New York Knicks fans brought playoff energy to Madison Square Garden, and multiple New York Jets players got a rare front-row glimpse at what the postseason actually looks like.
2025 first-round pick Armand Membou, linebacker Quincy Williams, and cornerback Sauce Gardner were at the Garden for the Knicks’ dominant 119-81 victory over the Boston Celtics to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2009.
Membou, selected seventh overall in the 2025 NFL draft, locks in the Jets’ starting offensive line for the 2025 season. He joins a projected front five that features Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, John Simpson, and 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu.
A three-year starter at Missouri, Membou played over 2,000 snaps and allowed just three sacks throughout his college career. The lineman also thrived as a run-blocker in 2024, earning an 87.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
As for Williams, the 28-year-old is entering the final season of the three-year, $18 million contract extension he signed in March 2023. He delivered a career-best campaign in 2023, earning first-team All-Pro honors with 139 combined tackles (15 for loss), two forced fumbles, 10 passes defended, and an interception.
Williams remained productive in 2024, finishing with 116 combined tackles (14 for loss), four forced fumbles, four passes defended, and three fumble recoveries.
Gardner earned first-team All-Pro honors in his first two NFL seasons, becoming the first cornerback in history to do so. While he took a step back in 2024, Gardner remained a solid starter, allowing just 25 receptions and one touchdown in 15 games. He is aiming for a return to elite status in 2025.
The Jets still own the longest active playoff drought among the four major North American sports leagues (MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA), 14 seasons and counting, tying them with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
With Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey now leading the organization, New York aims for a quick turnaround while hoping to follow in the footsteps of the resurgent Knicks.
