The New York Jets have big plans for rookie quarterback Sam Darnold this season. However, some good old-fashioned hazing doesn’t appear to be part of it.
Per TMZ, Jets defensive back Buster Skrine says the team will not be conducting any hazing treatment on the No. 3 overall pick.
When asked why that was the case, Skrine alluded to the fact that the NFL does not take too kindly to those types of antics. Although, there was a bit of a “wink wink, nudge nudge” with how Skrine said it so that he doesn't get in trouble, so there's still probably something going down.
Skrine did say that Darnold will still have to do some sort of funny task in front of the team, possibly something involving his singing voice and training camp.
While Darnold will likely be in a tight competition to win the starting quarterback job during camp, that possible performance might be the more daunting task for him.
Of course, teams having some fun at rookies’ expense is prevalent in just about all team sports. There are exceptions that can sometimes cross the line from playful to harmful, but it doesn’t seem like that’ll be the case with Darnold and the Jets.
As the anointed franchise quarterback of the Jets, Darnold will be tasked with leading the team back to relevance, possibly as soon as this season. But even with that big weight of expectation on his shoulders, he won’t be exempt from being a regular rookie and going through what a good number of other first-year players must deal with.