Is Revis bound to make the Hall of Fame in 2023?
By: Jake Rajala
The New York Jets nation and Fireman Ed proudly heard that their beloved, long-time CB Darrelle Revis was inducted into the Jets Ring of honor on June 2nd. It has been an emotional week for Jets fans — as it also proves to be a time worth reflecting on the legend of Revis. With that said, I’m going to recap the magic that Revis left in the Big Apple and if he’s on the path to making it into Canton in 2023 (aka his first year of eligibility).
The New York Jets selected Darrelle Revis in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Revis, also known as Revis Island, had a strong rookie season (3 interceptions, 17 pass deflections, and 88 combined tackles). Well, it would be an understatement to say Revis climbed the ladder after his rookie season. The former Jets legend made the Pro Bowl in each season from 2008 to 2011 and cracked the All-Pro team in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Revis left NY and Rex Ryan paradise after the 2012 season. He spent a season in Tampa Bay (Pro Bowl berth), a season in New England (Super Bowl ring & All-Pro honors), two more seasons in New York (Jets), and quietly played his last season in Kansas City in 2017.
Revis has obviously been phenomenal in his career — and arguably the best CB in the NFL from 2009 to 2014. The question is – how does he compare to first-ballot HOF CBs? I believe a fascinating and logical comparison for him is none other than Champ Bailey (who was a first-ballot HOF).
Champ Bailey was a greek god-like CB and he made a whopping 12 Pro Bowl selections (which towers over the 7 PB selections that Revis possesses). Although, Revis garnered one more All-Pro honor than Bailey. Revis also has garnered a SB ring, while Bailey was never able to notch a SB ring.
There is no secret that Bailey unveiled many more seasons of superb performances. Yet, Revis was able to enjoy an unmatched prime and his 2009 season was more impressive than any season Bailey recorded, in my opinion. Mike Tanier from Bleacher Report pointed out that Bailey is one spot ahead of Revis on the all-time top CB list. Bailey and Revis may not be the McCourty brothers, but they ultimately have very similar & first-ballot HOF resumes.
