Since coming into the NFL as a third-round pick in 2018, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi has never been a part of a losing season.
After signing a one-year free-agent deal with the New York Jets this offseason, though, Nnadi is walking into an organization that has seen nothing but losing in the last 14 years.
That’s OK, though. Speaking on the team’s website Thursday night, Nnadi made it clear that the past is the past.
And he’s ready to turn around the Jets’ future for good.
Derrick Nnadi Sends Message to Jets
In seven seasons with the Chiefs, Nnadi was seen as a run-stuffing specialist, recording just five sacks during his career. He was a key part of Kansas City’s run to three Super Bowl titles and five total appearances.
The secret to getting New York to the caliber of the top team in the AFC, though, is not just about talent or coaching. It’s about mindset, according to the 28-year-old veteran.
“Through the ups and through the downs, it’s all about trusting the process,” Nnadi said on the team’s website. “When you’re losing, you’ve got to take it on the chin and learn from it. When you’re winning, you’ve got to be respectful, like you’ve been there before, and be respectful to your opponent. So it’s all about the respect factor as well as taking every single thing as it is that day.”
Having players on the roster who are strong locker-room leaders is essential to a young team like the Jets. The average age of free agents added this offseason, including Nnadi for New York, is just 26 years old.
Despite being a part of team success, the Florida State product is coming off one of his worst seasons. Pro Football Focus graded Nnadi at a below average 35.6, which ranked 206th out of 219 ranked defensive tackles.
He’s looking for a bounce-back year in Florham Park.
But what exactly pushed Nnadi to sign with the Jets? Was it their struggles to stop the run and need along at defensive tackle?
In the end, the latter question ended up being true for both New York and their new defensive tackle.
“Honestly, I felt it was just a good opportunity here,” Nnadi said. “They’re trying to build up something wonderful, and I want to be part of it.”
If New York can get anything positive out of Nnadi, it could help a defense that has been incredibly inconsistent against the run over the last few years. It may be a tall order, but Nnadi’s mindset is perfect for a struggling team like Gang Green.
And his championship experience is exactly the kind of locker-room presence the Jets need.
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