Meet the New York Jets’ New WR, Percy Harvin

Oct 12, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver

(11) dives for extra yards while being tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback

(32) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets made a splash yesterday, making a move to obtain a wide receiver. If anyone missed it, the Jets acquired Percy Harvin from the Seahawks for a conditional mid-round pick. Harvin represents that potential game breaker that the Jets haven’t had in years. His salary is not guaranteed beyond 2014, so this is tantamount to a nine game audition. For those of us that don’t know much about Percy Harvin, let’s meet the newest member of the Jets.

Percy Harvin starred in football, basketball, and track and field while at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach. He had outstanding speed even then, running the forty yard dash in 4.32 seconds. Harvin was ranked as the number one player in the 2006 high school class by Rivals.com, and the number two receiver by Scout.com.

Harvin played with the Florida Gators from 2006-2008. In three seasons, he totaled 133 catches for 1,929 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing the ball 194 times for 1,852 yards with 19 touchdowns, making him one of the most prolific threats in Gators history.

Percy Harvin was named first team All-Pro in 2009, as well as offensive rookie of the year and rookie of the year. That year, he posted 790 yards receiving and six touchdowns, to go along with two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Harvin’s career watermark was 2011, when he posted 87 receptions for 967 yards and six touchdowns.

Going into 2013, Harvin was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for three draft picks. He then was promptly injured, and placed on the PUP list in August of 2013. He only posted one reception for 17 yards during the regular season, but posted an 87 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half of the Super Bowl. The run increased the Seahawks’ lead to 29-0, and they stopped at nothing in beating the Broncos 43-8.

The flip side is out there as well. Percy Harvin has endured injury problems throughout his athletic career. During his junior season at Florida, Harvin underwent orthroscopic heel surgery to cure what was causing injury problems dating back to his time in Landstown High School.

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While in Minnesota, Harvin had documented troubles with migraine headaches. A torn labrum forced him to miss the majority of 2013 following surgery. Percy Harvin has had trouble staying on the football field, plain and simple.

He has also had anger management problems. During his career at Landstown, incidents that culminated in a fight during a basketball game caused Harvin to be suspended from high school play. With Minnesota, he had documented problems with his attitude, including calling out his quarterback, Christian Ponder. Obviously, this is something that speaks against his ability to be a team player.

Don’t forget, the Seahawks traded three picks to get this guy. Why would they only trade him for a conditional pick now?

Percy Harvin is an explosive football player, we have all seen it. If he can behave, and stay healthy, he could be special in this offense. If not, we have another wasted move in the annals of New York Jets’ history.