Jets coach Rex Ryan clearly doesn’t mind the camera.
But getting ready for his latest role took a little extra work getting used to.
Ryan refers to New England coach Bill Belichick as a “genius,” in his role as a Patriots-crazed lawyer in the new Adam Sandler movie That’s My Boy.
“We thought it’d be funny because we wanted a lawyer who could handle degenerates well,” Sandler said in a conference call. “And we thought Rex could handle anybody.”
More impressive is his willingness to get into character so deeply, complimenting Tom Brady’s jawline and filling his office with New England-area sports gear.
“Bill talked to [brother and coach Rob Ryan] and said, ‘I can’t believe Rex is involved with this with my bobble head on his desk,’” Ryan said. “He is looking forward to watching it.”
Ryan’s character’s on screen for about five minutes, but he impressed Sandler with his preparation. The Jets coach has also appeared in an episode of CSI: New York in addition to his leading role in HBO’s Hard Knocks.
Ryan hasn’t delivered on any of his Super Bowl guarantees, but he consistently provides a few laughs, which puts him ahead of some of Sandler’s recent efforts.