Sports

New York Jets Great Wesley Walker Rooting for Gang Green to Go All the Way

Former receiver and Dix Hills resident will be watching Sunday's game with great anticipation.

As a former New York Jets great, Wesley Walker has been on the Gang Green bandwagon for some time. This weekend it will be no different.

The longtime Dix Hills resident will be watching Sunday’s Jets game against Pittsburgh in either the comfort of his home, or tucked away in a hotel suite. Either way, he’ll be pulling for his hometown boys to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1968.

“I’m excited because they have a chance to do something great,” he said via phone Thursday. “It’s funny to see all these people call me who I haven’t heard from in ages. I’m certainly happy for this team. I’m happy for Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum. You put the players and coaching staff together and that’s where it really starts.”

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Walker also praised Jets head coach Rex Ryan for bringing the team together through various setbacks both on and off the field in 2010.

This Saturday, Walker will be signing autographs at Stew Leonard’s Wines of Farmingdale from 2-4 p.m. The store will be unveiling the new signature wine, Jets Uncorked.

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There is no doubt Walker hopes the Jets will win, and while he didn’t make a prediction on the score, his advice for the team doesn’t fall far from what every critic is saying.

“They have to play a complete game and not turn the ball over,” he said. “Mark Sanchez has to be decisive. It’s a team game.”

Stressing caution that it will be difficult to beat the Steelers twice in one season, he urged that it would be terrific for a player like fullback Tony Richardson to finally play in the big game on Feb. 6.

“He’s played in the league for over 15 years and he’s never been there,” the two-time Pro Bowl selection said. “Being a former player, I’d like to see that.”

If the Jets win Sunday, Walker said he already has his ticket ready for the Super Bowl. He’s only been to the game once as a fan back in 1982 when the Redskins beat the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII, but left during halftime because he couldn’t take not playing in the game, let alone watching as a bystander. He hasn’t been back since and vowed to go only if the Jets play.

As a faith of good fortune, he lent one of his jerseys to the school nurse at Park View Elementary in Kings Park where he’s a physical education teacher. He also bought a bottle of merlot he’s hopping to pop if the Jets win an AFC title.

On a side note, if Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace keeps up his solid performance this season, he would be the first player since Walker to lead the league in yards per catch in each of his first two seasons, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

“He’s a great player,” said Walker. “I don’t have to look at statistics. When my name comes up with any type of records it’s nice to see. That’s nice to be in the category. This game is about opportunities. I didn’t get the opportunities some players do.”

Now, Walker is just hoping for the opportunity to see the Jets in the Super Bowl.


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