Josh Cribbs is arguably the most productive return man in NFL history, but after dealing with injury and inactivity many wonder if the newest Jet still can play. Cribbs, who practiced with Gang Green for the first time Wednesday, said that’s just the way he likes it, using his doubters as motivation and their questions for fuel.
“I use that. I’m trying to hear that,’’ said Cribbs, who replaced the injured Clyde Gates on the roster. “I want to hear the naysayers because I use it for motivation.
“This is like a rebirth for me. It’s a fresh start. As a rookie I came in undrafted and had to prove to everybody — everybody in the NFL, everybody on my team — that I could play on this team, do well and produce. I can do that now again, just show everybody ‘He’s still got it.’ ”
But there are questions.
Cribbs spent eight years in Cleveland, tying NFL records with eight kickoff return touchdowns and two returns of 100 yards or more in the same game. He even made his third Pro Bowl last year, catching a touchdown pass in the game. But Cleveland released him in an offseason when he had arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus in his knee.
He signed with Oakland in May, but got released after a poor preseason. Cribbs rehabbed and worked and waited for a team to call and give him a shot. That team was the Jets.
Cribbs worked out for the Jets on Oct. 1, and on Monday got a call from his agent, who gave him the news with an appropriate J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets!
“I’m coming in like a rookie,” said Cribbs, 30, confident he can electrify the special teams and offense. “My cup’s empty. I’m ready to be coached, ready to start over with my experience and help this team.
“Definitely. I think [special teams] was one of the big reasons they brought me in. We can make a run for it. I can be a little lightning here, even on offense. I think they’re going to make teams get off balance.’’
Or downright scared. The Jets are 27th in kick returns, but coach Rex Ryan said “with that name on the back [if] he stands back there, you’re going to be a little nervous, because we’ve all been scorched by him in the past. There’s a knack for hitting those returns. It’s not just about speed. He’s certainly been there and done it.’’
Predictably, Cribbs ripped the kickoff rule changes, saying they are turning football into intramurals and were made to produce more touchbacks, thus more commercials.
Cribbs also said he’s not just a return man, but insists — with the receiving corps banged-up — he can make an impact on offense as well.
“Definitely,’’ Cribbs said. “I’m a guy that came in off the bench and caught 40 passes for Cleveland, third string at best, however they needed me. I think I can do the same thing here. Given an opportunity, I’m going to make a play.’’