Looking back at Antonio Cromartie’s time with the New York Jets.
One of the most athletic players in New York Jets history, Antonio Cromartie gave fans quite a few thrills during his days in New York. After an 11 year career that began in San Diego and ended in Indianapolis, the man who was called “Alcrotraz” has hung up his cleats. Today we look back at the man and his time in town playing for the Green and White.
According to his Instagram post, Cromartie holds a special place in his heart for New York and the Jets:
"To my J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS, The Best NFL Team in New York, The Jets Organization. You became my home and my family. I grew as a player, a man, and as a leader. The brotherhood I️ built here was undeniable. My heart will forever embrace the feeling of running through the tunnel and out onto the field with my brothers. My family and I will forever Bleed Green. JETUP, JET NATION."
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In just four years Cromartie became one of the top players ever to don a Jets uniform.
His initial run with the team lasted from 2010-2013. In that time he posted 13 interceptions and helped lead the Jets to their second straight AFC title game in 2010. That season “Cro” combined with Darrelle Revis to form a combination that no team wanted to face and was a perfect fit in Rex Ryan’s system.
He was always one of the more interesting cornerbacks in the game to watch. He wasn’t a “lock down” player the way Revis was. He would get beaten off the line of scrimmage. The thing that saved Cromartie was his athletic ability. He had such beautiful long strides and could make up ground so quickly he could make plays that nobody else could make.
He was the perfect “lightning” to the “thunder” of Revis.
That athletic ability allowed Cromartie to help the team on special teams as well. One of the top memories of his time in New York was during the playoffs. Remember the Colts game in the Wild Card round? It was his kickoff return that set the Jets up in good field position, leading them to a game-winning field goal by Nick Folk.
Cro loved his time in New York. The reports were that during his year in Arizona, all he talked about was New York. Look at the statement and that tells us why. He found himself as a member of the Jets. He didn’t want to leave when the Jets parted ways with him for the second time. He really does bleed green.
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Make no mistake about it. Antonio Cromartie will be forever missed with the Jets. He added an athletic dimension to the defensive backfield that will forever be difficult to replace. Check in with him and his family on their reality show, The Cromarties. Antonio is a quality father and he was a terrific player. Enjoy the next phase of your life, Cro.