243 rec, 3347 yds, 18 TDArt Powell - 3 years, 204 rec, 3178 yds, 27 TDMickey Shuler (TE) - 10 years, 438 rec, 4819 yds, 37 TDNot to mention Rich Caster (8 years, 245 rec, 4434 yds, 36 TD) and Jerome Barkum (TE) (12 years, 326 rec, 4789 yds, 40 TD)Santana Moss - 4 years, 151 rec, 2416 yds, 19 TD
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sheriff Gonna Getcha @ Jun 6 2006, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Dude... you really thought I was being serious??</div>Not really, I just felt like trashing Sideline Santana some more.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jun 6 2006, 05:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Oh, and by the way...Don Maynard - 13 years, 627 rec, 11732 yds, 88TDWayne Chrebet - 11 years, 580 rec, 7365 yds, 41 TDWesley Walker - 13 years, 438 rec, 8306 yds, 71 TDAl Toon - 8 years, 577 rec, 6605 yds, 31 TDGeorge Sauer - 6 years, 309 rec, 4965 yds, 28 TDRob Moore - 5 years, 306 rec, 4258 yds, 22 TDKeyshawn Johnson - 4 years, 305 rec, 4108 yds, 31 TDLaveranues Coles - 4 years, 243 rec, 3347 yds, 18 TDArt Powell - 3 years, 204 rec, 3178 yds, 27 TDMickey Shuler (TE) - 10 years, 438 rec, 4819 yds, 37 TDNot to mention Rich Caster (8 years, 245 rec, 4434 yds, 36 TD) and Jerome Barkum (TE) (12 years, 326 rec, 4789 yds, 40 TD)Santana Moss - 4 years, 151 rec, 2416 yds, 19 TD</div>i believed thats a Ownage!
