NY Jets: Exclusive interview with Wesley Walker Part II

The NY Jets had some incredible wide receivers over their history but none excited as much as Wesley Walker. Here’s the second part of our exclusive interview with him.

Many were surprised to not see an Oscar nomination for Will Smith for best Actor in the movie “Concussion” which is great for all fans of football to see.  He played Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian forensic pathologist who fought against efforts by the NFL to suppress his research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) brain damage suffered by professional football play. 

Though I am disappointed he was not been nominated, I am grateful that a bright spotlight has been shown on how serious injuries on the field can be.  I decided that a discussion along these lines with Wesley Walker might be insightful.

TJP: How many surgeries have you had yourself?

WW: Out of a result of knee surgery in college, I wound up being a second-round draft pick.  Since life after football, I had major neck surgery, both shoulders, back and my knees worked on again, and the Achilles, that was major.

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TJP: What was the biggest injury moment on the football field?

WW:  Hands down… any time we faced “The Assassin” Jack Tatum…  He was the hunter.

That man sprung into the air on a big third down and knocked Willie Brown out.  Also, seeing Bobby Jackson sustain a career-ending neck injury in practice.

TJP: The new movie, Concussion, gave us light to the dark side after the NFL.  How can you relate to the movie and what advice would you have for those dreaming to one day play football?

WW:  The movie shed light where it needed to be shedded. I would not discourage anyone from following their dreams including playing football.  Parents and those wanting to play need to examine and be aware of the risks. Think about it from all sides, from the changes, coaches, accidents, injuries and fate. Is it worth the risk? Once you fulfill a dream of playing football, you have to accept the fate that injuries will come, those live on with you even after you’re no longer on the football field.

More jets: Exclusive interview with Wesley Walker Part I

We at The Jet Press would like to thank Wesley for all of your time and sacrifices you have made to your body on the field.  We know years of being on the field is not an easy one.  Please follow Wesley Walker on Twitter to keep in touch with him as he responds to all of his fans!