Darrelle Revis speaks: A conversation with the Jets’ shutdown cornerback

The New York Jets (3-3) ascended quickly during the first three weeks of the 2009 season, only to course directly into the most turbulent of skies.

With three disappointing losses to contrast against three impressive wins, Gang Green is searching for a break of light in the Bay Area’s treacherous black hole when they face the Oakland Raiders (2-4).

Yet, through the Jets’ darkest moments remains one illuminated constant. Darrelle Revis, a third-year cornerback out of Pittsburgh, has started every game since being drafted 14th overall in 2007. The flashes of greatness were on display from the onset.

Revis arrived late to training camp after lengthy contract negotiations and stepped in as the team’s No. 1 cornerback. It was a role he would never relinquish—and a decision no one would ever second-guess, either.

He followed a three-interception rookie campaign with a five-interception, one-sack season for Pro Bowl honors in 2008. And he’s continuing his gradual climb, vying for consideration as the league’s best cornerback on a weekly basis.

Revis has kept every team’s primary receiver in his sights, refusing to let some of the NFL’s most dominant—the Texans’ Andre Johnson, Patriots’ Randy Moss, and Saints’ Marques Colston—take over games as they normally do.

And so, on an oddly warm October night, Revis sat backstage at Comix in New York’s Meatpacking District, prepared for a night of sports-themed satire to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. The 24-year-old cornerback looked as comfortable as can be after a rushed rehearsal, an hour away from making his stage-acting debut with the 12 Angry Mascots.

Revis took a moment to discuss his methods on the field, two-year-old grudges against receivers who scored on him, and life for the Jets’ defense after Kris Jenkins’ season-ending knee injury.

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Matt Schaub speaks: A conversation with the Texans’ prolific quarterback

The congestion of bodies is absolutely punishing. You look to your left and right, hoping to dash for a clear passage through to the other side, but it’s not promising.

After inching for what feels like forever, a crevice to maneuver through finally opens. If you pick up enough speed, you can hit the opening before the big guy coming from the other direction forces you off course.

Sweat drips into your eyes and your breathing is heavy. The crowd is shifting even closer, everyone astutely aware of the opportunity as the opening ahead becomes even narrower.

Drenched in your own perspiration and overwhelmed by the stifling conditions, you collapse. Defeated.

Yet, this is not an attempt to create the atmosphere of a torturous football game. Not in the slightest. In New York City, that’s called riding the train in July and August.

But the perils of such conditions are very real. And such hazards are exactly what inspired Matt Schaub, the NFL, and Gatorade to launch the “Beat the Heat” campaign this summer.

Speaking with passion and unquestionable enthusiasm on the topic, Schaub detailed the importance of staying hydrated on the field.

And understandably so. Taking measures to prevent against heat exhaustion has been a chief concern in the NFL since the untimely passing of Minnesota Vikings‘ lineman Korey Stringer in 2001.

Taking a moment to discuss his efforts with Gatorade, the sixth-year quarterback out of Virginia shares his preparations for the upcoming season, thoughts on Mike Vick, and handling the extremely competitive rivalries in the AFC South.

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Nick Mangold speaks: A conversation with the Jets Pro Bowl center

There aren’t many opportunities in life for a 6’4”, 300-pound offensive lineman to go unnoticed; it simply doesn’t happen. Yet, on a stormy July afternoon in lower Manhattan’s lavish Tribeca Grand Hotel, Nick Mangold effortlessly blended into a crowd of video game lovers whose attention rested solely upon UbiSoft’s Holiday lineup.

Despite towering over everyone in attendance, the New York Jets’ Pro Bowl center proved to be no match for the multitude of demos and previews UbiSoft brought with them.

Mangold played a secondary role to Panasonic’s high-definition plasma displays, featuring Assassin’s Creed II, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Red Steel 2, RUSE, and much more.

On the surface, the former first-round pick looks like he’d be more comfortable with an axe and flannel shirt in the middle of a forest. But the long blond hair and grizzly beard can only camouflage his jovial charisma for so long.

Within minutes, he’s encouraging everyone in close proximity to have their mind-blown by the uniqueness of the hotel’s restroom before they leave for the day.

The afternoon was one of palpable anticipation. While UbiSoft’s upcoming Holiday titles received well-deserved interest, any sports’ fan could tell Mangold’s mind was with football, the Jets, and the beginning of training camp in Cortland, NY.

The man appeared absolutely focused. The video games serve only as a momentary distraction for No. 74 as he makes his necessary adjustments prior to an arduous month of practice and preparation.

Discussing everything from Madden ratings to his arrival in New York following the Kevin Mawae era, Mangold makes it abundantly clear that, no matter what, football comes first.

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Marques Murrell speaks: A conversation with the Jets hybrid linebacker

Marques Murrell was 10 years old when he watched his older brother Adrian emerge as the New York Jets’ leading rusher in his third season. The elder Murrell played five seasons with New York, rushing for 3,130 yards as a starter from 1995 through 1997.

While the Murrell name is familiar to Jets fans, the 6′2″, 250-pound linebacker has carved out his own path to the NFL.

Marques Murrell shined as a defensive end with Appalachian State, winning two national championships with the Mountaineers in 2005 and 2006.

A former two-time All-American, Murrell was touted as one of the top defensive players in Division I-AA.

Recording 36 sacks and forcing 18 fumbles—the latter holding as a school record—Murrell entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles before the Jets signed him away from their practice squad in November 2007.

Entering his third season with the Jets, No. 94 recently took the time to discuss his transition from defensive end, the NFL’s new “wedge” rule, his motivation as a professional football player, and much more.

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