Over a thousand aspiring NFL athletes faced disappointment as their dreams of professional football were dashed on this unforgiving day.
On the latest installment of ‘Hard Knocks’ featuring the New York Jets, several players on the roster bubble stood out during the past month. For some, the cutdown day dealt a significant blow to their NFL aspirations, while others might see it as the start of their NFL journey.
Take Jerome Kapp, for example, who went undrafted from Division II Kutztown. Signed by the Jets after a minicamp tryout, Kapp faced incredible odds to secure a spot on the 53-player roster (he even sported No. 31 as a wide receiver!). His memorable performance, reminiscent of Slim Shady, in the previous week’s episode earned praise even from Eminem himself. Kapp’s fate was revealed shortly after the Jets’ preseason finale against the New York Giants, where he played but didn’t make a reception. His story was captured in Tuesday night’s episode. Tanzel Smart, known for his ‘car-coochie board’ antics, brought defensive line experience to the team after five NFL seasons, featuring 37 games and four starts. Unfortunately, Smart’s journey was cut short due to a shoulder injury sustained during Saturday’s preseason finale. He underwent X-rays, returned to the field, but was released on Tuesday. This day also revealed the sale of ‘I want to eat a car-coochie board’ T-shirts, inspired by Smart’s hilarious ‘Hard Knocks’ dinner moment. Hopefully, the support he receives, like ‘car-coochie’ boards on Instagram, will lift his spirits.
Wide receivers Jason Brownlee and Xavier Gipson, who became friends at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, found themselves signed by the Jets as undrafted free agents after going undrafted in the 2023 NFL draft. Both players showcased their skills in training camp, with Brownlee making a highlight-reel catch and Gipson demonstrating ‘quiet feet.’ In the preseason finale, they further proved their worth, with Gipson making seven catches for 79 yards and Brownlee contributing two catches for 25 yards. Despite the competitive receiver room, both Brownlee and Gipson managed to secure spots on the 53-player roster.
Despite their regular absences from previous exhibition games, many players were excited to return to the field in a competitive environment. However, Randall Cobb’s enthusiasm got the best of him. In an attempt to block for tight end Tyler Conklin during a Rodgers pass, Cobb executed a blindsiding hit on Giants safety Bobby McCain, leading to a 15-yard personal foul penalty. Rodgers wasn’t pleased and jokingly stated, “Cobb … he lost all his training camp money. What are you doing, bro? This ain’t 2014.” Cobb brushed it off, saying he ‘blacked out’ due to the adrenaline rush.
Nathaniel Hackett, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, made a surprising revelation during a quarterbacks meeting: he owns a Flowbee, a device for male grooming. He spoke highly of it, dubbing it ‘one of the greatest inventions ever.’
The upcoming matchup between the Giants and Jets in Week 7 holds intrigue. In the preseason finale, the Jets defeated the Giants, with some heated exchanges. Giants linebacker Jihad Ward exchanged words with Rodgers, and cornerback Sauce Gardner didn’t take kindly to the Giants’ deep throws. Rodgers, ever witty, referred to MetLife Stadium as ‘JetLife Stadium’ both during and after the game. The Jets and Giants will meet again in Week 7 for the regular season game.
The Jets, being in New York, have access to Broadway’s array of offerings. Among them is the ‘Back to the Future’ musical, which has garnered rave reviews from players. Defensive end Solomon Thomas praised it and labeled it a must-see. Rodgers, agreeing, called it ‘a must-watch.’ Tight end C.J. Uzomah was utterly impressed, proclaiming ‘that (expletive) was incredible. Okay, that was unbelievable.'”