By Tom Rock
According to my sources, there are few in the Jets organization more pleased that a new Chipolte restaurant has opened in Hicksville than center Nick Mangold. The rookie was in the burrito emporium earlier this week chowing on some chicken and black bean burritos. Apparently, while playing at Ohio State, Chipolte was one of Mangold’s favorites. The manager at the store in Hicksville may have slipped Mangold some Burrito Bucks. Such actions would have been an NCAA violation at the Columbus location.
The Jets have been spending some of their time practicing in the bubble this week. The music choice has been the Monday Night Football theme (duh-duh-duh-duh!) and the anthem from Rocky. Not sure how the latter fits into the weekly musical theme, other than the “Gonna Fly Now” chorus and the Jets being named after airplanes.
Mexican food and music aside, the Jets have been in good moods these last few days. Lots of smiles and jokes, even from Mangini at his daily pressers. I’m sure it has more to do with being in playoff contention rather than the holiday spirit.
And if you are looking for that last-minute (or few days late) Christmas present for the Jets fan in your life, the bidding is open for a chance to watch pre-game warm-ups on the field and participate in the pre-game coin toss at the Dec. 31 game against the Raiders. The item is the latest up for auction to support the New York Jets Foundation. The bidding closes on Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. To participate, go to http://www.nflauction.nfl.com/ and click on the Jets logo.
The winning bidder will receive an exclusive Jets experience which includes: A chance to stand on the sidelines to watch the Jets warm up and prepare for the game; one of the winning bidders will get to walk to the 50-yard line as an honorary captain for the coin toss; admission to the exclusive pre-game reception in the Toyota 50 Club which includes refreshments, activities and more; four good seats to the Jets/Raiders NFL season finale; and an exclusive VIP bag for each guest with New York Jets merchandise.