(John Heck)
(Anthony J. Causi)
(Alexander Michael)
(Charles Wenzelberg)
The airspace is getting crowded over MetLife stadium — with rabid Jets fans vying to lead the team’s “J-E-T-S” chant.
The team laid a 49-19 egg against the Patriots on Thanskgiving night — prompting their most famous fan, “Fireman Ed” Anzalone, to stomp out at halftime, take down his Twitter feed, and resign last week as the leader of the iconic cheer beloved by Jets fans and phonics teachers alike.
Meet the top contenders — a motley crew of superfans who wear their devotion to Gang Green painted on their sleeves, bellies and faces.
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JETMAN
Robert Fulmer, 40
* His story: One of the team’s biggest fans lives deep in the heart of enemy territory. New Hampshire resident Fulmer says it’s not easy being green in New England — and it’s precisely this unflagging allegiance that makes him the natural choice to carry the ex-fireman’s torch.
“My loyalty and dedication — there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for the team love,” he said.
That includes a special arrangement between he and wife Missy — that he’s allowed to miss any and all family event if it falls on a day the Jets are playing. “I made her sign on a napkin before our wedding,” recalled Fulmer.
For games, Fulmer dons a foam jet on his head, beads, a unitard, green boots and a vanity license plate bearing the name of his alter ego.
“Fireman Ed didn’t start the chant. The chant should go on forever,” Fulmer said.
* Catchphrase: “Jetman bleeds green . . . and that color never runs!”
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JETBO
Rick Pearce, 55
* His story: For nearly a quarter century, the mild-mannered New Jerseyian has been transforming himself into “Jetbo,” a diehard in camouflage with electric green face paint, vanity license plate around his neck and, occasionally, rubber Incredible Hulk hands.
“I bring dedication. I don’t even remember the last game I missed. My family usually looks at the calendar before they invite me to anything,” said Pearce, a Jets season ticket holder since 1981.
The Jetbo persona was born in 1988, when Pearce — who had long experimented with different personas, including Dr. Jet-kyll, a blood-spattered riff on the Robert Louis Stevenson character — showed up to a game in full camouflage.
“I was coming up the escalator and someone yelled, ‘Jetbo!’ for Rambo. It was perfect.”
* Catchphrase: “The few, the proud, the green!”
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CAPTAIN JET
Ray Hoffman, 61
* His story: Can’t we all get along? That’s the sentiment of Staten Island native Hoffman — a fan whose loyalty dates back to the JFK administration. “What I bring is decency and respect among people,” he said. “It’s very hard today to find respect — I respect everybody.”
For games, Hoffman dons a cape and a homemade helmet complete with a jet plane and goggles.
Hoffman credits his other passion, modeling — with glue and plastic, not on a runway — with the creation of his over-sized persona.
“I was a member of the Staten Island modelers for years. I fly radio-controlled airplanes and helicopters.”
He’s made about 16 custom, $250 helmets — even giving one to team owner Woody Johnson.
Hoffman said he’s been calling himself Captain Jet since the “Cannonball Run” movies, where a rotund Dom Deluise played Captain Chaos — an alter ego who would leap to his friend’s defense. “That’s kind of who I am,” he explained.
* Catchphrase: “Green machine!”
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JAMES GANDOLFINI
a k a “James Gandolfini,” 51
* His story: Gandolfini, best known for his role as mob boss Tony Soprano in “The Sopranos” could be just what the squad needs to become top earners in this league.
The stand-up guy is a regular at games and also narrated NFL Films “NFL Yearbook” chronicling the Jets ho-hum 8-8 season last year.
His rep refused to comment, leaving us to speculate what might be.
* Catchphrase: G-A-B-A-G-O-O-L!