WATCH: Jets rookie Quinnen Williams geeked to play with Madden 'G.O.A.T.' Ryan Kalil
21-year-old Quinnen Williams grew up using Ryan Kalil in Madden, so now that the two are Jets teammates it's a surreal experience. Williams couldn't contain his excitement and yelled out "G.O.A.T." multiple times in passing during Kalil's introductory press conference after Saturday's scrimmage.
The rookie defensive lineman effortlessly recites accolades about the newly acquired Jets center.
"He's the G.O.A.T. I have him on my [Madden] Ultimate Team too. He's No. 67. He played for the Panthers, man," Williams said. "He's a captain, Pro Bowler, All-American. I know all of it."
That's quite a list of accomplishments. So why did the five-time Pro Bowl center forgo the beach life in Southern California to end his retirement after just seven months?
"I had a hard time moving on, I had a hard time turning the page," Kalil said. "I think most players go through this, but especially coming off 2018. [I was] healthy, feeling great, feeling spry. I just felt like I had more football in me."
Kalil was a second-round selection by the Panthers in the 2007 NFL Draft. The 34-year-old Kalil is a two-time first-team All-Pro that has started in 145 regular season contests for the Panthers.
Kalil missed eight games in 2016 due to shoulder surgery and was out for 10 games in 2017 because of a neck injury.
However, Kalil returned to play in all 16 games last season for the Panthers.
The Jets signed Kalil to a one-year, $8.4 million contract, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. The contract became official on Saturday after Kalil passed his physical.
Jets GM Joe Douglas expects the veteran offensive lineman to have a major effect on second-year quarterback Sam Darnold.
"I wasn't here but I heard how beneficial a guy like Josh [McCown] was to Sam's development last year," Douglas said. "I really think that torch can be passed to Ryan this year as far as continuing that development."
Kalil is already proving his sense of humor rivals Williams.
"I even thought about calling Nick Mangold because I've known Nick a long time. So that was kind of weird. I don't know why. I felt like I needed his blessing. But I decided not to call because there was a one percent chance he was going to Rick Flair me and tell me that he did not approve. So I decided not to call him. But I've been talking with Nick for the last week now and he's been so great, so big shoes to fill."
Williams and Kalil are both jovial guys. Their locker room exchanges could be epic. Yet when they take the field this season, it's going to be no laughing matter for opponents.
