The New York Jets dropped their 2026 captain list on Friday, and a prominent name was notably missing from the six players chosen: wide receiver Garrett Wilson. This comes after Wilson held a captain spot for the team just last season in 2025. It’s always a talking point when a leader shifts roles, and this one definitely caught some attention.
This year, the offensive leadership will fall to right guard Joe Tippmann and quarterback Geno Smith, both named captains for 2026. With Wilson having worn the ‘C’ just last year, naturally, the questions came his way. He was asked directly on Tuesday if he was “upset” about not being among the team’s chosen leaders this season.
Wilson’s response was exactly what you’d want to hear from a guy who’s all in for the team. “I don’t know if upset is the word,” he stated. Instead, he painted a picture of a locker room packed with talent and leadership. “It’s more like, man, we’ve got a collection of guys that all warrant that label,” he added, praising the value Geno and Tippmann bring on a daily basis, getting everyone ready for practice and game day. He made it clear he’s “happy to have those guys leading the charge” and committed to playing his role to the best of his ability.
When a team’s best players are willing to put personal accolades aside for the greater good, that’s a massive win. Wilson might not have the ‘C’ on his chest, but his dedication to his role and his respect for his teammates speaks volumes about the culture the Jets are building. It’s a mentality that says, “We’re all in this together,” and that’s the kind of unity you need to go far in this league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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