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Robert Saleh Virtually Joins Jets' Victory Celebration For Special Moment

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh called in postgame from his COVID-19 quarantine to celebrate a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Jets' locker room
Max Goodman|
Robert Saleh Virtually Joins Jets' Victory Celebration For Special Moment
Robert Saleh Virtually Joins Jets' Victory Celebration For Special Moment

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New York Jets

Unable to clear COVID protocols in time, Jets head coach Robert Saleh was forced to watch Sunday's victory over the Jaguars from quarantine.

That didn't stop Saleh from joining in on the celebration in the locker room after a dramatic victory, calling in on video after interim coach Ron Middleton delivered a speech.

In a clip released by the Jets on social media, New York's players erupted in cheers when their head coach's face popped up on a television screen.

"I'm so proud of everybody," Saleh said. "It's been hell in here watching this damn game, but that's December football. Whatever it freaking takes, whatever it takes."

Saleh was situated in the same room, and in the same spot, from where he spoke to reporters on Friday. He tested positive for the virus a few days before that. 

The head coach wasn't the only one missing on Sunday. In the end, after adding defensive tackle Quinnen Williams 90 minutes before kickoff, 20 different players were unable to participate, stuck on the reserve/COVID-19 list. If a few players weren't activated from the COVID list during the week, that number would've been even higher. 

With several starters and key contributors unavailable on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, New York was still able to get the job done, rushing for 273 yards, scoring on special teams and making a huge game-winning stop on defense just before the final whistle.

"Offense, I freaking love the way you ran the ball today, that was freaking awesome," Saleh added. "Defense making stops when you needed to. Special teams. How about Braxton [Berrios]? Enjoy this one, I'll see you all on Wednesday."

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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