There haven't been many constants with the Jets since 2001. They've gone to the playoffs four times and lost 10 games the other three seasons, been good on offense and defense (usually not all at once) and, generally, have been harder to predict than a roulette wheel. The only constant was the strong special teams play overseen by Mike Westhoff.Westhoff was easy to spot on the sidelines. He was always using a cane and always animated while talking to his charges. He needed the cane because he was diagnosed with bone cancer in his left leg in 1998 and has undergone eight surgeries to deal with tumors and the resulting weakness in his bones. Now he needs to get a prosthetic rod inserted and rehab will make it impossible for him to return to the team in 2008.
"I have to address this and have it taken care of correctly or the problem will linger and become worse," Westhoff said. "In essence, I need some time to get my life back."Since joining the Jets in 2001, Westhoff's kick return teams have scored 10 touchdowns, more than any other team in the league. Justin Miller made the Pro Bowl last year and Leon Washington scored three touchdowns this season, two Westhoff success stories among many honored in a video tribute during a pregame players meeting yesterday. I'd say we should raise our glasses to Westhoff and wish him all the best in his recovery but such things aren't allowed around the Jets.
