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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 2:11 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2009

NFL: Jets sign special teams ace Larry Izzo

Associated Press

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets signed former Patriots linebacker and special teams standout Larry Izzo on Wednesday.

Izzo, 34, played the past eight seasons with New England and made the Pro Bowl as a special teamer three times, in 2000, '02 and '04. He had 14 tackles on special teams last season, the eighth time he has led his team in that category.

Izzo has 257 special teams tackles in 188 regular-season games over 13 seasons. He began his career with Miami as an undrafted free agent out of Rice in 1996, and worked with current Jets special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff with the Dolphins. He signed with New England in 2001.

"I'm grateful for the chance to be reunited with Coach Westhoff, who played a key role early in my career, and look forward to playing for Coach (Rex) Ryan as he brings his passionate, physical style of football to New York," Izzo said. "Having spent my entire career in the AFC East, I'm very familiar with the Jets' incredibly loyal, knowledgeable and passionate fans and this is an amazing chance to work hard and make them proud."