Ready to fight, Ryan reveals how close he came to punching Bill Belichick in the face

Ryan confirms the pregame threat

LaDainian Tomlinson recalled Ryan making the threat before a Jets-Patriots game, saying he would set the tempo by punching Belichick. Tomlinson shared the story while working as an NFL Network analyst.

On Tuesday’s Bussin’ With The Boys, Taylor Lewan read the old account to Ryan. Ryan confirmed it, saying he had offered to punch Belichick, but players told him not to do it.

A response to the 45-3 defeat

New England, led by Belichick and Tom Brady, beat the Jets 45-3 on Dec. 6, 2010. The teams met again in that season’s AFC Divisional playoff round, where New York won 28-21.

Ryan said reporters were expected to focus on the lopsided loss. He explained that he framed the playoff game as a contest between himself and Belichick to keep the defeat from defining his team.

Ryan wanted players to believe

Ryan said Jets owner Woody Johnson was apprehensive about his remarks, while media members thought he was “crazy” for calling out Belichick. Ryan said he believed the comments would show players that he stood behind them.

The Jets reached the AFC Championship Game in 2010, but have not returned to the playoffs since. New York fired Ryan in December 2014; he became Buffalo Bills head coach in January 2015 and was dismissed in December 2016.

A direct style on ESPN

He said he does not want to hold back out of concern for future job opportunities. Ryan described telling the audience what he thinks is true as part of his work.