Darrelle Revis become the NFL’s best defensive player during his time with the New York Jets, the marquee player on a swaggering defense that led the team to two consecutive AFC title games. In 2012, in an interview on “SportsCenter,” Revis even referred to Patriots mastermind Bill Belichick as a “jerk.”
So it was jarring Wednesday night when Revis — after a one-year pit stop in Tampa — agreed to join New England on what was announced Thursday as a two-year, $30 million contract.
With that turncoat move, Revis joins the roster of spotlight athletes (and coaches) to switch their allegiances from one team to its most bitter rival. Here are some of the strangest examples:
Wade Boggs
Red Sox (1982-92), Yankees (1993-97)
Deion Sanders
49ers (1994), Cowboys (1995-99)
Darryl Strawberry
Mets (1983-1990), Yankees (1995-99)
Dennis Rodman
Pistons (1986-93), Bulls (1995-98)
Bill Parcells
Patriots (1993-96), Jets (1997-99)
Curtis Martin
Patriots (1995-97), Jets (1998-2005)
Roger Clemens
Red Sox (1984-96), Yankees (1999-2003, 2007)
Bill Belichick
Jets (1997-99), Patriots (2000-present)
Tom Glavine
Braves (1987-2002, 2008), Mets (2003-07)
Johnny Damon
Red Sox (2002-05), Yankees (2006-09)