Darrelle Revis was a shutdown cornerback in an era of professional football where the term “shutdown CB” had previously ceased to exist. Revis played for four NFL organizations but is most known for his time with the New York Jets, where he locked down the receiver for the opposition, earning the nickname “Revis Island.”
Ever the shutdown corner, Revis earned many prestigious honors across his illustrious Hall of Fame career. An offensive coordinator’s nightmare, Revis was voted to the Pro Bowl seven times, named first-team All-Pro four times, and won the Super Bowl, oddly enough, as a member of the Jets’ rivals, the New England Patriots.
In 2023, Revis got his call to the Hall.
Darrelle Revis’ Early Triumphs
The future first-round selection began his high school playing career at Aliquippa High School, where he was named the 2003 Player of the Year.
In high school, Revis did it all on the football field. Revis led Aliquippa to a state title by scoring five touchdowns in the title game, including three rushing scores, a punt return, and returning a blocked field goal.
Revis’ athleticism wasn’t limited to just the football field, though. He also led Aliquippa to state titles in basketball while leading the team in scoring with over 25 points per game.
Revis also put his speed on display in track and field as well. He was a member of Aliquippa’s 4×100 meter relay team that finished third in the state.
After accomplishing all that one could at the high school level, it was time for Revis to take his talents to the collegiate level, but he didn’t go far.
Revis’ Panthers Career
The Aliquippa High School legend chose to stay close to home, choosing to accept a scholarship offer from the Pittsburgh Panthers. The future Jets CB made immediate dividends for the Panthers’ defense, starting 11 of 12 games during his freshman season, earning Freshman All-American honors.
Revis took his game to the next level as a sophomore, leading Pittsburgh in interceptions. In the process, he earned first-team All-Big East recognition. The dynamic CB also contributed on special teams with a punt return TD and a blocked field goal that resulted in a touchdown.
Revis had made a name for himself across the college football landscape and inside NFL front offices. The Pittsburgh CB had a tremendous junior season, being nominated for the Jim Thorpe Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy.
The highly coveted DB ended his season on a high note when he returned a 73-yard punt return for a score in the Backyard Bowl against rival West Virginia. The play was so dynamic it won College Football Play of the Year and was nominated for Best Play at the 2007 ESPYs.
Following his junior season, the Revis had a decision on his plate. He ultimately opted to forego his senior season at Pittsburgh to enter the 2007 NFL Draft.
How Long Did Revis Play for the Jets?
Entering the 2007 draft, talent evaluators had Revis in a top tier of three cornerbacks. Alongside Michigan’s Leon Hall and Texas’ Aaron Ross, Revis was in the first-round mix and in the conversation to be the first CB selected.
The Jets zeroed in on their man, and when draft day came, New York parted ways with their first, second, and fifth-round selections to move up from 25 to No. 14 overall with the Carolina Panthers to secure their selection of Revis.
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Revis would play his first six seasons with New York. The Pittsburgh native left New York to play one season with Tampa Bay and then one season with New England. Revis returned to the Jets for two more seasons following his excursion in New England. The Hall of Famer then ended his career in his final season, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In total, Revis played eight seasons for the Jets as one of the top defensive players in franchise history.
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