Tag Archive for: Robert Zito

All-Stars Across Industries and IPZ Team Members Honor FDNY

FDNY Foundation Hosts Annual FDNY All-Star Event

Legends from the worlds of sports, television, radio and the arts came together with longtime friends of the FDNY and business leaders to support the Department and mark the 16th anniversary of September 11th at the annual FDNY All-Star event on Thurs., Sept. 14.

“None of us can ever forget that terrible morning and the unimaginable losses we suffered,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “We will never forget the bravery displayed or the tremendous sacrifice made by so many so that others could live. And though the pain of that day will always remain with us, I also vividly remember the times that followed – the outpouring of support from so many across the city and around the world. Countless times, so many of you honored our members, showed your appreciation for their work, visited with our families and gave us moments to celebrate and cheer once again. Those positive memories are part of what makes this event so special.”

“Thank you to all of our celebrity friends for being with us today, for taking time out of your busy schedules and continuing to be such amazing friends and supporters to the FDNY,” said FDNY Chief of Department James Leonard. “The teams in our city and the many sports leagues have all shown support to the FDNY over the years. You have supported us in the days after September 11th, and you are still here today. We are all huge fans and appreciate you remembering the members of the FDNY now and in the past through your actions.”

The event was hosted by Sports Radio host and good friend to the FDNY, Mike Francesca, at the New York City Fire Museum in Manhattan. A luncheon with Francesa was followed by a broadcast of WFAN’s “Mike’s On” radio show from the Fire Museum.

Darryl Strawberry, John Starks, John Franco, Bobby Burke, Calen Carr, Jeff Curtin, Keith Elias, Jim Fassel, Nelson Figueroa, Kym Hampton, Famke Janssen, Sukanya Krishnan, Jim Leyritz, Deirdre Lovejoy, Madeleine Martin, John Plunkett, Chris Snee, Charles Way, Chris Weidman and Brian Williams were among the celebrities who turned out to honor the anniversary and the members of the FDNY, as well as to support the FDNY Foundation.

The All-Star event is one of the highlights of the year for the FDNY Foundation and serves as one of its biggest fundraisers. Support from the Foundation allows the Department to fund awareness and outreach programs, fire and life safety education across the city, as well as FDNY member training and new technology and equipment.

“This incredible event brings us together to mark a somber anniversary, but also to celebrate the bravery of the men and women of the FDNY and the support the Department has received from so many in our community,” said FDNY Foundation Vice Chairman Robert Zito. “Our partners and supporters work tirelessly to make sure we have the funds we need to help its members keep New Yorkers safe.”

“We’re here to reminisce about great moments, create new ones and work together to support this great Department that we all love,” said Commissioner Nigro. “By supporting the FDNY Foundation, each of you is truly supporting the Firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs of the FDNY who go into harm’s way day after day to keep this city safe.”

To support the life-saving work of the FDNY, please consider offering your support today. Click here to make a donation.

View the original online: http://www.fdnyfoundation.org/fdny-foundation-hosts-annual-fdny-all-star-event/

AARON COSBY: THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE IPZ FAMILY

Professional Basketball Player Selects IPZ for Representation

WARREN, NJ, August 17, 2017 – Aaron Cosby, a professional basketball player and proven game-changer, has chosen IPZ for representation, the company announced today.

The 6-foot-3 guard is a native of Louisville, KY, and played collegiately at Seton Hall, Illinois, and Western Kentucky. In his freshman year at Seton Hall, Cosby averaged 7.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. The following season with the Pirates, Cosby improved his numbers averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per contest, to go along with a 40 percent three-point field goal percentage.

Following his sophomore campaign, Cosby transferred to Illinois and played his first and only season with the Illini in 2014-2015. He averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. The shooting guard finished out his collegiate career at Western Kentucky and accumulated a stat line of 13.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, while connecting on 37 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc and knocking down free throws at an 86 percent success rate.

Cosby was selected by the Erie Bayhawks in the 2016 NBA D-League Draft. He played a stint for the Bayhawks before signing with the Bristol Academy Flyers (BBL – the top-tier league in the United Kingdom) in December. Prior to Cosby’s arrival, the Flyers held a 1-10 record and were at the bottom of league standings. On December 2, Cosby stepped onto the court for Bristol and led them to a 15-9 record over the next 24 games. The Flyers found themselves in the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history. Cosby posted 17.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 31.2 minutes per game and shot 84 percent from the stripe during his tenure with Bristol.

