Zach Wilson: Getting Drafted By Jets Was 'Exactly What I Was Hoping For'

Going to the Jets second overall may have been a foregone conclusion for Zach Wilson on Thursday night, but hearing his name called out by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was still surreal.
"I wouldn't believe it until the day it happened, but this is exactly what I was hoping for," Wilson said in a live interview on ESPN moments after getting picked by New York. "So excited for the opportunity and I know we're gonna have some special and so I can't wait to get to work."
VERY RARE.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 30, 2021
@zachkapono1 | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/vAv37NTlJJ
Wilson looked like he was having the time of his life, giving Jets fans in attendance at the NFL draft high fives before giving Goodell a big hug on the main stage.
The BYU product called it a dream come true, becoming New York's new franchise quarterback and making NFL history in the process.
He'll fill the shoes of Sam Darnold—who was traded away this offseason—and even with high expectations in one of the biggest market in sports, Wilson sure sounds confident that he's the right man for the job.
"I know these guys need a good quarterback a good leader, and I think I got those qualities and I can't wait to go in there," he said. "I love the coaching staff, I love everything they have to offer and I can't wait to get to New York City."
If Wilson's words on live television didn't give enough of an indication as to how excited the signal-caller is to join Gang Green, check out his first post on social media since getting drafted:
A dream come true, and it’s just the beginning. You haven’t seen anything yet! RT if you’re with me @nyjets fans! #NFLDraft2021 @verizon #VerizonPartner pic.twitter.com/Ltv6qiUjmu
— Zachary Wilson (@ZachWilson) April 30, 2021
MORE:
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- Pressure or Excitement? Former Head Coach Walks Through What Jets Are Feeling Ahead of NFL Draft
- Draft Insider Predicts Jets Will Trade Up in First Round to Get 'Top-Rated Guard'
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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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