The New York Jets are looking to build a successful team for the upcoming season, and recent comments by head coach Robert Saleh indicate that player discipline will be a top priority. This was emphasized when rookie offensive tackle Mekhi Becton deleted one of his tweets about certain topics deemed sensitive by the team, leading to Saleh sharing a message with the young player.
As the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Becton impressed many with his size and athleticism, and he played in all but one game during his rookie season. However, his social media activity recently came under scrutiny when he tweeted about topics considered sensitive by the Jets. Though he deleted the tweet shortly after sharing it, it was evident that the franchise was not thrilled with his actions.
This prompted a message from coach Saleh to Becton, who joined the Jets after serving as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh stated that his primary focus was to create a culture of discipline, loyalty, and accountability among players, and that this endeavor required commitment and sacrifice.
The coach added that Becton needed to be conscious of the responsibility that came with being a New York Jets player, especially someone who was a part of the team’s foundation. As a promising young player, Becton represented the future of the franchise, and Saleh encouraged him to conduct himself with the professionalism befitting the team’s standards.
While the Jets have not made their expectations explicit with regard to social media policies, this recent incident with Becton serves as a clear indication that players using platforms to speak out should do so with caution. The team’s emphasis on discipline and accountability suggests that anything that may be perceived as negative is not welcome, and that players must prioritize team goals over individual ones.
As the offseason continues and training camp approaches, it will be interesting to see how Becton and other players respond to this call to action. Saleh’s vision for the Jets under his leadership is defined by hard work, focus, and determination, and it will be up to the players to embrace this philosophy and execute it on the field. Becton, in particular, will need to demonstrate that he can be a reliable and mature member of the team, as he looks to build upon his impressive rookie season.