“I decided to sign with InterperformancesUSA because I wanted to find an agency that I could see myself with for a very long time,” said Cosby. “I know several players that are already clients of InterperformancesUSA and they all speak highly of their experience. This is an agency that has a long list of successful players and I hope to add to that list in the future. My professional career is just beginning and I’m excited to continue with my new representation.”

“Aaron is the perfect example of a player who is smart on and off the court,” said IPZ’s Managing Partner Robert Zito. “He is a true leader; his winning mentality and skillset give him the ability to change the game. We, at IPZ, look forward to working with him and can’t wait to see what his future holds.”

View Aaron Cosby’s highlights from the 2016-2017 season here.

About IPZ: IPZ is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com. 

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

USA Volleyball Launches New Marketing Effort

Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA to Provide Support

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, and WARREN, NJ, June 1, 2017 – USA Volleyball (USAV), the recognized National Governing Body for volleyball by both the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), has retained Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) to assist in its branding and marketing efforts.

USA Volleyball’s mission is to lead, serve and grow all areas of the sport of volleyball from grassroots participation to international competitive excellence. USAV consistently produces world-class athletes that comprise the USA teams competing in the Olympics, Paralympics, and FIVB World events. Both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Indoor National Teams are currently ranked #2 in the world.

In the 2016 Olympic Games hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, three of the U.S. teams medaled: Men’s Indoor, Women’s Indoor, and Women’s Beach each earned the bronze. The U.S. Women’s Sitting National Team captured its first Paralympic gold medal in Rio. Since 1984, the USA is the only nation to have medaled in every Olympic Games.

In addition to its winning history, USAV is the only volleyball institution that is certified by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This allows its athletes of all ages and skill levels to be assured of a culture of safety and support through awareness, education and training programs.

“We, at USAV, are very excited to be partnering with Zito Partners and InterperformancesUSA for our branding and marketing efforts,” said Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball. “As the number one high school team participatory sport for girls and the fastest growing NCAA varsity sport, volleyball’s scale is misunderstood. I am convinced that by working with Bob Zito and his team, we will be able to effectively grow the awareness and excitement of this amazing sport as we groom our Olympians for years to come.”

“USAV is an amazing organization with a phenomenal product and some of the most skilled athletes in the world,” said Robert Zito, Founder of Zito Partners and Managing Partner of InterperformancesUSA. “We are both honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with Jamie and his team to help build this brand and develop lasting, meaningful corporate partnerships for the organization.”

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the disciplines of beach volleyball, indoor volleyball and sitting volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball has over 325,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $31 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs for beach, indoor and sitting volleyball; youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education, certification programs and grassroots development across all disciplines. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984, four Paralympic medals since 2004 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information on USA Volleyball, visit usavolleyball.org.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

IPZ’S NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER: MADISON JONES

Seton Hall Point Guard Signs with InterperformancesUSA

WARREN, NJ, May 16, 2017  Madison Jones, the court general that led the Seton Hall Pirates this past season, has chosen InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) for representation, the company announced today.

The 6-foot-2 point guard began his collegiate career at Wake Forest University which is under two hours away from his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Jones broke into the starting lineup as a freshman. In all three seasons with the Demon Deacons, Jones consistently found himself in the top two for the team’s most assists and steals (he was first in this category twice). As a junior, he ranked among the ACC leaders with a 1.6 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Jones transferred to Seton Hall University for the 2016-17 season and played in all 33 contests, starting 31 of them. His 58 steals led the Pirates and were third best in the Big East. Jones topped The Hall in both assists (104, ninth in the Big East) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6, eighth in the Big East). Called the “head” by teammates, Jones led the Pirates to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

“I am so happy to be a part of the IPZ family,” said Jones. “I have dreamed about being a professional basketball player since I was a young boy. I can’t thank God enough for this amazing opportunity.”

“Meeting Madison and his parents during this process was rewarding for me,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ. “Madison comes from a great family with dedicated parents and siblings who are serving our country. His leadership on the court at Seton Hall was exemplary. And his relationship with a great coach and staff, phenomenal. I’m thrilled we have the opportunity to work with him.”

