Quinnen Williams Wants to Be a 'Jet For Life'

Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams wants to play for the New York Jets for life. Williams has been included in trade rumors for Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson

Max Goodman | Feb 26, 2021

Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams has seen his name thrown around in some trade rumors and proposals this offseason.

While he understands the NFL is a business, and wants what's best for the Jets organization, the rising star would be disappointed if he's traded.

"I really want to be a Jet for life," Williams told Zach Gelb of CBS Radio this week. "I like New York, and I want to play in New York."

Williams was asked specifically about Deshaun Watson rumors and whether or not he would want to end up in Houston.

"I just handle what I can handle, just control what I can control," Williams said. "Just go out and work hard as I can for any team that I'm on. Hopefully it's the Jets so I can play with Coach (Robert) Saleh, but any team I'm on, I just work my hardest so that when that comes around I can be the best player I can be."

Trade Proposal Sends Deshaun Watson to Jets For Package Headlined By Quinnen Williams

If the "Jet for life" phrase sounds familiar, that's because quarterback Sam Darnold uttered those exact same words toward the end of this past regular season. Williams endorsed Darnold in the interview with Gelb, saying that Darnold is an "amazing, great quarterback that can help [the Jets] win."

Williams, a former No. 3 overall selection, showed glimpses of greatness this season, leading the Jets with seven sacks in 13 games. With new head coach Robert Saleh coming in, installing a fresh defense this offseason, Williams is eager to get back to work in green and white.

"To get the chance to see that scheme and that front four and just the different things Coach Saleh brought to that defense, I can't wait to get around him and get to pick his brain and get him to bring that to the New York Jets," Williams explained. "You can tell he brings passion to the game, passion to where he's coaching, just passion. ... You have to bring passion, you got to bring love and dedication to your job. So you could see he brings all of that into coaching."

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Published Feb 26, 2021

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.