FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine before the season, and now he's about to be featured on one of the most popular TV shows in history.
The New York Jets' star cornerback will be profiled Sunday on CBS' "60 Minutes," in a segment entitled, "Revis Island." What else, right?
Well-respected reporter Armen Keteyian, who conducts the interview, asks Revis to describe Revis Island.
"It's some place that receivers do not want to go," Revis says with a smile, according to CBS' preview of the piece. "We bring you over. We boat you back too. It's a vacation."
Asked if he's the best cornerback in the NFL, Revis replies, "I don't even get into that, but my stats and all of that stuff speaks for itself. And ... the film doesn't lie."
The CBS cameras go to his hometown, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and Scottsdale, Arizona, where he trains in the offseason. Somewhere, owner Woody Johnson will be smiling. He waited a long time to have a face of the franchise, a marketable player.
It's remarkable to see a non-quarterback receive so much national exposure -- especially a player who doesn't score touchdowns -- but Revis transcends the usual limits because of his talent and skillful marketing by his handlers. The "Revis Island" moniker doesn't hurt, either.
A random thought: I wonder if the "60 Minutes" interview would've happened if he still were playing for the New England Patriots. Bill Belichick frowns upon players receiving celebrity treatment.
Revis is off to a fast start in return to the Jets, with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
"He's still playing like he's 22, 23 years old," coach Todd Bowles said of Revis' attitude. "Just his love of the game and the way he prepares is more impressive than his actual playing."
