By Nina Mandell
Dnainfo Producer/Reporter
MANHATTAN — New York Jets fans will have a chance show their support for the team at a Times Square pep rally Thursday before Gang Green heads off to Indianapolis to play the Colts in the AFC championship game on Sunday.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg will join former and current Jets player from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help show the Big Apple’s support for the team that is one win away from the franchise's first Super Bowl in 41 years.
The pep rally isn’t the only way Jets fans are getting fired up.
Gallagher's Steak House in Times Square began serving a “Jets power lunch menu” on Wednesday. For a meal, patrons can enjoy dishes like a Shonn Green peanut salad, a Jay Feely onion soup, a Broadway Joe burger or a Mark Sanchez steak sandwich. The most popular item according to Gallagher manager David Etienne is a Dusty Keller BLT.
“We had a few Jets fans in here yesterday who were quite pleased,” Etienne said.
Meanwhile, bars across Manhattan are planning out special Jets drinks and specials to lure in casual and rabid fans for the games.
At Tonic in New York, bartenders expect to pour out special “Jets Shots” for up to 300 patrons on Sunday. Similar specials are available across Manhattan, including at Southern Hospitality where bartenders will give free shots to patrons wearing Jets gear on Sunday.
For those who want one last look at the Green Gang before they head to Indy, the Jets are inviting fans to come create a special “runway” for the team when the Jets depart the Training Center for Indianapolis.
The players though, don’t seem to need any help getting fired up.
In the latest installment of his Jets TV show, Bart Scott had a simple message for his team and anyone who doubts that they can beat the heavily favored Colts.
“To be the man,” said the veteran linebacker, “You have to beat the man.”
