The world’s most notorious New York Jets fan is at it again.
Former WFAN radio host Joe Benigno is famous for his blustery and pessimistic Jets takes. In a segment on Boomer & Gio, Joe B related a story about his dedication to his favorite team. It came in reference to New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Joe B tells the story of his daughter being born on Friday, and him being at the Jets game on Sunday 😂 pic.twitter.com/QHbgJLz7c1
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) August 5, 2024
“When I had my kids, I couldn’t wait to get back… My daughter, Samantha, she’s born on a Friday, I’m at the Jet game Sunday,” Benigno explained. Similarly, when Lindor’s wife had a baby in June 2023, the Mets’ shortstop was in the lineup that day.
Regarding the Jets’ chances in 2024, Benigno was his usual downcast self. “I’ve been burned too many times. Fifty-six years I’ve been screwed by this franchise,” he said. “On paper, they look great. Paper. Big deal. Go out there and win… I trust them not at all. I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Benigno pointed to the many injury questions surrounding the Jets as a potential point that can sink them. The usual suspects came up: Aaron Rodgers, Tyron Smith, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mike Williams — the Big Four injury risks.
However, Benigno declared, “The minimum I want to see from this team this year is a division title. … There is no reason that this franchise, that has won two AFC East titles since the merger and hasn’t won one now since 2002, that they shouldn’t win this division.”
While Benigno cautioned against getting too excited, it’s hard for starving fans not to buy into this team. In theory, this roster should be one of the NFL’s best. As Benigno said, though, you don’t play football on paper.
Fans will get their first look at the non-paper Jets on Thursday when they take on the Commanders in a joint practice.
