Jets’ Mo Wilkerson Will Play the Way He Knows How, No Matter What

Aug 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) reacts during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Mo Wilkerson knows only one way to play, and that way is physical. He is going to play that way, no matter what the NFL has to say about it.

If you haven’t heard by now, Wilkerson was fined $15,785 for his role in the hit that sidelined Locker. Quinton Coples was fined $7,875. Wilkerson is appealing his fine, and was going to, no matter how much he was fined.

“I was going to appeal, regardless,” Wilkerson said. “It didn’t matter the amount. If it was $5,000, I still would’ve appealed. I don’t think it was a dirty hit. I don’t think I should’ve gotten fined.”

Rex Ryan, of course, threw his support to his player. But the interesting fact is, so did the victim, Jake Locker:

“I didn’t feel like that on the field and after watching it, it wasn’t anything malicious,” Locker said from Tennessee. “I kind of got bounced into the second guy. I didn’t feel like they were out to get me, no.”

Wilkerson is going to do what he does, no matter what:

“I just play hard, physical football like I’m supposed to and how I was brought up and taught,” Wilkerson said. “I’m going to continue to do that and play ball the way I know how to play ball.”

You know what there was no flag? Because the hit wasn’t dirty. Thank goodness, from a fan perspective, that Mo is going to continue to play his way. We need him.