 

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs. For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Faith? I Lost Mine Last Week.

I was speaking with a good friend Thursday about the Catholic Church. He’s left it. I’m right behind him.

He and his wife gave up when his local parish kept asking for money, and they saw no improvements in their church…the school…or their programs.

Turns out the money was going to settlements the Church had made with victims of abuse by priests.

Then last week the Archdiocese of Newark decided to shut St. Anthony High School in Jersey City.

All St. Anthony’s has done since the 1950’s is provide a great education for students who otherwise can’t afford one…sent all of its students to college for the past 20 years…and been built on the backs of my good friends, Bob and Chris Hurley. Yes, the school and Bob have become legendary in high school basketball circles. But this school is about much, much more than basketball.

Those kids in that accompanying picture are students of St. Anthony High School. Great students. Students who came to a scholarship dinner last week…worked the crowd as well as any high school student I’ve met…and made the people in attendance ask how they can help.

The Archdiocese wanted St. Anthony to have $500,000 in the bank before next school year, and then said it needed the school to increase its enrollment. With stories circulating for a year that the school might be forced to close, how many parents were willing to take the chance to enroll their children in a school that might not be there? That was a clever political ploy by the powers that be in the Archdiocese – powers that wanted St. Anthony shut…but knew the Bob Hurley legend made it a public relations nightmare.

The $500,000 is an interesting number. It matches the cost of the addition on the home of the diocese’s recently retired Archbishop.And by the way. That’s a home with a market value of close to $2 million. He lives there alone.

So what’s more important? An addition with an indoor swimming pool for the retired leader of the Newark Archdiocese? Or a great school for kids who truly need an opportunity in life?

It would appear Newark never got the directive from Pope Francis about taking care of the flock first.

On Bloomberg this week, Joe Nocera wrote the best piece about the issue I had the chance to read.

It’s a view reiterated to me by the Athletic Director at another Catholic High School. Schools need to realize they have to be run as if they are businesses.

But as Nocera points out, the Archdiocese should have been helping Bob Hurley and St. Anthony’s do that. They – when you look at corporate America – are the “corporate entity.”

I wish – for all those great students at St. Anthony High School – that the Pope would take this one personally. The Newark Catholic braintrust has put money…and politics…ahead of the well-being of hundreds of students.

I can’t agree with their decision. And that has me disgusted with the Newark Archdiocese leadership…and therefore, the Catholic church.

Forgive me, Lord, but this one is the straw that broke this camel’s back.

March Insanity…But What About The Students?

One of the most fun – but most scrutinized – jobs in sports has to be picking the 68 teams in the NCAA basketball tournament.

The pundits suggest the group got the 68 right this year…although with the usual complaints from those who didn’t make it and are instead relegated to the NIT.

But in a perfect world, I’d have a wish…that it was easier for the students who supported their teams all year to do the same in the Tournament.

My dad always told me common sense was the most important thing you could bring into any decision process. So how could the NCAA make the tournament more student friendly?

I guess that would require being more true to “regions” than “seedings.”

The basketball talent on the court is amazing. But so are those students who support the players. I love the enthusiasm, the emotion, the “Fat Heads” in the stands, and the chants to support their teams…and irritate opponents. The students make college basketball. My oldest daughter went to Wake Forest and she always hoped she had saved enough money to go watch her school play.

This year, Seton Hall was seeded 9th (in my book, not fair) in the South region.  OK – Seton Hall is in South Orange, New Jersey. But that’s not exactly the southern part of the United States. 

Wisconsin wound up in the East…and some of that region’s games are in that great Eastern shore town of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

There are 10 teams from the East and South in the West region of the tournament…a region that is playing games in Buffalo and Orlando.

The Midwest? UC Davis, Miami, Rhode Island, Oregon, Iona and Jacksonville State have all been relocated.

The South? In addition to Seton Hall, Minnesota, Cincinnati, UCLA, Kent State, Dayton and Wichita State have all had their zip codes questioned. Oh…and some of the South games are being played in Sacramento and Milwaukee.

I know it’s a tough job. And you can’t pick neutral sites three days before the tournament starts, and thus some of the sites are cast in stone years in advance.

