Jets’ Whitehead says release by Cowboys was ‘shocking’

I didn’t know about. And, it was kind of shocking with the whole release thing. That whole situation, I was kind of just, [let’s] figure out what was going on and clear my name. It was just kind of a twist.”

Whitehead added that he still isn’t quite sure why the Cowboys parted ways with him after two seasons. He played in in 30 games for Dallas and averaged 25.6 yards on 33 kick returns and 6.9 yards on 44 punt returns. Whitehead also had nine receptions.

“The explanation? I don’t think I really got an explanation,” he said. “It’s an unfor- tunate situation and things happen. I’m excited to be here and I’m glad they gave me a chance to start over.”

Dallas executive vice president Stephen Jones and coach Jason Garrett said earlier this week that Whitehead’s release was an accumulation of events. Garrett also acknowledged that the decision came after the Cowboys did more work gathering information.

Whitehead was left at home last December for a game at the New York Giants after missing a team walkthrough the previous day. He also involved in a car accident that Garrett found out about through media reports.

The Jets are desperate for help at receiver and in the return game, both areas in which Whitehead could provide a boost.

“I’ll move on, try to build a chemistry with these guys here,” Whitehead said. “I’m building, I’m learning . . . I can help them in any way I can. I’m going to try to make this roster and be a playmaker.”