The New York Jets are heading into 2025 with a brand-new head coach in Aaron Glenn, along with Aaron Rodgers no longer being the team’s starting quarterback. With Rodgers out, longtime veteran Tyrod Taylor is set to be the offensive leader.
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Taylor sat down with Newsweek Sports in an exclusive interview to discuss his partnership with LIGHT helmets, player safety in the NFL, and staying ready to lead the Jets in 2025.
Talk about your partnership with LIGHT helmets, and how they have impacted your playing career?
“LIGHT helmets have been a great partnership. I’ve been able to learn the brand but at the same time, protect myself. I have worn the same style of helmet for many years, up until I changed my helmet … As I’ve played and progressed each year I’ve tried to find better ways to protect myself … it starts with the helmet. I wanted to give myself the best opportunity from a collision standpoint. Doing some of the research, trying out the helmet, it was one of the most comfortable helmets I have ever put on. But also have the research backing the actual technology, too.”
What does it mean to partner with a company that drives player safety?
“It means a lot to me … I’m always trying to find ways that I can get better. Looking into changing the helmet and giving myself more protection. Also, it spoke volumes to me to not only make the change for myself but also to be able to impact the kids back home in my hometown and my high school. I was able to partner with LIGHT helmets and get them new sets of helmets. You want to be able to share the information that you’ve given with others.”
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Taylor has been promoting player safety through LIGHT helmets on top of agreeing with league-wide changes.
Considering Taylor is a quarterback in the league, he has a good perspective on the NFL applying replay assist in the now-controversial quarterback slide.
What are your thoughts on the quarterback slide being addressed with replay assist?
“I think as a quarterback it’s on us to get down with enough time. Now, depending on the quarterback, certain people are going to get certain calls. That’s just the nature of the game. I think it’s on us to get down and protect ourselves.”
Though Taylor did not come right out and state that “certain” people mean Mahomes, he did hint at that fact.
“I don’t think that [bating a defender] happens often, I think certain people get those calls, not to go into details. I don’t think that’s fair for the defense.”
Taylor wouldn’t also put the blame on Mahomes for the rule being looked at but also indicated that the rule needs to be called better as a whole in the NFL.
Taylor is also now in a unique position to take over the Jets as starting quarterback heading into his 15th season. He spoke about that possibility and being ready for the opportunity if it comes, and his opinion on Aaron Glenn as his new head coach.
What are your initial thoughts on Aaron Glenn?
“I’ve had a chance to talk to Coach Glenn, and I have nothing but respect for him. He seems like a great leader, and I am looking forward to getting a chance to be with him this spring shifting the culture and getting things on the right foot for the season. I think they made the right hire.”
What are the misconceptions about Aaron Rodgers surrounding his leadership?
“I have nothing but respect for Aaron, he is one of my good friends in this league, and we have only known each other for a year closely. I have nothing but respect for him. He is as talented as it gets, and as stand-up of a person as it gets.”
Taylor also goes into Rodgers’ exit, stating he believes both he and the Jets came to an amicable split.
“Sometimes teams have a different vision about where they want to go. I wasn’t in there for that conversation nor did I need to be. I am pretty sure there were discussions had about the team’s vision and both parties felt it was best to part ways. I don’t think that is a reflection of who he is.”
With Rodgers out, this places you firmly as the team’s starting quarterback. How are you preparing for this upcoming season and feeling about leading the Jets in 2025?
“I feel great. My body feels great, my arm feels amazing as well. If the opportunity presents itself, I welcome it gladly. I know what I am capable of doing in this league and I have shown it time in and time out. My body still feels fresh and right now I’m currently training for this upcoming season.”
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