Channeling Churchill, Ryan Inspires His Team

Channeling Patton and Churchill, Ryan is known to the Jets as a master orator. His words, sometimes many, sometimes few, at times profane, have become the team’s source of inspiration.

By GREG BISHOP
NYT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Late on Dec. 18, mired in a two-game losing streak, his season on the brink of collapse, Rex Ryan gathered the Jets at their hotel in Pittsburgh. He spoke for roughly nine minutes. Anger colored his face crimson. Passion produced tears.

His speech centered on respect. Not respect from opponents, or from teammates, both of which he considered fleeting. But self-respect, earned only by potential realized.

Ryan ended with the story of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who went to Mexico in 1519 and, despite being outnumbered, ordered his charges to burn the boats they had arrived on. As Ryan reached the climax of the story, his voice boomed.

“They burned their boats!” he shouted. “I’m only asking you to give me seven weeks!”

The Jets surged from the ballroom, filled with adrenaline. Several said later that they could not sleep. The Jets went on to topple the Steelers, their signature win of the season.

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