Demaryius Thomas was a member of the Jets for just a short time, but he had a positive impact on a number of their younger players — all of whom were shocked and saddened to hear that Thomas had been found dead Friday in his Georgia home at age 33.
One Jets player on whom Thomas had a particular influence was defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who spoke eloquently from the heart about his 2019 teammate.
“Oh, man, he was an amazing person, a person who I looked up to tremendously,’’ Williams said Friday. “He helped me out tremendously my rookie year. I remember having talks with him, Steve McLendon, Kelvin Beachum. They were the older guys and I was one of the younger guys on the team at the time. I just absorbed everything they taught me, everything [Thomas] told me about the NFL lifestyle.
“He was a bright, energetic guy. Even when he was injured, he was always positive energy, an older, wiser vet who would help everyone out — no matter what position. He helped me become an amazing leader early in my career.’’
Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who coached against Thomas, called the news “just an absolute tragedy.’’
“I’ve heard he’s an unbelievable pro,’’ Saleh said. “They produced a lot when he was at Denver. Just a shame. I’m sure there are a lot of hurt hearts in the football community for sure.’’
Williams this week was named the Jets’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, an honor that moved him. Each NFL team names a player and the league-wide winner is announced at the Super Bowl.
“At first, I didn’t know what the award was and then I researched the award and looked up on it,’’ Williams said. “The things I do in the community to help other individuals is not for an award or to be celebrated. It comes from my heart. The [status] I have, I want to be able to change other people’s lives, because when I was in position of needing help, God put people in my life to help change my life. So, I want to be that same person to somebody else.
“That was one my huge goals growing up. When I become successful I always wanted to help somebody else out because you never know what that person might turn into being if they have an opportunity.’’
Saleh said RB Tevin Coleman will be out for Sunday’s game against the Saints because he’s still in concussion protocol. CB Michael Carter II and TE Trevon Wesco also will be out. Rookie WR Elijah Moore is questionable with his quad injury and is likely to be a game-day decision, as is guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Saleh said CB Brandin Echols has been “putting together a good week of practice’’ and there’s a possibility he’ll return to the field Sunday.
With Coleman out, Saleh spoke of the opportunities for Austin Walter, La’Mical Perine and Ty Johnson to step up.
“Those three [will be] getting the chance to run the ball and touch it and make a difference on this team,’’ Saleh said. “Anytime one person is down, it gives them the opportunity for another one.’’
Saleh, who honors a different high school football program each Friday by wearing its T-shirt, honored A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Harlem and its coach, Eric Perlowitz, who posted the best record in school history at 12-2.
“He’ll be on the field, honoring him [Sunday],’’ Saleh said. “So, congratulations to him. Rub some great coaching on us and get a ‘W’ at MetLife.’’