ASJ feels like a million Bucs

Austin Seferian-Jenkins will make an emotional return to Tampa this weekend when the Jets take on the Bucs. Last September, the Bucs cut Seferian-Jenkins after the tight end was arrested and charged with DUI. Less than a week later, the Jets took a flyer on the former second-round pick and claimed him off waivers.

Seferian-Jenkins addressed his alcohol abuse in the offseason. He’s now sober and in the best shape of his life. Despite being suspended for the first two games of 2017, Seferian-Jenkins has already set a career high in catches. He took a moment to reflect on his journey Wednesday in Florham Park, as he prepares to play his former team.

“Obviously I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain,” Seferian-Jenkins said of his time with the Bucs. “There’s certain personal conduct that you have to hold yourself to, and there’s a certain level of professionalism you have to have. And getting arrested and having those off-field issues, it’s not professional. … But at the end of the day, I’m a Jet, and that’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“When someone gives up on you, they believe you won’t get better and you cannot pull yourself out of whatever you’re going through, whatever hole you’re in,” Seferian-Jenkins added. “And to be here, standing here, competing at the level I am and playing on such a great team, that in itself is a win. That in itself says they were wrong. That in itself speaks volume of my character.”