Mekhi Becton has reportedly cut a significant amount of weight
New York Jets fans on Twitter know that Mekhi Becton has been putting in the work – and now, the results are showing.
According to a report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Becton’s weight is down to about 350 pounds.
Just coolin with some GOATS!!! 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/XqB3BZkjIO
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) March 28, 2023
Can Becton fulfill his potential with the New York Jets?
When the Jets drafted Becton in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, fans were excited. Becton was a mauling left tackle from Louisville, being talked up as a cornerstone piece of the offensive line going forward.
𝙍𝙊𝙇𝙇 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝘼𝙋𝙀
Name: Mekhi Becton
Position: OT
College: Louisville pic.twitter.com/nQDXgkmjZC— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 13, 2020
But Becton’s NFL career hasn’t been as satisfying as his collegiate career. In his three seasons in the NFL, Becton has only started 14 games for the Jets. He was an above-average player when he was able to play in his rookie season, but he has appeared in just one game over the past two seasons.
Between injuries and weight issues, the “bust” label has followed Becton around since he was drafted.
Becton is aware of that criticism. In fact, Becton addressed his critics prior to the 2022 season with a custom T-shirt highlighting some of the negative phrases that were used against him.
Mekhi Becton doesn't understand why he's been written off by some people. His goal?
"I'm going to make them eat their words" pic.twitter.com/k27YFktIr9
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 15, 2022
Unfortunately, Becton did not get the chance to make the critics eat their words. He fractured his knee cap at practice on August 8 and missed the entire 2022 season.
Fast-forward to the 2023 offseason and Becton has made some serious strides, transforming his body to prepare for the upcoming season. While most injuries can be considered freak accidents, there have been rumors that Becton’s weight and lack of nutritional discipline have played a part in his injury history.
Becton has had a history of weight fluctuation dating back to his Louisville days.
When Louisville coach Scott Satterfield arrived 16 months ago, Mekhi Becton weighted nearly 390 pounds. He got put in a treadmill weight loss program and “hated life.” He slimmed down to 364 and blew his coach away. “I’ve never seen anyone that big move that well.”
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 24, 2020
Becton’s weight issue has plagued him since being a member of the Jets as well. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Becton had ballooned above 400 pounds at one point during the 2021 season.
The 2023 offseason has been a different story for the 23-year-old. Becton has shed a massive amount of weight and it’s hard to ignore the visible transformation. He’s also been a positive proponent of personal fitness for fans on social media.
THEY KNOW IM THE ONE ITS NO WAY THEY CAN STOP ME!!!!! GET THAT WORK IN!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/lMrWhmZwZu
— Trending Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) March 23, 2023
Despite the weight transformation, Becton still needs to prove he can stay healthy during the season. Rich Cimini speculated the Jets are unlikely to pick up Becton’s fifth-year option, citing concerns about Becton’s durability.
With two lost years, 2023 is a make-or-break season for the 2020 first-round pick.
