Newly-signed New York Jets center Ryan Kalil is already bringing energy and excitement to camp before he even arrives.
Center Ryan Kalil previously announced his retirement from pro football in December of 2018. He rode off into the sunset after 12 years with the Carolina Panthers. His tenure included five Pro Bowls and a selection to be a First-team All-Pro twice.
However, on Thursday, Kalil decided he would be returning to the game of football, ultimately signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets. He hasn’t arrived at training camp yet in Florham Park, NJ. However, he’s already bringing energy and excitement to the team.
“For us, it’s a great thing that we can add to that group a guy who has played at a very high level for a long time,” head coach Adam Gase said, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. “It will be helpful for the offense, for the quarterback, for our locker room. I think we’re bringing in the right kind of guy for us. We’re fired up.”
One of the guys who’ll count on Kalil the most when it comes to the offense is Sam Darnold. The second-year quarterback will be manning that side of the ball this year. All-in-all, he’s grateful to have a guy like Kalil to control the middle of the five guys up front.
“I’ve heard great things,” Darnold said. “Obviously, he’s done great things in the NFL, he’s been an All-Pro, been a Pro Bowler, all that stuff so we’re excited to have him. We’re excited to have him here and see what he can do for us, and obviously, he has to learn the offense and progress as he would just coming in and starting. I haven’t gotten too many opportunities to talk to him, but I heard he’s a smart dude, so I’m sure he’s going to pick it up and we’ll start rolling once he gets here.”
The Jets offense will be looking to become one of the more dominant offenses in football this year. With an improving quarterback in Darnold, an offensive-minded head coach in Gase and a back like Le’Veon Bell (who’s finally gotten the money he deserves), this offense can definitely make some noise once the regular season rolls around.
