Jets, Giants, and the Alliance

On March 21, 2012, a “shot heard around the world” moment happened.  Word spread quickly that Tim Tebow was being traded to the New York Jets.  By nightfall, many fans were on the edge of their seats as word then came that it was not a done deal.  By morning, the deal was sealed and it seemed like the beginning of a revolution.
 
Webster’s defines a “revolution” as a sudden or momentous change in situation. Tebow being traded to the NY Jets was certainly that.
 
For the true-blue Tebow fans, anxious eyes await how he will compliment the Gang Green team.  Tebow has his fair share of critics.  But with team members like quarterback Mark Sanchez, there is an opportunity to become a more consistent player by witnessing passing accuracy and following the receiver routes.  Other veteran players include center Nick Mangold, cornerback Darrelle Revis, linebackers Bart Scott and David Harris, and a defense that is one of the top ten in the league.  One thing is certain: an exciting season lies ahead.
 
The exposure Tebow will bring to the state of New Jersey will be no less than interesting.  While the world knows the Jets as the New York Jets, comparatively few know that the team actually practices in Florham Park, NJ and plays in East Rutherford, NJ.  In fact, the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is also home to the NY Giants, 2012 Super Bowl champions.  New Jersey looks forward to making sports history with the 2014 Super Bowl, the first cold-weather Super Bowl to be played.
 
Florham Park is located in Morris County, New Jersey.  Incidentally, nearby Morristown served a pivotal role in the American Revolution.  George Washington spent two winters with his troops there, and “the Hard Winter” of 1779-80 was one of the century’s most severe.  Hungry, cold, and lacking shoes and appropriate clothing, the troops struggled to build a city of huts at Jockey Hollow.  A short distance away, Washington set up his command station at the Ford Mansion.  Today, Jockey Hollow, Washignton’s Headquarters Museum, Ford Mansion, and Fort Nonsense all comprise the Morristown National Historical Park.
 
Washington selected Morristown because of the unique advantage the terrain gave him, allowing him to monitor the actions of his enemy.  From behind the Watchung Mountains, George Washington could safely monitor the British army, headquartered in nearby New York City.
 
On the Morristown Green, a statue of three men – George Washington, Alexandar Hamilton, and Marquis de Lafayette – are huddled together strategizing the war.  Like a coach and team members, they discussed how to best attack and conquer the opposition.  This alliance was a crucial part of winning the American Revolution.
 
Bergen County, where the new MetLife Stadium is located, also played a significant role in the revolution.  There were more Revolutionary War skirmishes in Bergen County than any other county in New Jersey.  Today’s “skirmishes” include soccer, lacrosse, the NFL, and coming soon, WrestleMania.
 
When reflecting on sports and other revolutionary moments, Princeton also comes to mind.  Princeton was a place where the Continental Army tasted success against the British.  Once the war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris, Princeton became the first Capital of the new Nation.  Fast-forward to 1869 and football, Princeton University and Rutgers University played the first game of intercollegiate football.
 
New Jersey is a state of diversity – rich in history and still looking to make history.  Through the preservation efforts of numerous historical societies, a visitor today can experience Revolutionary War sites and remember the brave men that fought and brought our colonies together to become a nation united.
 
As the Continental Army came together to fight as a team, so will the Jets.  They will undoubtedly have their “hard winter”.  But as New Jersey made history in 1869, we will again in 2014 during the first Super Bowl played in cold weather, at the new Meadowlands Stadium, home of the Giants and Jets.
 
Whether you have been a Jets fan for years or are following Tebow from Florida to Florham Park, we hope that you will take time to discover and explore where the team hangs their helmets at the end of the day.  Now that’s New Jersey!

Contact Information

Giulia Iannitelli

Executive Director

Highlands Tourism Partnership

(1) 908-283-0721

giulia51@verizon.net