New York Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert is entering the 2025 season motivated to silence his critics.
Speaking to reporters at mandatory minicamp, Ruckert shared a personal motto he plans to carry with him throughout the year.
“I think mainly this year I’m just focusing on myself and where we need to go as a team, just continue to grow and continue to get better,” Ruckert said, per the Jets website.
“I’ve always played by the motto of just whatever they need me to do. I’m going to do whatever they want, whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do it,” he continued. “And I think that the biggest thing for this season is [to] get these young guys rolling.”
Ruckert, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Jets, still searching for a breakout moment after three underwhelming seasons.
A 2022 third-round pick out of Ohio State, Ruckert has played in 41 games (15 starts) and totaled just 35 catches for 264 yards without a touchdown.
While he arrived in New York with a reputation as a strong run-blocker, that element of his game has failed to translate to the NFL level.
In 2024, Ruckert earned a dismal 39.0 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, the second-lowest among qualified tight ends, casting further doubt on his long-term role.
Now reunited with former Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields, Ruckert is aiming to turn the corner in 2025.
With a clear path to playing time in a thin tight end room, he has a chance to boost his value and earn a second contract by showing growth as both a blocker and receiving option.
