NY Jets: Robert Saleh decides to break long-standing tradition

The New York Jets’ coach is breaking old habits

New year for the New York Jets, new Robert Saleh.

The head coach has had a tradition going back to his days as a college assistant: before every game, he’d run the stairs all around the lower level of the stadium. Home or away, rain or shine, Saleh honored his custom a few hours before the game. It certainly helps explain why he may be in the best shape of all NFL head coaches.

Today, for the first time in many years, Coach Saleh will not run the stairs.

Robert Saleh told me he is not running the stairs today. Might not ever workout again if #Jets win. New year, new Robert

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) January 7, 2024

Saleh has long been known to be superstitious. He uses the words “knock on wood” and actually knocks on it often when discussing injuries. Sports figures are generally superstitious as a whole, favoring specific gear and lucky charms before or during games. Therefore, it is unsurprising to hear Saleh say he may never do it again if the Jets win.

Many fans, though, hope that Saleh will continue to run those stairs long into the future — at least those who are not calling for Woody Johnson to fire him. There is a strong contingent of pro-tank fans who want to see the Jets lose and retain at least the No. 8 pick in the draft.

Your proclivity toward or against tanking should not matter for your other rooting interests today, but it does affect whether you want the coach to continue to run the steps over a Jets loss or to stop after a win.

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