Along the way to becoming a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ty Law played two seasons for the New York Jets. He came back from injury in 2005 to produce the best statistical season of his career and then he returned to the Green & White in 2008 to play with fellow Aliquippa, PA, native Darrelle Revis.
Released by the Patriots after 10 seasons, Law joined the Jets in August of 2005. He joined a squad that had high hopes after advancing to the AFC divisional round in 2004. Law was an expert thief on the outside, collecting a career-high 10 interceptions. But the Jets scuffled all season, finishing with a 4-12 record.
"You're not going to be in contention for the Super Bowl every time, but what did you do during the tough times? When I came to New York, I definitely wanted to come and make an impact," said Law, who captured three Super Bowls with the Patriots. "I wanted to help the team win and I tried to do the best that I could. Unfortunately, we didn't fare well and didn't get into the playoffs so those 10 interceptions didn't have the impact that they may have had if we'd won or been in playoff contention."
Still, Law, who was 31 when he signed with the Green & White, played 16 games after undergoing surgery on his left foot in the offseason. He earned a trip to his fifth and final Pro Bowl after leading the NFL in interceptions.
"I was able to leave New England and have one of my better statistical years elsewhere. I think that bodes well to some people because it shows I wasn't a system player," he said this week. "Even though I had a Pro Bowl year and led the NFL from a statistical standpoint, we didn't go to the playoffs or win. You can have all the stats in the world, but if you don't help your team win football games, no one is going to give you too many kudos for that"
Best Images of the CB During His Time in the Green & White
After two seasons with the Chiefs, Law was signed by the Jets a second time during the 2008 campaign. For Law, he had the chance to play with a developing star in Darrelle Revis.
"It was special because he was the reason why I went to New York, to have the opportunity for two Aliquippa guys starting on the outside," Law said. "That's what it was all about and it definitely pushed me over the edge to join the team again. Just to witness and help him, to see his growth in becoming one of the best corners in the game. It was awesome for both of us."
Law appeared in the team's final seven games, starting the final six contests. He didn't have any interceptions in his second stint and the Jets narrowly missed the postseason with a 9-7 mark.
"I got to be in a different role and not be the number one guy. We all have pride and want to compete to be the best. I had the chance to come in and help Darrelle become the best professional he could be," he said. "I was just so happy to do so. For us to play together meant so much for our community as well."
Attending the Super Bowl this weekend in Houston with his 13-year-old son, Ty Jr., Law is one of five former Jets who are Hall of Fame finalists. That Green & White list includes Kevin Mawae, LaDainian Tomlinson, Alan Faneca and Jason Taylor.
"I know they're thinking the same thing that I am. I'm just happy to be here and I'm happy for those guys," Law said. "I think just being in the conversation of the last 15 guys of all the people that were semifinalists, you're going to be happy for whoever gets the call. We're going to be pulling for each other and it's going to work out how it works out. I didn't even realize that we all had ties to the Jets. That's new information to me, but that's awesome. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other, telling stories and that's what it's all about."