But I would love if the NCAA could come up with a solution to have early round games more geographically sensitive…especially for the students who want to go see their teams play.

What West Virginia student can afford the $456 for a flight (Monday’s price) to Buffalo?

Could a Rhode Island student afford the current $644 tab for a flight (Sunday’s price) to their team’s game in Sacramento?

I wish there was a way for the NCAA to help those college students who make college basketball great; it would make the tournament affordable and even better.

I hate seeing those early round games with thousands of empty seats in full view of the cameras…seats that could be filled with the students who help make the game so exciting.

P.S.: Loved seeing the CBS cameras Sunday focus on our Board Member Bob Hurley, and his wonderful wife Chris, hugging as URI – coached by their son Danny Hurley – won the A10 Tournament title.

Lies My Father Told Me

No, my dad never lied to me. In fact, he’s the person I’ve most respected for my entire life.

Back in 1975 or ’76, I was back in New Jersey for a day courting my future bride. I had the day off from my sports writing job, and we decided to take in the above titled movie at the Loew’s Journal Square Theatre in Jersey City.

It’s a huge “old school” style theater…and we were the only people there. That gives you an idea of how successful the movie was.

But the story was sincere…about a boy and his grandfather, and his difficult relationship with his father, and it stuck with me. Lucky me, I always felt, that I never experienced that.

Over the past three months, I’ve met numerous parents…and some grandparents…of young men and women currently playing college sports and who hope one day to have the opportunity to play professionally.

It’s been heartening…and crushing.

For the most part, the parents are wonderful. A dad in North Carolina asked all the right questions, with his only concern being the future for his son. A couple on the West Coast was adamant that the individuals and firm who they would retain to help their sons needed to focus purely on the boys…not the parents. How’s that for refreshing?

But every now and then I’ve hit a roadblock – never from a player (or grandparent)…but occasionally from a parent. They undoubtedly know their child better than I do. But they also suddenly – regardless of their profession – know how to provide the best professional counsel for their children better than we can. And my concern for them is simple: what is nothing but love and a great relationship right now…could sour once business decisions start being made.

My dad – that guy who never lied to me – once saw me wasting considerable time trying to fix something on my car. “Robbie,” he said, “sometimes the most important thing you can know is what you don’t know. And that’s when you should ask someone you trust what you should do.”

Last week, I was sharing some of my recent experiences with a friend who’s the editor of a business magazine. He mentioned that a rerun of the great ESPN piece, Broke, had aired that weekend. It’s an eye-opening piece that every young athlete…and their parents…should watch. (And I love seeing some of my old friends from the media in the film.)

Unfortunately, dad (“Gramps”) is no longer around or I would ask him to come with me on some of these recruiting visits, and tell some of his stories. He was always a lot more convincing than I was. For now, I’ll just keep accentuating the realities about what young athletes might face, and how we might be able to help…and let ESPN remind folks of the dangers.

JACK ELLIOTT SIGNS WITH THE PHILADELPHIA UNION

IPZ Athlete Signs His First Professional Contract

WARREN, NJ, February 27, 2017 — Jack Elliott has signed an MLS contract with the Philadelphia Union, who selected Elliott as their fourth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in January.

“We are excited to welcome Jack to the Union as he officially signs an MLS contract and joins our centerback group,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. “When you look at Jack, the first thing you notice is his height, an asset that we believe will serve him well as a professional. He is a good passer who reads the game well. He has performed well in preseason and we look forward to working with him this season and beyond.”

“To go from playing in England, come through college and to make it here has been a dream come true so far, best I’ve felt in a long time,” said Elliott, the London, England native who played collegiately for the West Virginia University Mountaineers.

“It is terrific to see a player’s dream come to fruition and we are pleased to see Jack sign his first professional contract with a first-rate club like the Philadelphia Union,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, which represents Elliott. “We are thrilled for Jack as he officially begins his professional career.”  

Read the Union’s official release about Elliott’s signing here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

AARON JONES SIGNS WITH THE PHILADELPHIA UNION

IPZ Athlete Inks First Professional Contract with the MLS

WARREN, NJ, February 24, 2017 — Aaron Jones has signed an MLS contract with the Philadelphia Union, who selected Jones as their second overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in January.

