2023 was all set to be the Year of the New York Jets. They swung a blockbuster trade to bring Aaron Rodgers to MetLife Stadium. That launched them right into playoff contention. Around Rodgers was a young, exciting core of players who could turn the long-ailing franchise into a perennial contender.
However, there has been trouble bubbling under the surface for some time. First, there was Denzel Mims, the intriguing 2020 rookie who became a terrible sophomore receiver and then beefed with the team with his lack of playing time. Then there's the fact that O-Line cornerstone Quinnen Williams has removed the team name from his Twitter bio amid tense contract discussions. Now, much more serious claims have emerged.
Mekhi Becton and Ty Johnson Accuse Jets of Mishandling Injuries
Two players have both come out with bombshell claims that the New York Jets mishandled injuries sustained by the players. The first claim came from running back Ty Johnson. A sixth-round pick by the Lions in 2019, Johnson joined the Jets in 2020. However, Johnson was waived earlier in 2023 after sustaining a torn pectoral during non-team workouts. After telling the Jets' medical staff, Johnson claims he was pressured into undergoing surgery. After eventually agreeing to the procedure, Johnson was cut just days later. As a result, Johnson believes that this has negatively affected his chances to sign with a new team.
One day later (May 22), offensive tackle Mekhi Becton came forward with similar claims. While Becton is still on the team, he has put the medical staff on blast. His claims dated back to a position change ahead of the 2022 season. “I got forced to play a position I don’t play, and then I was pretty much telling them I wasn’t feeling good the whole time throughout camp, and I was told I shouldn’t be complaining,” Becton said. “Go out there and do it. I was limping throughout the whole practice, and I just took a step and my knee buckled and I got hurt again and had to get reconstructive surgery.” The Jets have not responded to either allegation but especially given that Becton is still with the team, it's still to be a very tense period in New York.