New York Jets linebacker joins the R2C2 podcast to talk his NFL journey, and Aaron Rodgers.
The New York Jets have high expectations this season. While the major spotlight is on Aaron Rodgers, there are plenty of players who need to live up to the hype. One of those players is Quincy Williams, who re-signed with the Jets this offseason.
Speaking on the R2C2 podcast, Williams reflected on his career leading up to this season, and expectations for himself and the Jets this year.
When asked about the style of Robert Saleh’s coaching and how Williams’ connected with his coach, the Murray State product kept it simple and honest.
“Really with him it’s the physicality part of things,” said the Jets linebacker. “Getting the job done but being efficient at it … This is what we’re trying to get accomplished, get it accomplished … He’ll give us the freedom to play our own defense based on how we feel. There’s a lot of freedom in it, but it’s a trust thing also.”
When asked about the presence of Aaron Rodgers on the Jets, the 26-year-old admitted that he was initially star-struck, but he went into detail about some of the best traits Rodgers brings to the team.
“I’m gonna be honest, being in the presence of him … he’s going to be able to add value to me just in practice,” said Williams. “He’s played against guys that are better than me or can compete with me. He’s going to give me tips on things like that. The knowledge in his brain, picking his brain. Knowing that we have that person on the same team … you’re learning from him.”
There have been questions about Rodgers’ leadership abilities, but Williams quickly put those concerns to rest.
“Off the field, oh he’s a true leader, for real. Just ask him questions anytime, he’s cool with it. Very laid back, it’s cool.” Williams continued, “I go to Aaron Rodgers all the time. I’ll be like, ‘What did you see to make you throw that’? What holes do you see in our defense? We played him last year, so when he got here it was more picking his brain on our weaknesses. Then he’ll just come out and tell you.”
With Rodgers now on the Jets, expectations have significantly risen. And that’s something the players have acknowledged as well.
“Yeah, it’s a feeling. It was a feeling of, alright, let’s go.”
Yet despite the addition of Rodgers, Williams believes that last year was actually the eye-opening moment for this Jets team.
“Really it was last year that was more of an eye-opener for us. That’s why I signed my contract to come back this year.”
One of the better stories over the past couple of years has been the development of Williams. A former third-round pick who was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams has found a home with the New York Jets. The brother of All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams signed a three-year, $18 million dollar contract this offseason.
