Rex Ryan has kept a low profile since the end of the regular season, but a nice paycheck will bring almost any man out of his bunker of shame.
This likely was the case Wednesday, when the Jets coach -- along with Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms -- took part in a moderated discussion with a collection of Long Island businessmen.
"We got some scars this year from this," Ryan said of the Jets' dysfunctional 8-8 season, according to the New York Daily News. "Anybody who doesn't have scars is either lying to you or never dared. One thing about us: We dare. We put it out there -- I put it out there -- that we want to be great."
Yes, folks. The Jetsdare. Unlike, other teams who, we suppose, don't dare. Ryan would like you to know this.
"I'm the only one (in my family) with only one Super Bowl ring," said Ryan, who was a defensive line coach with the 2000 Ravens. "But I'm planning on getting another one, and I'm planning on getting it quickly."
Ryan also called beleaguered Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez an "ascending" talent but declined to talk about the likelihood of the Jets pursuing Peyton Manning, citing league rules that forbid coaches from discussing players who are under contract with other teams.
Ryan sounds like the Jets' struggles have humbled him somewhat.
"I always believed we were the best team," Ryan said. "I've been convinced otherwise the last three years."
That's progress, people.
