Jets superfan Fireman Ed hangs up his helmet

Ed Anzalone, alias Fireman Ed, in a 2010 file photo. / Photo by Al Bello/Getty

Chalk up yet another big loss for the New York Jets: Fireman Ed is hanging up his helmet.

New York Jets fan Ed Anzalone writes in a guest column for Metro New York newspaper Sunday that he will no longer lead the "J-E-T-S!" chants at home games or wear his firefighter's hat because "confrontations" between him and other fans "have become more common."

71 Photos

The NFL's most passionate fans

The former New York City firefighter, who left the Jets' 49-19 loss to New England at halftime Thursday night, says that MetLife Stadium has become divided over support for quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. Anzalone, who used to wear Bruce Harper's No. 42 jersey, has been wearing Sanchez's No. 6 this season.

Anzalone says his choice to support Sanchez has led to more frequent incidents, and he doesn't want to lose his cool.

"Whether it's in the stands, the bathroom or the parking lot, these confrontations are happening on a consistent basis," Anzalone wrote. "Although I can 'hold my own,' I do not want to lose my temper and make a stupid mistake. I have a responsibility to the families and kids that enjoy the game and Fireman Ed."

[bobnjersey]

[Anzalone, who used to wear Bruce Harper's No. 42 jersey, has been wearing Sanchez's No. 6 this season]
----------------------------------------------------
ahhh ... fireman ed ... wouldn't changing your jersey solve the problem?

[mecury69]

It's because they suck and far worse than any other regime. If they were any good he'd still be there.

J-E-T-S SUCK, SUCK, SUCK!

[sweetcakesmaria]

Props to you for taking the high road Fireman Ed. It's a sporting event that's just not worth someone perhaps getting involved in a costly incident over.

[OldProfessor]

I am in agreement with Fireman Ed. When it is no longer fun, it is time to hang it up. Just be a fan....

[Weallhaveone]

Just another example of drunk/pissed off people looking for a reason. It is just a game, and those folks should be more worried about life then a silly game.

[davcor2]

I think fireman Jed was just a little tired of supporting a team going nowhere. Even Job's patience would have been tested with this team. Yes, it's going to take a long time and a lot of changes before this franchise becomes playoff worthy. Fortunately New Yorkers can do what we do in Los Angeles with our baseball and basketball teams, if one's not working, just switch. You still have the Giants!

[tverney]

What the world was dying to know. Who the eff is Fireman Jed and why should I care?

[jaglenn1]

I'm "dying to know"why you read the article."Who the eff is Fireman Jed" Doncha just hear new stuff every day?

[mostlydisappointed]

Wow, tverney.....nuthin' else to do today except spread negativity??

If you're a Jets fan or even just a regular football fan like me, you know who Fireman Ed is! Gonna miss you, Ed, but I get it. Save your dignity!! It will be interesting to see if anyone else picks up the chants (J-E-T-S) and other antics that make going to a football game fun.

[photochief]

Pretty sad day and I'm sure the loyal fans will miss you Fireman Ed.
We shouldn't have to fear being attacked in any way before or following a game. Been reading too many things about this very thing. I for one don't enjoy a home game like I used to.