The New York Jets were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last season.
Veteran linebacker Quincy Williams is ready to change that in 2025, helping lead an Aaron Rodgers-less franchise into a new era with rookie head coach Aaron Glenn.
GettyQuincy Williams is ready to begin a new era for the New York Jets[/caption]
“On the field, No. 1 being a leader,” Williams exclusively told talkSPORT on Thursday at the AELTC Community Tennis Centre in south London.
“Last year, I felt like when C.J. (Mosley) went down, the voice of the team was more like – everyone had a voice on the team, but there wasn’t that one person that brought everyone together, as far as in the players’ locker room.
“This year, just taking it upon myself, just getting my mental together as far as off the field with just myself, so I can be able to lead other people — because I can lead myself.”
Tyrod Taylor would be the likely Jets’ Week 1 starting quarterback if the 2025 season began on Sunday.
But the Jets hold the No. 7 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and could select a new answer out of college in April, while also signing a veteran bridge QB in the wake of Rodgers’ messy departure.
No matter what New York does at the most important position in sports, Williams is already clicking with Glenn, who has brought much-needed new energy to a dysfunctional team that finished 5-12 last year and fired Robert Saleh as head coach midseason.
“Man, the first thing he (Glenn) said when we talked was, ‘Look at my résumé,’ ” Williams said.
“For me, that was a big thing. … When you look at his résumé from the Lions, when they went through what they called a rebuild year and what they did after that, it was one of those things like, I’m putting it on tape, I’m putting it in your face.
“So why shouldn’t you believe me? Why shouldn’t you come out here with an open mind in training camp.
“So with that being said, I’m just making sure that whatever message he’s trying to give to the team, I’m saying it loud and clear, and we’re all on the same page.”
GettyWilliams wants to be more of a leader in 2025 and is willing to change positions[/caption]
GettyWilliams returned to London to help spread flag football in the UK[/caption]
Williams, 28, was a third-round pick out of Murray State in 2019.
He started all 17 games last season, collecting 116 combined tackles (74 solo) while adding four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four passes defensed and 14 tackles for loss.
The 2022 All-Pro offered words of support for Rodgers, who has been linked with Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants as free agency approaches.
Williams also acknowledged there was a “lot going on” around Rodgers during a tumultuous two-year run with the Jets that produced a 6-12 record and his eventual release.
“Man, he’s one person,” Williams said. “He ain’t got time to be trying to correct everybody or none of that.
“But anybody who asked me, great guy.”
Williams also thanked the future Hall of Famer for pushing him on and off the field.
“He actually encouraged me to start doing this type of stuff,” Williams said.
“It’s like getting your portfolio together.”
The sixth-year pro plans to keep expanding his game in 2025, and is eyeing a potential position change to go with his increased leadership role.
“I want to learn – I’ll probably try the Mike (linebacker) position now,” Williams said.
“Start being the quarterback of the defense.”
Earlier this week, Isaiah Davis and Williams helped the Jets launch the first NFL Girls Flag Football league in Ireland.
“The positive impacts of female participation in sport at a young age are powerful and lasting and this is why, as Lord Mayor, I have prioritised the promotion and participation of women and girls in sport,” Emma Blain, Lord Mayor of Dublin, said in a statement.
“The league launched by the Jets is a fantastic moment to be part of and will provide an inclusive and safe environment for girls to enjoy sport across Dublin.”
The Jets duo spent Thursday in South London helping spread a growing game across the United Kingdom.
“I’m blessed,” Davis said. “It was amazing. Beautiful weather, great people out here – this was awesome.”
Williams is a big flag football supporter and considers the sport an “evolution” of the NFL game.
“Most people just look at American football as this Gladiator-type sport,” Williams said.
“But there’s actually a poetry to it and you get to see it in flag football. You see all the moves and you see the special-made plays.”
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