FIRST WEEK AT THE NEW JOB
Wilson making quick connections in 1st week as new Jets QB
NEW YORK (AP) » Zach Wilson has been busy working the phones in his first week-plus as the newest quarterback of the New York Jets.
Calls, video chats, texts and social media messages have all been part of the playbook for the No. 2 overall draft pick, who is wasting no time making a good first impression on his new teammates.
“Talking to him on the phone, I could tell he’s like a general just by what he was saying,” said wide receiver Elijah Moore, the Jets’ second-round selection. “He’s super excited to be here as well. His passion comes out through the phone.”
The 21-year-old Wilson understands the task at hand and fully embraces it. He’s the blond, blueeyed face of a franchise thirsting for a return to respectability.
“He wants to get to know us,” said guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, the No. 14 overall pick. “Bring us all in and turn this organization around.”
The Jets have the NFL’s longest active playoff drought at 10 seasons — and their search for a consistently successful quarterback has lasted decades.
Many might see Wilson as a
savior. The former BYU star is taking things one step at a time, and for now that means establishing quick rapports with his teammates and coaches.
“I feel like that connection with your guys is super important,” Wilson said Saturday before his second rookie minicamp practice. “There’s still more guys I want to reach out to, get to know.”
Several veteran players, including wide receivers Corey Davis and Denzel Mims, tight end Chris Herndon, center Connor McGovern, punter Braden Mann and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams already have reached out to Wilson.
“It shows these guys care and they want to win and they want to do everything they can,” said Wilson, who plans to organize a get-together for the players in the offseason. “It’s been exciting to get to know all these guys by name and start to find the similarities we have.”
While Wilson can’t work with veterans until later this month, he is getting plenty of time with the rookies this weekend.
“I’m ready to put this helmet on,” Moore said with a smile, “and I’m just ready to watch him look pretty throwing me balls.”
Coach Robert Saleh made it clear to Wilson during a call moments after the Jets selected him last week that it will be the responsibility of the entire team to lift him up — and his teammates — and not the other way around.