Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
'Star-struck' Quincy Williams Returns for Third Season with Jets
New York Jets’ linebacker Quincy Williams has felt the energy at OTAs, especially in the wake of Aaron Rodgers’ arrival.
“Phase 2 just started and this week, there's just been a lot of energy,” said Williams. “The energy’s been good.”
Williams, the older brother of Jets’ All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, is back for his third season in Green & White after signing a three-year free agent deal in March. The outside linebacker has eclipsed the 100-tackle mark each of the past two years.
The 5-foot-11 Williams accounted for 106 stops and 3.0 sacks while making 15 appearances in 2022.
“We built the foundation last year and that was great,” said Williams. “Then I wanted to come back to see where else it could go.”
Gang Green owned the NFL’s fourth-ranked defense with Williams as its second-leading tackler last fall.
Even though he plays on the other side of the ball, Williams has experienced the Aaron Rodgers Effect.
“I ain't gonna lie to ya, I was kinda star-struck at first,” said Williams. “We warm up right next to each other, so I was like, ‘Hold on, coach. Let me just take a little minute, take this in, watch a few throws a little bit and see him in the green.’”
Rodgers, a future Hall-of-Famer who has thrown 475 career touchdown passes, has won four NFL MVP awards and has instantly gained the respect of his new Jets’ teammates.
“So just took that in a little bit and was like, ‘Ah, now let's get to work so we can get him more opportunities to throw the ball,’” said Williams.
In addition to marveling over the team’s new quarterback, Williams has been lending assistance to the Jets’ rookies.
"If they have any questions on the field or off the field, as far as the plays, and then also how to be a pro, where we stand at, anything like that, they can call us,” said Williams.
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