Jets try Ty again: Law rusty after 11-month layoff

The 34-year-old cornerback played with New York in 2005.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Ty Law headed straight for the cold tub when he got to the New York Jets’ training facility Wednesday morning.

The 34-year-old cornerback was still feeling the effects of his first practice with his new teammates.

“Just to be out there on the field with the guys and running around and they throw you right in there, it’s really a test to see if you’re an old man or not,” Law said with a laugh. “I didn’t let them see it, but I feel kind of old.”

Law signed with the Jets on Tuesday and practiced with the team after sitting out nearly 11 months as a free agent. The Jets only had a walkthrough Wednesday, so Law is trying to get up to speed quickly, with hopes of playing tonight against New England.

“I must admit, it was OK, and I was a little rusty, but I expected that going in,” said Law, who also played with the Jets in 2005. “It was nothing more or nothing less than what I expected to feel when I went out there. I was feeling a little awkward at times because I’m used to working out and training on my own. It’s different going against air and going against somebody. I did have fun, though.”

Law, whose last NFL game came in December against the Jets while with Kansas City, got a passing grade from coach Eric Mangini.

“He looked spry,” Mangini said. “He got a decent amount of reps and didn’t seem to be too winded. ... Considering where he’s starting from, he looked very good.”

When told of his coach’s comments, Law smiled and then asked for the exact definition of “spry” before continuing.

“Yeah, I was energetic,” he said with a laugh. “I was a little rusty, but it felt good just to be back out there with the guys, the camaraderie, and it’ll just come with time. I had to do a lot. I worked in the rotation, but also did all the scout team reps just to get myself going.”

Law is expected to be more of a role player at the cornerback and safety positions, at least for now, and said regaining his footwork will be his biggest challenge. He kept up his workout and conditioning routines during the last several months just in case the right opportunity came up.

“I got the itch, got the bug,” he said. “I wanted to play bad. On Sundays, I went out there and simulated my own little football games in the morning and then I’d come watch football.”

Law, who has 52 career interceptions, said this comeback is about much more than collecting another paycheck.

“Everybody thinks it’s money, money, money,” he said. “New England offered me more money than I’m getting paid here. New England offered me a good bit more, but I felt like this was the right situation and Eric was always forthright with me about how he was going to utilize me and let me come in and play. If I want to play beyond this season, I think this is the best chance to do so and the best chance to win, in my opinion.”