Throughout the month of July, the Last Word on Sports NFL department has been taking a look at the three most recognizable faces for each NFL team. For this series, we’re only considering active players. Today, we will be taking a look at the 2019 New York Jets
2019 New York Jets: Faces of the Franchise
Sam Darnold
Just 22 years old, Sam Darnold has quickly become the face of a Jets franchise that has been lacking a game-changing quarterback for quite some time now. Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 draft and was the second quarterback off the board after Baker Mayfield. Darnold’s rookie season got off to a rocky start, throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown on his first pass as a pro. He quickly found his stride however and finished the year with over 2,800 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. While those stats don’t jump off the page, Jets fans know they have something special in Darnold.
His cool attitude off the field is just what one wants from a franchise quarterback. Darnold has handled the bright lights of New York just as well as anybody, unphased by being under a constant microscope. If Darnold’s play on the field progresses as people believe it will, the Jets could be well on their way to dethroning the Patriots in the AFC East.
Le’Veon Bell
When Le’Veon Bell held out all of the 2018 season in order to secure a new contract, he instantly became one of the most recognizable players in the NFL. The Jets backed up the brink trucks for the 27-year-old running back this off-season, signing him to a four-year deal worth over $13 million per season. Following the money trail, Bell should be used as a bell-cow back in New York for 2019 and beyond. The offense will run through him, much like it did in Pittsburgh.
On the field, Bell is as good as they come. Throw in the fact that Bell is an aspiring rapper,(his diss track on Skip Bayless is still one of my all-time favorites), and you realize that the bright lights of New York are perfect for Bell to shine. He’s active on all forms of social media and has been in the eye of the media since his Michigan State days. Love him or loathe him, Bell will be one of the faces of the Jets for the next four years at least.
Jamal Adams
A.k.a. “The President,” Jamal Adams was named most valuable player by his teammates and second-team All-Pro in 2018. In just his second NFL season, Adams was top three in nearly every major safety category, solidifying himself as one of, if not the top young safety in the game. His aggressive style of play is fun to watch and has gained himself many non-Jet fans as a result. His swagger is contagious. He has been loved by fans since day one, become one of the most recognizable Jets in a decade. The leader of the defense, Adams will be under pressure to elevate his play even further in 2019.
Off the field, Adams seems to be a genuinely good person, which makes him easy to root for. He constantly interacts with fans and is viewed as one of the NFL’s fan favorites. Just like his play on the field, his swagger can be felt off the field as well. His Instagram, @presidentmal, is extremely active. He has over 500 thousand followers on IG alone. Adams will be one of the faces of not just the Jets, but the entire NFL for years to come.
