Joe Namath was asked to look into his crystal ball Friday. Fair warning, Jets fans. You won't like what he saw.
When asked to gauge the likelihood of consensus top pick Trevor Lawrence forcing his way out of New York should the Jets draft him next year, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback said it wouldn’t surprise him in the slightest.
“Anything could happen in this world, damn near anything—except for the Jets maybe making the playoffs this year,” said the former Super Bowl MVP during an appearance on ESPN Radio. “It's happened before, so why would it shock anybody?"
Given the general aura of dysfunction in New York—mouthy head coach (for now) Adam Gase has antagonized most of the organization, declaring war on Le’Veon Bell (since released) and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, among others—you could understand why Lawrence would be reticent to enter such a toxic environment. The 21-year-old has suggested as much in recent remarks, even flirting (though not all that convincingly) with returning for his senior year at Clemson if it meant avoiding the Jets.
Though rare, refusing to play for a team is not unprecedented among top draft picks. Broncos legend John Elway brushed off the Colts’ overtures in 1983, threatening to play for the Yankees when it seemed his trade request had fallen on deaf ears. Bo Jackson actually went through with his baseball threat, bolting for MLB after the Buccaneers insisted on drafting him first overall in 1986. More recently, Eli Manning said no dice to the Chargers, eventually latching on with the Giants in a draft day swap involving fellow first-round pick (and certified weirdo) Philip Rivers. It’s even happened in baseball with top selection Brady Aiken re-entering the draft pool in 2015 after failing to strike a deal with Houston the year prior.
“Thinking back to the Manning family and Eli Manning and San Diego, there are some people that may not want to go [to a certain team] for whatever reason,” said Namath, remembering the line in the sand drawn by Eli in 2004. It’s a wonder more players in Lawrence’s position don’t exercise their leverage. The distinction of being a No. 1 pick comes with its share of benefits (a higher starting salary, a fifth-year team option reserved for first-round picks) but also a major caveat—more often than not, you’re joining the worst team in football. That could certainly be said of the Jets, who are 0-8 heading into Monday night’s divisional showdown with New England.
Lawrence can only hurt his value by going back to school, rendering that suggestion an empty threat. And while it’s true the Jets have been a disaster under Gase, the team should have a new coaching staff in place well ahead of next year’s draft. Assuming that’s the case, it’s easy to see Lawrence softening on the idea of beginning his career in New York, a major media market with endless branding opportunities.
If Lawrence is available when New York is called to the podium in April, he’d be a no-brainer for the Jets, at least in Namath’s mind. “I think the upside is tremendous there,” said Namath in comments transcribed by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “He's a winner. He's determined. His size is terrific. His athleticism is terrific. His passing ability is terrific.”
With the Jets and Lawrence on a collision course, don’t expect “Trevor Watch” to end anytime soon.
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