So if Tom Brady went to, say, the Dolphins at age 38 for a year, you wouldn't want him to try to keep his Patriots legacy intact? As for Rex Ryan, I don't know why he should be pissed. The number Taylor chose was one worn by a player Taylor respects. The fact that this player was a Dolphin is secondary, IMO.
I thought the way Drew Bledsoe handled the trade with the newspaper ad and all was classy. (He too went to a division rival after being the face of the franchise).
Taylor choose the number of a player who was very outspoken in his hatred of the Jets.
I think the best way to handle it is one presser where you talk fondly of your past experience and they say but now I am going to help my new team win. Then drop the issue until you retire.
Adam V went to the Colts, (and while not in the division in many ways is the Patriots biggest rival) he neither suck up the Patriots fans nor insulted anyone from the Patriots. Taylor has both sucked up to Dolphin fans and went out of his way to insult Parcells.
Vinny Testaverde while as a NE Patriots backup QB was asked about having played for some may teams if he identifies himself more with one of the other. His response was something to the effect of, "right now I am doing every I can to help the Patriots win" After being pressed on the issue he said that once he retires he will probably root for the Jets. He mentioned that when growing up in New York he rooted for the Jets as a kid and that he had most of his success as a Jet and he lives in NJ so once he retire he will consider himself a Jet. I did not have a problem with Vinny's answer. I view VT as a Jet, even when he was playing for the Pats. But he wasn't a jerk about it.
Players switch teams. Sometimes within the division.
IMHO, JT has not handled himself well and it is not going to help his legacy either as a Jet or Dolphin.
Author