Earlier this week, the Jets joined the Giants, matching their in-stadium neighbor’s $500,000 to the relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
The Jets posted an item on their website regarding the donation, but they chose not to send out a press release.
The funds contributed by the Jets were divided among the Mayor’s Fund for NYC Hurricane Relief, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, and the Nassau and Suffolk County branches of the Salvation Army.
“Our hearts go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said. “The Jets hope that these donations will make a difference in the lives of those people. We will continue to find ways to assist those in need and encourage our fans to find ways to help with these efforts.”
The Jets also plan to honor those affected by the storm at the Thanksgiving night game against the Patriots. One hundred first responders will hold a field-sized American flag during the playing of the National Anthem, and they will form the tunnel through which Jets players pass during introductions. The Jets also will have a moment of silence before the opening kickoff to honor those affected by the storm.
The hurricane relief effort highlights the tensions between public charity and private contributions. The Eagles, for example, have made a donation, supported telethons, taped PSAs with key players, and assisted with clothing drives and food banks -- without any overt effort to publicize their actions. Though press releases could inspire others to be involved, some prefer discretion.
We’ll keeping our eyes and ears for proof of efforts by teams other than the Jets, Giants, Eagles, Dolphins, Vikings, and Colts. Though any of the other 26 who have contributed may have opted against fanfare, they deserve credit.