Fan-favorite Quincy Enunwa recently revealed that he would return to the New York Jets if it was a possibility.
In August of 2020, the New York Jets released wide receiver Quincy Enunwa just two years into his four-year, $34 million extension. Despite jaw-dropping highlights, a breakout season in 2016, as well as leadership on and off the field, Enunwa was out of the league at just 28 years old.
On Wednesday, Enunwa turned to Twitter to interact with fans for the first time since earlier this year.
When asked whether or not he’s ready to suit up for the green and white again, Enunwa replied “Lol trust me, if I could I would.”
Lol trust me, if I could I would. https://t.co/W8PP9OHgwD
— Quincy Enunwa (@QuincyEnunwa) December 1, 2021
At just 29 years of age, many NFL players are nearing the back end of their prime. Unfortunately for Enunwa, rather than playing through the third year of the four-year contract he received in 2019, he is instead out of the league entirely.
Throughout his six-year career, Enunwa struggled with injuries, most notably, two season-ending neck injuries in 2017 and 2019. He was even listed as questionable in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons with neck problems, though he did not miss any time.
In 2016, when he was finally given his chance to shine, Enunwa did just that. Racking up over 850 yards and four touchdowns, he worked his way into what seemed like a permanent role in the Jets offense for the future.
The first major injury came in August of 2017. After missing the team’s mandatory minicamp in June due to problems with his neck, Enunwa suffered a season-ending neck injury just a couple of months later in a team scrimmage.
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Enunwa would return in time for the 2018 season opener in Detroit, but he would end up playing in only 11 games that season as he struggled with hip and ankle problems. In December, he signed a four-year extension as general manager Mike Maccagnan took a bet on a talented, yet injury-riddled player.
In 2019, Enunwa was penciled in as a starter. Finally fully healthy on top of his new contract, things were starting to look up for the promising receiver.
Unfortunately, Enunwa once again suffered a season-ending neck injury in the home opener against the Buffalo Bills. He would go on to be released before the 2020 season and never played another snap in the NFL.
Now over two years after his seemingly career-ending injury, Enunwa is reflecting on his Jets career and the relationship he built with the fans over the years.
“I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss y’all too,” said Enunwa in response to a Jets fan claiming to miss him.
Doing great. I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss y’all too https://t.co/DQiWO6xVrc
— Quincy Enunwa (@QuincyEnunwa) December 1, 2021
Enunwa’s career is an unfortunate story that left neither party satisfied.
Enunwa, of course, was forced into early retirement. Before even turning 30 years old, the uber-talented late-round pick was stranded without an opportunity to make the most of his potential.
And for Jets fans, a connection to a rising star in a dark period of the team’s history was stripped before they even knew it was under threat of being taken away.
