When you are a retired running back who just happens to be one of the games all time greats at your position, it allows you some leeway and wiggle room when you start to discuss personal stories.
Take the time Tomlinson says that Rex Ryan was going to punch Patriots head coach Bill Belichick in the face.
On Tuesday’s “NFL Access,” Tomlinson recalled a pep talk that Ryan gave to his players before a huge game between the Jets and Patriots.
According to Tomlinson, Rex jokingly talked about punching Belichick in the face to set the tone for the game.
“We were playing the Patriots one time, and as I mentioned, Rex is a master motivator,” said Tomlinson, who played under Ryan in 2010 and 2011. “It was going to be a big game, a heated rivalry game, and Rex got in front of us, he said, ‘I’m going to set the tempo today, guys,’ he said, ‘I’m going to set the tempo when I meet Bill Belichick in the center of the field, I’m gonna start it off and punch him in the face. I loved it.”
“He was motivating his guys and he wanted to jump it off,” LT added. ” … Our coach showed confidence that he has in us (and) in himself. He can be joking and lighten the mood at the same time while being serious about the competition.”
You have to wonder if Ryan was really joking or dead serious at that moment.