Big Things are “Expected” of New York Jets’ TE Kellen Winslow

Sep 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Kellen Winslow (81) makes a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

A return to the NFL has been a long time in coming for Kellen Winslow. After successful time in Tampa Bay and Cleveland, Winslow was active for just one game last season with the New England Patriots. He was not feeling great when the Jets came calling. Now that he is here, he could barely contain his emotions when he ran out onto the field for week one.

During the preseason, Kellen mentioned that he expects 100 receptions for himself, as this is his personal standard that he sets. He knows that big things are expected:

Of course. Like I said, it’s expected from me. I just expect that from myself. When its clutch time and it’s time to make a play, that’s what I live for man. That’s what it’s all about. I don’t want to let these guys down and vice versa. That’s what it’s all about.

Kellen knows that being looked at as an underdog causes him to play with a chip on his shoulder:

I would say so. I mean, I think I need to be like that. Knowing myself, I have to be that way. It motivates me when guys think they’re better than me. It’s fun. It’s just all competition and I like that.

Winslow has always been a talented player. That, plus a chip on his shoulder, could mean deadly things to opposing defenses, if he can stay healthy.