National Football League

Fireman Ed is wanted back this Sunday... at least by Ed Reed

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 6:27 p.m. ET

foxsports

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) -- Ed Reed was looking forward to his first home game with the New York Jets, expecting to see Fireman Ed leading the MetLife Stadium crowd in loud "J-E-T-S!" chants against the Miami Dolphins.

"That guy with the hard hat on, is he still here?" the safety said Wednesday. "I need him getting the whole stadium crunked."

Well, one problem: The firefighter helmet-wearing fan named Ed Anzalone stepped away from his role as a famous cheerleader after increasing "confrontations" between him and other fans.

Anzalone's last game as Fireman Ed came a year ago, the Jets' 49-19 Thanksgiving loss to New England, which included Mark Sanchez's now infamous "Butt Fumble."

"He retired? I can't believe it," a smiling Reed said. "We need to bring him out of retirement."