“Revis Island” just became a retirement community. The 11-year cornerback announced on Wednesday he’s officially done with pro football. Darrelle Revis will probably get remembered most for his work over two stints with the New York Jets. He also played a Hall 0f Fame-level cornerback for Tampa Bay, New England, and Kansas City.
Revis announced his decision via his social media pages:
— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) July 18, 2018
Even as a rookie out of Pittsburgh in 2007, Revis had an immediate impact on the games he played in. The Jets took him with the 14th overall pick, and he went on to be a member of 2007’s All-Rookie Team. And from 2009 to 2014, his name appeared on the NFL’s All-Pro First Team.
Revis had 29 career interceptions over the 245 games he played in. Three of those picks went for touchdowns. He also made 411 career tackles and 86 assists.
Trying to accurately depict a cornerback’s career is especially hard, however. That’s certainly true for Revis. His opportunities with the ball in his hands were rare. But, those who watched him sat mouth agape by the effect Darrelle had on any game. Opposing quarterbacks seldom tested fate by throwing his way. Games upon games would go by and Revis would only see a handful of (or less) passes to the receiver he was covering. Effectively, half the field was taken away on passing plays.
He also was known for bucking the NFL’s contractual status quo. While most players opted to prioritize long-term security, Revis maximized earning potential by mostly exclusively signing one-year deals and entering free agency again the following offseason.
The 33-year-old Revis should be a lock for the Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible and will forever deserve to be mentioned among the greatest cornerbacks ever to play.
