Jets superfan Fireman Ed hangs up his helmet

Chalk up yet another big loss for the New York Jets: Fireman Ed is hanging up his helmet.

New York Jets fan Ed Anzalone writes in a guest column for Metro New York newspaper Sunday that he will no longer lead the "J-E-T-S!" chants at home games or wear his firefighter's hat because "confrontations" between him and other fans "have become more common."

The former New York City firefighter, who left the Jets' 49-19 loss to New England at halftime Thursday night, says that MetLife Stadium has become divided over support for quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. Anzalone, who used to wear Bruce Harper's No. 42 jersey, has been wearing Sanchez's No. 6 this season.

Anzalone says his choice to support Sanchez has led to more frequent incidents, and he doesn't want to lose his cool.

"Whether it's in the stands, the bathroom or the parking lot, these confrontations are happening on a consistent basis," Anzalone wrote. "Although I can 'hold my own,' I do not want to lose my temper and make a stupid mistake. I have a responsibility to the families and kids that enjoy the game and Fireman Ed."