Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Namath, Klecko Among Honorees for Jets New Ring of Honor

In an effort to not only further their brand but honor their history, the Jets have started a "Ring of Honor," their own internal hall of fame, and it'll include six of their biggest stars this year.

At a halftime ceremony of the Jets' Aug. 16 preseason opener against the Giants in the new Meadowlands Stadium, Joe Namath, Curtis Martin, Joe Klecko, Don Maynard, Winston Hill and Weeb Ewbank will be enshrined in the "Ring of Honor."

The six Jets will receive permanent recognition at all Jets home games in some form of signage in each end zone. Because the Jets and Giants share the stadium, the recognition of those six Jets honorees will be present only during Jets home games.

The Giants are believed to be planning a similar honor for their former stars but haven't announced any details yet.

"This organization has always had a deep appreciation for and admiration of those who have worn this team's uniform," Jets owner Woody Johnson said. "These six men span generations of Jets foot ball, all embodying the best of this game and what it means to truly be a Jet. With this new stadium we now have a proper way to salute those who have helped make this franchise what it is today."

The Ring of Honor inductees were selected by an internal committee led by Johnson. And each season, inductees will be nominated and added. There will be no minimum or maximum each year.

A replica of the Ring of Honor will also hang in the field house of the team's practice facility and headquarters, the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.

The preseason opener, in addition to the Ring of Honor ceremony, will feature the National Anthem performed by the Tony Award-winning cast of Jersey Boys and a T-38 flyover by the 12th Flying Training Wing.

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