AUSTIN LOVES GREEN
Seferian-Jenkins talks about how life and career have changed for better and hopes for bright future with Jets
Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins made life-altering choices this year that have made all the difference. He transformed his body and mind, re-dedicated himself to his profession and found a support system in his new home. Sobriety has been at the heart of his change from troubled talent to grounded presence. He’s been an invaluable part of the culture change during the team’s rebuilding process. The impending free agent chronicled the most important year of his life to Daily News columnist Manish Mehta.
MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Honestly, this year’s been great. I haven’t had any alcohol in 342 days. That’s my biggest accomplishment. The season is what it is. Obviously, you want to have more wins as a team. But just having that number — 342 — under my belt… that’s the biggest number I’ve got. That’s something that will continue. This isn’t a oneyear thing. This is a whole lifestyle change. That number’s going to keep growing. It’s really remarkable for me and it feels really, really good.
I want to be that guy that you read about now and think, “Damn. That’s the same guy that had all these issues and got arrested?” I’m a completely different person.
I can give those intangibles, the things that you can’t measure. Those things that you can’t put on paper. I’ve learned so much in those other years that I didn’t do it right. I want to show the rookies how to prepare and how to do things correctly. I’m not only doing well for myself, but I’m trying to provide that insight for the younger guys on how to do things right.
I envisioned coming back and filling a role that the Jets needed. I felt like I filled that role nicely this year. I’m going to do a lot better in the future wherever that may be. Hopefully it’s here. But I envision myself making strides as a football player and a human being. I definitely think I showed the potential. If it’s used correctly and I get the opportunities and matchups we want, I definitely can be a valuable asset.
I viewed this as my rookie year on how to do things right. I tried to take the things that I did wrong in the past and do them correctly. It’s been a great year in that respect. It’s been a success for me. The upside on what I can do is phenomenal. I’m getting better every week whether it’s run blocking, pass blocking or catching the ball. So, this is just a starting point. This is just a building block. This is nowhere near the peak. I’m just getting out of the water. I look at this year as the first year I’m doing stuff right. My body feels great.