D-o-n-e, done, done, done.
“Fireman” Ed Anzalone, known for leading the “J-E-T-S” chants at home games, announced he no longer will lead the chants at games or play the role of “Fireman Ed.”
The move is not because of the Jets’ struggles, but because of increased confrontations in the stands. Anzalone wrote a guest column for Metro New York about his decision. He left Thursday’s 49-19 loss to the Patriots at halftime, the second straight game he’s left early.
“I decided to leave Thursday because the confrontations with other Jets fans have become more common, even though most Jets fans are fantastic,” wrote Anzalone, who has led the chants since 1986.
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The former New York City firefighter has become the most recognizable Jets fan and a polarizing figure, disliked by many of the team’s fans. He is shown on the video screens during games leading the chants, though he is not employed by the team.
“The stadium has become divided because of the quarterback controversy as well,” Anzalone wrote. “The fact that I chose to wear a Mark Sanchez jersey this year and that fans think I am on the payroll — which is an outright lie — have made these confrontations more frequent.Whether it’s in the stands, the bathroom or the parking lot, these confrontations are happening on a consistent basis.”
Anzalone said he will still attend games, but no longer in his “Fireman Ed” getup, which included a green and white fireman’s hat and Jets jersey.