WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

By NY Jets contributing writer S. Bracci
www.jetsinsider.com

September 11, 2006 – NFL Player & Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman along with the rest of the world watched the horror unfold as the World Trade Center buildings came tumbling down on Wall Street and part of the Pentagon was in flames. He learned that four hijacked passenger planes full of innocent victims were purposely crashed in NYC, Washington DC and Shrewsbury, PA, on an otherwise picture perfect morning. This random attack on American soil is what prompted Pat to quietly walk away from an NFL contract, kiss his wife & family good-bye, and with his brother Kevin joined the Army in July of 2002. Despite the ever hungry media looking for an angle and a story from Pat, he refused to do any interviews and simply had this to say. "At times like this you stop and think about just how good we have it, what kind of system we live in, and the freedoms we are allowed. A lot of my family has gone and fought in wars and I really haven't done a damn thing". No interview, no article and certainly no press release would ever do justice to match that simple statement and Pat's heartfelt words.

April 22nd, 2004 - Pat's unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged, canyon terrain of Eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for his fellow soldiers as they escaped from the canyon led to his tragic death by friendly fire.

What a difference a day makes.

February 7th, 2006 – New York Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson called a press conference and made this opening statement. "With the season officially over and our new head coach Eric Mangini in place, it's time to set the team on a new course. The Jets will not be defined by the challenges we faced in a single season, but how we overcome them and by embracing change and taking calculated risks. I'm pleased to announce two organizational changes that will alter the direction of football operations. Terry Bradway will step down as General Manager, but I am pleased that he will remain with the Jets as Director of Player Personnel. I'm also pleased to announce that Asst. GM Mike Tannenbaum is the new General Manager of the New York Jets."

September 17th, 2006 – 5 a.m. and Randy Lee, infamously known as "General Lee" is rolling out his 2 ton army trucks with his closest friends & crew members known as "Troop 16H" at his side. It's the home opener game against the New England Patriots and the General gets ready to kick off another NFL tailgating season. He also sets up a table with a bucket labeled "donations for the Pat Tillman Foundation." This will be the Troop's 3rd annual fund raising efforts for Pat's Leadership Through Action Program™ while enjoying fall Sunday afternoons of good fun, great food, team camaraderie and watching a live football game from the stands. The Troop 16H crew, DJ's Cowboy Doug & Nate, members Sheriff, Squirrel, Pat, Colluch, Joel & Rutster all handle the set up and break down of the biggest & baddest NY Jets tailgate party going in the NFL today. These men will never be defined by the challenges they face in a single season, but how they as loyal Jet fans overcome the disappointment of a 2005 4 -12 record and help alter the direction of a professional football team. The 12th man always takes a calculated risk that on any given Sunday his team will win or lose.

What a difference a day makes.

December 31, 2006 – The Jets easily win over the Oakland Raiders on New Years Eve and the fans get to plan a last minute road trip to Foxboro, MA for a wild card playoff game against their division rivals, the New England Patriots. Who would have ever imagined an NFL team who bottomed out the season before would be sporting a 10-6 record and headed into the post season? It certainly came as a pleasant surprise to every die hard gang greener that proudly wears a NY Jets football jersey, that's for sure. And, even though the hopes and the road to the Super Bowl ended for the team on Jan. 6th, 2007 what a way to end an amazing comeback season and looking ahead to a brighter future.

February 7, 2007 – The NFL & football season is over. The Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl Forty One and earned this years bragging rights as world champions. Yet through all the wins & losses, ups & downs, thrills & disappointments, the loyal bunch that is Troop 16H and our friends at Jetsinsider.com once again has stood diligently in their efforts to raise money for the Pat Tillman Foundation and is proud to have collected over $5,500.00 during all eight NY Jet home games.

What a difference a day makes.