The National

HBO has given Rex Ryan his platform to dive into the homes of viewers across the country. Ryan is a polarizing figure that has a propensity to use the f-bomb as a noun, verb, and/or adjective. His unabashed candidness can be viewed as refreshing as the air in Cortland, NY where the show, Hard Knocks is filmed. At the same time his inclination to use the f-bomb can be construed to be as repulsive as the swamp surrounding the Jets new home in New Jersey.

The most vocal of the Ryan dissenters is Tony Dungy. Dungy has been quoted as saying, “I would not [hire Ryan]. I personally don’t want my players to be around that. I don’t want to be around that. . . . It’s hard for me to be around that, and if I were in charge, no, I wouldn’t hire someone like that.” Fortunately for Rex Ryan, Tony Dungy is neither the owner nor general manager of the Jets.

Tony Dungy has unofficially been anointed as the moral compass of the NFL. His work with Michael Vick has been well-documented. Dungy will leave a larger legacy in life off of the field than he did on it. However in this case Dungy is out of bounds in criticizing Ryan.

Ryan needs to coach his team as he deems fit. If the ire of Commissioner Goodell or Jets owner Woody Johnson is drawn it is within their right to admonish Ryan, not Dungy’s. Dungy is free to express his opinion but this time his thoughts are based on his personal beliefs and not on football. Dungy should leave his criticisms of Ryan to how his team performs. Dungy believes that Michael Vick deserves a second chance but Rex Ryan is unhireable, fathom that.

The irony of this is that Dungy had been criticized as a coach for being too calm and too laid-back. Perhaps he could have taken a cue from “Sexy” Rexy and dropped a few f-bombs to motivate his teams. Maybe then his Colts could have won more Super Bowls if Dungy were more like Ryan? When these two men meet to discuss their ideologies, Dungy should stay true to himself as should Ryan. Who knows if either side will bend, but it will be good theatre.

Dungy will always be known for his quiet strength. Does this mean that Ryan will eventually be known for his loud weakness? What Ryan will be known for is what his Jets do or do not accomplish. If they reach the pinnacle and win the Super Bowl, Ryan will be Hard to Knock.

By: Gabe Rodriguez