Who is Fireman Ed? Everything you need to know about New York Jets superfan
When it comes to spelling one particular four letter word, Jets fans are second to none.
J-E-T-S. Jets. Jets. Jets.
In terms of chants, it would be hard to get more simple than that. No one will confuse the Jets faithful with the complex European soccer songs commonly sung by supporters anytime soon, but the simple chant serves its purpose. In the shadows of the New York City skyline, Gang Green's rallying cry led by Ed Anzalone, more commonly known as Fireman Ed, echoes through the Meadowlands.
Players change, coaches change, but the chant has remained the same for over 50 years. Typically performed before kickoffs, Fireman Ed is the conductor for the fans in attendance. While NFL fans are familiar with the character, there's is plenty to the story. Here is everything you need to know about the New York Jets superfan, Fireman Ed.
Who is Fireman Ed?
Anzalone, 65, grew up in Queens, New York as the youngest of five siblings. He began going to Jets games in 1975 when his older brother, Frank, got season tickets. After he began wearing his fireman's helmet to games, ESPN's Chris Berman coined the nickname "Fireman Ed" that has stuck ever since.
Anzalone is a fixture at MetLife Stadium for Jets home games, leading the chant as the team's unofficial mascot.
Is Fireman Ed a real fireman?
Fireman Ed is a retired New York City firefighter, who operated in the Harlem neighborhood. He joined the fire department in Sept. 1987 and left the job in Sept. 2007, after doctors said he could no longer do the job. Anzalone sustained numerous injuries related to his back, neck and knees during his firefighting days.
The youngest of five siblings, Fireman Ed is the son of a baker, but opted to follow the professional path his uncles paved.
Fireman Ed beef with Jets
Despite being one of the most well-known Jets fans, the relationship between Fireman Ed and the team hasn't always been so glamorous. There's been some icy moments over the years, which surfaced again in 2024. Following a "Monday Night Football" loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, Fireman Ed took to Instagram to voice his frustrations.
"I don't know exactly what's going on, but they're phasing us out," Anzalone said. "I'd like to know if somebody knows anything, please let me know, because it's evident that it's happening, and it needs to stop because we need home-field advantage."
Anzalone noted that he believes something is going on with the production team, pointing out how his presence on the MetLife Stadium screens has lessened this season.
"Last night in particular – although on the Denver game also – last night in particular, we scored a touchdown and normally as a tradition we're always put on the screen," Anzalone said while referring to the two other superfans. "[We] do the Jet chant to get the crowd going, which is a staple in JetLife Stadium."
Why did Fireman Ed quit being a Jets fan?
This isn't the first time that Anzalone and the Jets have been at odds. Back in 2012 after the famous "Butt Fumble" game on Thanksgiving, he relinquished his role as Fireman Ed, stating that the nastiness from fellow fans was getting to be too much. Anzalone famously shed his typical No. 42 Bruce Harper jersey and instead opted to support then-quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Anzalone said at the time that he would still attend games as a fan, but not as Fireman Ed. The Jets held a contest to find a new chant leader, eventually landing on Rob Fulmer, also known as "Jetman," who is still part of the gameday tradition.
Fireman Ed returned to his post as the Jets chant leader at the start of the 2015 season.
Is Fireman Ed paid by the Jets?
Most of the issues in 2012 stemmed from a belief that the Jets pay Fireman Ed for his services. Anzalone has denied that many times, including during a New York Times interview in 2010. “How could you take money to cheer?” he said. “You’d be a fraud.”
Anzalone has said that while the team doesn't compensate him, he has been able to earn some money from commercials for companies like Budweiser and Pizza Hut.
Who started the Jets chant?
Despite being popular for the J-E-T-S chant, Anzalone was not the one that started it. The chant was started by fans in the 1970s when the team played at Shea Stadium. With no official leader in place, Fireman Ed took the chance to claim that role in the mid-1980s and has held onto it, for the most part, ever since.