“We are pleased to sign Aaron to an official MLS contract,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart in a team press release. “Aaron has impressed throughout his time with us in preseason camp, displaying quickness, his ability in passing and on free kicks, and his aggressive one-on-one defending. We look forward to bringing him aboard officially and tracking his development at the rightback position over the years to come.”

Following Philadelphia’s official announcement of his signing, Jones, a native of Great Yarmouth, England who played collegiately at both Georgia State and Clemson, tweeted his gratitude towards the Union. “I’m over the moon to have finally signed my first professional contract with such a great organisation. There are plenty of hours of hard graft ahead but I can’t wait to pull on the Navy & Gold of the Philadelphia Union and help the team be successful in any way possible.”

“We are delighted to see Aaron sign his first professional contract with a top-notch organization like the Philadelphia Union,” said Robert Zito, Managing Partner of IPZ, which represents Jones. “It is wonderful to see a player’s hard work pay off and we could not be more excited for Aaron as he embarks on his professional career.”

Read the Union’s official release about Aaron’s signing here.

About IPZ: InterperformancesUSA (IPZ) is a family-focused management, representation, and consulting firm, built on the integrity of its professionals, and developing whole life solutions for its clients. The firm is an alliance with Zito Partners. For more information, visit www.ipzusa.com.

About Zito Partners: Zito Partners builds, energizes and defends brands. A boutique firm representing a select group of clients from a range of industries, Zito Partners believes in a “ready, aim, fire” approach – understand the client…develop the appropriate strategy against the key target constituencies…and execute against the plan. And through its strategic alliance with Ketchum, Ketchum Zito Financial, Zito Partners is assisting additional clients with their financial communications needs.  For more information, visit www.zitopartners.com.

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Media Contact:

Kyrsten Van Natta
(862) 205-9841
kyrsten@ipzusa.com

Revis Island – Another Perspective

I board a late flight one night in early 2016 from Newark to Fort Lauderdale — had a couple of meetings in Florida and took a day on each side for some work in the sun.

I sit in my seat and the guy next to me — dressed well and very polite — nods hello.  I do the same.

As passengers board (the male passengers), a number of them say, “Yo, Revis, how are you man?  Great season.”  He simply nods a thank you.

Then the buzz begins.  

“Hey, man, you’re sitting next to The Island.  You know how lucky you are?”

I nod.

But after the third guy approaches me — with three hundreds in his hand and asks me to trade seats with him — I say, “Listen, leave the guy alone.  And besides, I’m a Giants fan.”

Revis chuckled…softly…and later said, “Thanks, man.”

We hardly talked…and nothing about football…as we taxi’d out to take off and left Newark. He had a place in Hollywood, Florida, and that’s where he was heading.  We talked a little about the Hollywood Broadwalk, which as a Jersey guy I absolutely love.  And that was it.

But once the “fasten seat belt” sign came off, the vultures started circulating.

He handled the fans and his admirers beautifully.  The best “executive coach” would have been proud of the way he did it.  Smiles…brief answers…a look back down to the text book he was reading to show he wanted to get back to work…and the fans understanding that because of the class way he handled it.

One question from a fan did strike me, as did the way Revis responded.

“Yo, ‘Reeve,’ who’s the best quarterback in the league?”

He smiled…hardly paused…and said, “Tom and Peyton.”

“OK.  Figured that.  But which one is better?”

Revis paused, and then said, “I have to go with Tom.  I had the chance to play with him for a year.  There isn’t a better leader in the locker room.  He’s the best.  Peyton is amazingly accurate.  But Tom is a great leader.”

While I’ve always respected Brady, that comment from Revis made me realize how great a quarterback he must be.  But more importantly, it was the way Revis answered the question — straightforward…sincere…and candid.

I saw Revis at the opening party for the Barcelona soccer club New York office a couple of months later.

I walked up to him and said, “you shouldn’t remember me…but I sat next to you a couple of months ago on a flight to Fort Lauderdale.”

I got a big smile.

“I remember,” he said.  “You wouldn’t sell your seat.  Thank you.”

I’ll stay hopeful the news of the Pittsburgh incident is overblown.  My impression that night was this is a good guy…a guy who realizes that athletes — in their actions — need to re-pay fans for their support …and who seemed to understand that some kindness and patience eventually gets rewarded.