NFL

Rex rewards Jets defense with black jerseys

At least in training camp, Gang Green will have a few Men In Black.

Hoping to pump up the intensity level at camp in Cortland, N.Y., coach Rex Ryan plans to outfit a specific unit of the Jets in black each day as a reward for “winning” their particular practice battle in the previous workout.

Ryan offered up a preview yesterday, honoring the defense for a dominant mini-camp — and, to be honest, entire offseason — by having it don spiffy black tops for the final practice in Florham Park, N.J., before the summer break.

The look made famous for decades by the University of Nebraska’s “Black Shirts” defense was a hit with Ryan’s players.

“I just came to my locker and had a black jersey, and I was excited,” cornerback Antonio Cromartie said. “Hopefully, we can get some more special treatment like this. The offense is always getting special treatment.”

Linebacker David Harris said several players on the offense told him they were jealous at the surprise jersey change, although Harris’ counterparts on that side of the ball really didn’t have much room to complain after getting repeatedly suffocated by the defense this spring.

The idea originated with new Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who liked to do something similar when he was head coach of the rival Dolphins.

Ryan said the black jerseys are in no danger of becoming a Jets tradition, though, indicating they will be used only during training camp as a way of juicing the intensity.

“It’s a little different,” Ryan said after yesterday’s shortened workout. “The one thing about football players [is], guys love competition. It’s just a way of reminding one side that the other one got the best of them [the day before].”

Ryan joked he would prefer to signify camp’s daily winners and losers with something other than a practice jersey, but didn’t want to run afoul of NFL rules.

“Back in the day, you could give them a T-shirt or a hat or something like that, but today that would probably count against your salary cap,” Ryan said. “We don’t want to do that. No, this is just a way of adding to it. It’s a fun deal. They get after it more.”

Cromartie appreciated the gesture and liked the way black looked on him, but he didn’t want anyone to get too carried away with the symbolism — especially since the black jerseys are scheduled to be mothballed once the regular season starts.

“It’s just a jersey,” Cromartie said. “What this is really all about is the decal on the helmet and the guys you play with and the guys that are at your side. If you know that guy is playing 100 percent for you, you want to go out and do the same thing. That’s the kind of [camaraderie] we’re trying to set this offseason.”