Some fans didn’t appreciate Brandin Echols asking Tom Brady for a signed ball
The New York Jets lost in heartbreaking fashion this Sunday to long-time foe Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After an exciting afternoon of Jets football — a rarity over past years — many fans around the league were upset over Jets rookie cornerback Brandin Echols getting Tom Brady to sign a ball for him.
Brady out here signing autographs for Jets players after beating them again 😂 pic.twitter.com/L4ITSMKkvz
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 2, 2022
Both of the former sixth-round picks found each other in the crowd after the game and Echols had Brady sign a ball he had with him. The ball was the same one that Echols picked off from Brady in the second quarter of the game.
Fans of the Jets and of the league were surprisingly upset with this move, citing the defensive performance and outcome of the game.
I think its pathetic that a player, Brandin Echols in this case, would ask another player (Brady) for an autograph on field after a game they just lost. Beyond pathetic. Grow up dude.
— Sal Licata (@sal_licata) January 2, 2022
Imagine being a DB and giving up 400 in the air and then asking for autograph.
— LAP (@artsetsufree) January 2, 2022
Not many players — especially rookies — can claim to have picked off the player who is considered the greatest quarterback of all time. Echols was visibly excited by the moment.
The fact that the Jets lost should have no bearing on Echols’ decision to ask for a mere ball signature. That ball represents a highlight of his young career, his second NFL interception and one thrown by the “GOAT”. He will likely remember that play for the rest of his life.
Is the overall defensive performance solely Echols’ fault? Of course not, but the Jets seldom receive a positive narrative. The rookie simply made a great play to give his team a chance to seal the victory and wanted to commemorate it.
The Jets will never get the benefit of the doubt in situations like this, at least not until they start winning consistently. The fact Brady was the one signing it made it even less favorable considering the damage he’s done to the franchise over the past two decades.
Former Jets linebacker Avery Williamson weighed in on Echols, showing support for the rookie.
S/O to @matayo_echols …..never seen that done 😎🙌🏽
— Avery Williamson (@AWilliamson54) January 3, 2022
Echols was a late-round pick and has flashed the potential to be the Jets’ starting CB2 again in 2022. This moment was a bright spot in his young career, and he is clearly enjoying each step along his NFL journey.
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