A year ago tomorrow, Jet Nation welcomed you -- our little 255 lb ball of joy -- into this world. It's a day none of us will forget. In fact, I remember like it was yesterday. Woody, Mikey and crazy Uncle Terry held a press conference announcing your arrival. I think Woody was so overcome with joy that he called your wifey something like Shirley when her real name is Julie. Anyway, can you blame him? He was so proud to have the son he had always wanted. It hadn't been an easy couple of days for Woody as he had to give up on his problem child Herm. As much as he tried, he couldn't knock any sense into that one. I think Herm's living on a reservation in Missouri now -- and still learning to tell time. Some of your "friends" in New York didn't think you were cut out to make it in this world. One of your friends even wrote a caption on the back page of the newspaper that read "Good Luck Kid." Can you believe it? But you showed a determination unlike any newborn we've ever seen. You were a difficult little bugger in your early days, making Wide Receivers, Offensive Linemen and Quarterbacks work hard in the hot summer sun. And there were grumblings. But when you weren't pooping your diaper, you were instilling some good lessons: hard work pays off, details matter and performance determines playing time. Then the season started. First game out of the chute set the tone for the season. Up big vs. the Titans, only to fall back and watch the game get tied. But, then something incredible happened! The Jets won a game that had too often in their past turned ugly. Your little buddy Schotty Jr. called that bomb to Coles late in the game (We're going to have to separate you two!). What a call. Your team was in shape, organized, calm, focused and they won. A great start. There were sure to be ups and downs in your first year -- you barfed on your Grandma in Cleveland and peed on Grandpa vs. Buffalo at home. But, like the trooper you are, you were a little man among boys vs. Minnesota. And what about that game in Miami? I still have that one on tape. New England was a downer, but a promise is a promise: next year we'll get Barney to show up and your party will be a ball. We'll even hold the party in New Jersey, not Foxborough! Happy Birthday, Little Penguin. Remember, you have to walk before you run. So keep your focus this offseason. You still have a lot of work to do. It will be hard. But better days are ahead. Dr. Seuss said it best, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
I like it a lot better than Manginius, Man-genius, or however you want to spell it... Great post, Mickey Shuler82. Thanks for reminding me about this special anniversary, and giving me a good laugh at the same time.
In the immortal word of those papercut guys in the Guiness comercials... "PRILLIANT!!!" Happy anniversary/bday Mangini! From now on I hereby proclaim your training camp as... "March of the Penquins!"
That was a great post Mickey, I hope this will be a day to remember for all JETS fans for many years to come! I also prefer the Man Genius....just sounds classier..although when he is walking around with his hands in his pockets he sure does resemble the artic bird....
Rhodes and Coles gave him the nickname and everyone else was cool with it. I despise your optimism and homerism, oh well. Penguin!!
Caught on tape!!!!!!!!!! Mangini exchanging pleasantries with Bill after the NE/Jets games next year - all of them!!!!!
