Post by Lithfan on Jun 24, 2016 6:40:09 GMT -5
June 24, 1998
As the Jets headed into the 1998 season, Bill Parcells had already settled on Glenn Foley as his likely starting quarterback. After incumbent QB Neil O'Donnell refused to restructure his contract, the Jets decided to look elsewhere for an experienced back-up. On this date, June 24, in 1998, they found that experienced back up in 11-year veteran Vinny Testaverde, whom they signed to a one-year $1.5 million deal. Upon signing Vinny, they immediately released O'Donnell on the same day, clearing over $4 million in cap space.
Testaverde, a Long Island native who had been released by Baltimore several weeks earlier, was looking forward to returning home. "I turned down over a million dollars (more) to come here, so money is not the issue," said Testaverde. "I mentioned to Bill a couple of days ago I am here to win a championship ring and that's the only reason why I am still playing." He had been offered more by the Bengals, but chose the Jets offer instead.
Although Parcells ahd indicated Foley was his likely starter, he was willing to give Vinny the chance to win the job. "If he performs at a level that is obviously better, he'll be the starter," Parcells said. "Glenn is going to get the benefit of the doubt."
As we all know, Vinny took over for an injured and ineffective Foley early in the season and enjoyed one of the best Jets QB season ever. 29 TDs, 7 ints, 61.5% completions and over 3,200 yards in 13 starts. And a 12-1 record in his 13 starts.
As the Jets headed into the 1998 season, Bill Parcells had already settled on Glenn Foley as his likely starting quarterback. After incumbent QB Neil O'Donnell refused to restructure his contract, the Jets decided to look elsewhere for an experienced back-up. On this date, June 24, in 1998, they found that experienced back up in 11-year veteran Vinny Testaverde, whom they signed to a one-year $1.5 million deal. Upon signing Vinny, they immediately released O'Donnell on the same day, clearing over $4 million in cap space.
Testaverde, a Long Island native who had been released by Baltimore several weeks earlier, was looking forward to returning home. "I turned down over a million dollars (more) to come here, so money is not the issue," said Testaverde. "I mentioned to Bill a couple of days ago I am here to win a championship ring and that's the only reason why I am still playing." He had been offered more by the Bengals, but chose the Jets offer instead.
Although Parcells ahd indicated Foley was his likely starter, he was willing to give Vinny the chance to win the job. "If he performs at a level that is obviously better, he'll be the starter," Parcells said. "Glenn is going to get the benefit of the doubt."
As we all know, Vinny took over for an injured and ineffective Foley early in the season and enjoyed one of the best Jets QB season ever. 29 TDs, 7 ints, 61.5% completions and over 3,200 yards in 13 starts. And a 12-1 record in his 13 starts.
