Legendary Emcee Lives out Dream with Jets
Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook wasn't the only high profile guest at New York Jets' Training Camp this past week.
Known legally as Clifford Smith Jr., legendary emcee Method Man made the trip over the Goethals Bridge into New Jersey to see his favorite NFL team practice on Tuesday. The iconic Wu-Tang Clan member is universally known for his artistry in the music industry and his acting work, too.
He also happens to be a Jets' season ticket holder.
While Method Man is used to having fans fawn over him, the roles were somewhat flipped on Tuesday in Florham Park. The "How High" star had the chance to live out a dream as he had a VIP view of practice and also got to address his beloved Gang Green.
No stranger to performing in front of a crowd, Smith had the opportunity to participate in the DB huddle and break down the team after practice.
The well-known wordsmith chose an inspiring quote from coaching legend Bill Parcells, which could have easily been mistaken as a rhyme you could find across any one of his albums.
Appropriately delivering the words in his story-telling manner, Method Man said, "You can fool the whole world down the highway of years, and take pats on the back as you pass, but your final reward will be heartache and tears if you cheat the man in the glass. Jets on 3…1-2-3, JETS."
A long-time Jets fan and season ticket holder, Smith shared a moment with future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“So happy to have you here man…I know you’re going to put it all out there for us like you do,” said the M.C. to the QB. “Wu Tang Forever, tell them to stop playing with you.”
Rodgers and Smith then exchanged a laugh when Rodgers responded with “it’s funny, these young kids have no idea” referring to the magnitude of influence that Smith and Wu-Tang have had on the music industry.
Unlike the kids of today, Method Man knows his history. Smith brought his Joe Namath jersey to practice and exchanged autographs with Rodgers. Method Man signed Rodgers's practice jersey and Rodgers signed Smith’s #12 Namath Jersey addressed to “MEF," with Smith excitedly claiming “that’s how they know its personal.”
In an exchange of the utmost respect, Smith exclaimed “Thank you so much, Legend, bro. You will see me at all the home games. I have been a season ticket holder forever so let’s go No. 8.”
It was just another exciting moment in the Jets' exciting offseason and it will undoubtedly appear on HBO's "Hard Knocks" at some point.
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