MANISH writes another troll article gets called out by Brian Costello
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Scouts ‘shocked’ to see ‘sloppy’ and out of shape Muhammad Wilkerson at Temple’s Pro Day
The Jets might have a weighty issue on their hands that they frankly don’t need.
The Daily News has learned that defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson isn’t exactly in the best shape of his life at the moment. Several scouts at Temple Pro Day in Philadelphia last week were aghast upon seeing a bloated Wilkerson, who appears to have let himself go after the worst season of his career.
Wilkerson, who starred at Temple before the Jets took him in the first round in 2011, looked like he had been plucked from the nearest buffet, according to people in attendance.
One scout texted me a picture of a Goodyear blimp with an accompanying: “Sloppy.”
“He looked like a pedestrian with a huge gut,” another scout said. “I was shocked.”
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Wilkerson’s lack of discipline and commitment came into focus during a forgettable season that included poor production, a benching and a world of embarrassment after he cashed in with a new blockbuster five-year, $86 million contract that included $36.75 million guaranteed at signing.
Less than a year after Wilkerson posted rehab videos on the treadmill with the hope of landing a big payday with the Jets or anyone else, he evidently hasn’t attacked this offseason with the same fervor. Wilkerson’s official weight last season was 315 pounds. It’s unknown how much he’s tipping the scales at now.
Wilkerson declined comment through a team spokesman to discuss his weight, conditioning or workout regimen, an ominous sign to say the least.
More than 40 NFL talent evaluator were on hand for Temple’s Pro Day. Wilkerson didn’t make a favorable impression on any of the people that I touched base with over the past week.
One eyewitness simply said Wilkerson was “looking absolutely terrible.” When I pointed out that the defensive lineman has never been mistaken for Jack LaLanne, the person texted: “LOL He’s always looked terribly out of shape?”
The news should be disconcerting for Jets brass. Teams technically can’t communicate with players during this quiet period on the NFL calendar. The Jets offseason program at the team facility doesn’t begin until mid-April.
It’s a frightening notion for the organization to wonder how Wilkerson, who played last season with an ailing surgically repaired ankle, is actually taking care of his body right now.
The Jets effectively chose Wilkerson to be a part of their future rather than Sheldon Richardson, who is on the trade block. Richardson’s past off-field transgressions have been discussed ad nauseam, but Wilkerson hasn’t exactly been a model pro, either.
Todd Bowles benched Wilkerson for the first quarter of a game for the second consecutive season for repeated tardiness to meetings/practice. The final straw: Wilkerson skipped a team walkthrough in October after a night of revelry to celebrate his birthday. The team had a birthday cake waiting for him after that practice.
The NFL Network reported last season that Bowles actually met with Wilkerson about his unacceptable behavior before the team inked him to a long-term deal. Wilkerson reportedly “vowed to behave” before breaking team rules again.
Wilkerson further embarrassed the organization by announcing during the final week of the regular season that the Jets training staff didn’t have a plan to properly manage his leg/ankle injury at the outset of the season.
Wilkerson, who had his fewest sacks (4 ½) since his rookie year, was a nonfactor for the better part of four months. After saying very little about the impact of his off-season leg surgery and accompanying tendon issue near his ankle, Wilkerson’s decision to throw the trainers under the bus wasn’t exactly received well by the team brain trust.
Now, the organization should be concerned about whether they bet on the right defensive lineman. Wilkerson’s contract makes him nearly impossible to trade this year. He’s taking up a team-high $18 million of salary cap space (with a fully guaranteed $14.75 million base salary).
The Jets could part ways after the 2017 season (his $16.75 million base salary in 2018 becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year), but the hope from the powers that be is that he’ll get on the straight and narrow path.
That path, of course, requires discipline. Players that don’t take care of themselves in the offseason typically don’t magically round into shape. Darrelle Revis was puffed up last summer — he was 20 pounds overweight (217) — and never recovered.
It’s time for Wilkerson to be fully committed and earn his money this season. Maybe even hop on a treadmill and post a video.
Costello showed an Instagram or FB picture of Wilkerson looking trim just one week ago. I love the fact that these guys don't automatically defend one another due to the profession. Mehta reinforces his reputation as King Shit Disturber of the Jets beat writers.
Must be too slow right now. He needs something to write about.
Mehta is a joke.
I dont care which picture is fact & who is lying. Fact is Wilk Played his best football the last 2 years of his Rookie Contract & once signed his mega contract Wilk reverted back to his below average play in his first 2 rookie years. Right now after last season I'm pissed he is a Jet & rather Wilk be cut or traded. I do like the BS about Wilk being injured as an excuse AFTER his lack of effort & lazy pathetic play all season last year. He didnt even care while on National TV playing like a Arena League player....shoot he wasnt even good enough last year to play Arena League! My Apologies to Arena League Players comparing Wilkerson to be at your high level of play! Wilk was more at High School level. BTW I say that as a fact! I watched Ndamukong Suh in High School here & can say that Wilk last year isnt close to his high school play.
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The lack of effort can be said for each and every player except for maybe two or three guys. It was a terrible season that spiraled out of control. Let's hope next season people are more motivated. Thing is, if you're a veteran player, do any of the moves that the GM is making get you excited for next season? Players like having something to play for and our team is in rebuilding mode so there won't be anything to play for except the #1 pick, unless of course, we have a good season for whatever the reason may be.
Mo apparently has taken a swipe back at Mehta.... Not sure how to post the link but here is what the NY Post article said:
Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson fired back at a published report that he is out of shape.
Wilkerson posted a video on his Instagram account to answer the report that quoted anonymous scouts saying Wilkerson looked out of shape earlier this month while attending Temple’s pro day.
In the video, Wilkerson appears to be at the gym, possibly walking on a treadmill. He is dripping with sweat.
“They say I’m fat and out of shape?” Wilkerson said in the video. “Haha. Keep sleeping on me. I’m telling you. I love it.”
Wilkerson signed a five-year, $86 million deal last summer with the Jets. He had a disappointing 2016 season, registering only 4.5 sacks.
Wilkerson was coming off of a broken leg suffered at the end of the 2015 season and subsequent surgery. The leg appeared to bother him, particularly in the middle of the season, and he sat out one game because of it.
Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson fired back at a published report that he is out of shape.
Wilkerson posted a video on his Instagram account to answer the report that quoted anonymous scouts saying Wilkerson looked out of shape earlier this month while attending Temple’s pro day.
In the video, Wilkerson appears to be at the gym, possibly walking on a treadmill. He is dripping with sweat.
“They say I’m fat and out of shape?” Wilkerson said in the video. “Haha. Keep sleeping on me. I’m telling you. I love it.”
Wilkerson signed a five-year, $86 million deal last summer with the Jets. He had a disappointing 2016 season, registering only 4.5 sacks.
Wilkerson was coming off of a broken leg suffered at the end of the 2015 season and subsequent surgery. The leg appeared to bother him, particularly in the middle of the season, and he sat out one game because of it.
Maybe it's me, but I'm just not seeing this POV. It doesn't seem accurate to me.
Agree with you, he was definitely hurt. A classic case of playing through an injury and not healing.
Although no didn't show off his"fit"body on the treadmill. Any fat slob can take a video of his face sweating, doesn't prove anything.
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