One day removed from his national television appearance on David Letterman, Vinny Testaverde was named – by his teammates – the Jets’ Most Valuable Player. The man who was brought to New York as a veteran backup won it by a landslide.
“I certainly voted for him,” Jets’ WR Wayne Chrebet said. “He should be the MVP of the league, let alone our team.”
It was an honor that, he said, meant more to him than any other he’s received in his career. It was the first time in his career that Testaverde has been named for such an honor by teammates and it moved him.
“It means a lot,” Testaverde said, “because these are guys that are watching you every day, every game. It probably means more to me than any other award [given] by outside people, because it comes from within. They see how you operate on a daily basis.”
Testaverde, who’s going to his second Pro Bowl in February, was asked if he feels “vindicated” after all the doubters had him finished as a starter.
“I didn’t even think about proving people wrong,” Testaverde said. “Obviously there are people that still have their opinions – Baltimore, I guess. I don’t worry about that. I’m here. I’m having a good time. My team is winning. And I want to continue to help this team.”
Jets’ LB Mo Lewis, who also voted for Testaverde, said, “The guy came here and pulled the team together. He came in here as the second quarterback, carrying a clipboard. And he wasn’t complaining, wasn’t going to the media trying to stir things up.
“He waited his turn and got his due and things have gone well for us.”
Bill Parcells called the MVP award fr Testaverde “deserving.”
“He did a tremendous job for us. We certainly would have had a lot more difficult time without him. If your quarterback plays well in this league it gives you a chance.”
Testaverde winning the MVP was the continuation of a unique situation on the team, because Glenn Foley, who was the starter at the beginning of the season, is the team’s offensive captain, voted in by the players.
“Two years is a lifetime in football, and sometimes it can be two weeks,” Parcells said. “Things just change. Opportunities happen for people and all of a sudden things start to go well for someone and it snowballs. Both players have been diligent and professional in what they try to do.
“Glenn has been a big help to Vinny during the course of the season. Vinny was very supportive of Glenn when [Foley] was starting. There’s a good camaraderie among the quarterbacks, Ray [Lucas] included. They all want to play and we all know that.”