Mekhi Becton supported by Aaron Rodgers on ‘Hard Knocks’
NEW YORK (BVM) — The first three years of Mekhi Becton’s NFL career have not been the easiest. The former first-round pick out of Louisville has only started in one game over the last two seasons due to injury.
The New York Jets declined Becton’s fifth-year option on his contract, making this the final year of his rookie deal.
This season could be make or break for the 6-foot-7 offensive tackle which may be tough mentally for a 24-year-old. While he has received plenty of criticism within the New York media, he does have at least one person that cares about him in the Jets’ shiny new toy they acquired this offseason.
In episode two of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” a touching moment was shared between Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the young lineman trying to find his footing in the league.
As the clock ticked down in a 27-0 shutout victory over the Carolina Panthers, Rodgers found himself giving words of encouragement to Becton.
“Love you, big guy. Good job out there, I’m proud of you,” Rodgers told Becton on the sidelines. “Let’s get together this week for lunch or something.”
The 39-year-old with 18 years of NFL experience could have viewed his opportunity with the Jets as just a fun way to go out, but he is genuinely showing he wants to win and help out in any way he can.
His ongoing relationship with Zach Wilson has been well documented, as the former No. 2 pick can watch how one of the league’s greats goes about his business on and off the field. But maybe it went under the radar how Rodgers can impact the rest of the team’s young players.
Rodgers has already hit it off with the team’s star phenom in Sauce Gardner by going to Knicks games together and having personalized handshakes, but by the end of the season, reigning offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson may be his best friend on the team as he will likely serve as the quarterback’s security blanket.
Every little piece of guidance that Rodgers can give this young Jets team will not only benefit the organization for 2023, but it should also benefit those players for the rest of their careers.
