National Football League

Men in black: Ryan rewards Jets with dark jerseys

Published Jun. 14, 2012 7:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New York Jets' defensive players were ''Men in Black'' on the final day of minicamp.

Rex Ryan says he stole an idea from new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano by having the defense wear black jerseys Thursday. It will be a reward, determined by Ryan, for who did the best - offense or defense - in a specific emphasis during training camp.

Ryan says he let the defense wear them first because ''I'm a defensive guy.''

The players didn't know why the jerseys were hanging in their lockers, but linebacker David Harris says ''it looked good on the defense.'' Cornerback Antonio Cromartie says the players joked about having black jerseys ''with green with a little bit of white, maybe gray in it. I think that would look real good.''