Fireman Ed has been a staple at New York Jets games since 1975. Over the decades, this one fan has become a name known by NFL fans across the nation. How did Fireman Ed become such a prominent figure in Jets lore?
Who Is Fireman Ed?
Born on September 19, 1959, Edwin Anzalone has been a Jets fan since he was 10 years old. It was Joe Namath who played a big role in drawing Ed to the Jets.
At the age of 16, Anzalone attended his first game. He went to the games with his brother, who had season tickets.
The now-famous J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! chant did not originate with Anzalone. Two former NYPD officers had started it. But about 10 years later, the man we now know as Fireman Ed took it over and has never looked back.
Is Fireman Ed Actually a Firefighter?
It would be pretty weird if he wasn’t, right? Getting the nickname “Fireman Ed” wouldn’t make much sense if Ed were not a fireman.
Ed Anzalone was a member of the FDNY until a 2007 injury ended his career. He still dons his signature Jets firefighter hat at games, though.
Controversy Between Fireman Ed and the Jets
One would think the Jets would continue to embrace Fireman Ed. He’s a known figure and a huge supporter of the team. His chants have helped pump up the crowd at home games for about 30 years. Recently, though, Ed thinks the Jets are trying to diminish his presence.
In an Instagram video, Ed said, “I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but they’re phasing us out.”
He continued, “Last night in particular — although on the Denver game also — last night in particular, we scored a touchdown and normally as a tradition we’re always put on the screen.” “[We] do the Jet chant to get the crowd going, which is a staple in JetLife Stadium.”
The advantage of having home field is the crowd. Anzalone has always played a pivotal role in pumping up the fans, getting loud, and letting the opposing team know they’re in hostile territory.
Anzalone still cares about the Jets immensely and is concerned about them losing their home field advantage. “I’d like to know if somebody knows anything, please let me know, because it’s evident that it’s happening, and it needs to stop because we need home field advantage.”
The situation with Fireman Ed even made its way onto a segment on the Pat McAfee show, where he, Aaron Rodgers, and a couple of other members of the show discussed it.
What's going on with Fireman Ed @AaronRodgers12 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cGDFFoYrLd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 22, 2024
Perhaps there is some lingering resentment from the Jets from their last clash of heads. Back in 2012, Anzalone took a hiatus from his role as Fireman Ed following the Mark Sanchez “Butt Fumble” game on Thanksgiving of that year. He continued to go to the games, but was not leading any chants. He was just watching and cheering on his team.
In 2015, Fireman Ed made his triumphant return to being the chant leader and Jets hype man. He’s remained consistent ever since.
When the Jets host the Texans on Thursday Night Football, perhaps we will all now pay a little extra attention to how often the broadcast shows Fireman Ed. With how this season has gone, the Jets could certainly use any spark they can get.