Todd Bowles speaks about Bilal Powell tragedy

The New York Jets got hit with one of the biggest injuries in franchise history as running back Bilal Powell suffered a potentially career-ending neck injury. Head coach Todd Bowles recently spoke about this tragic injury.

Unfortunately for the New York Jets, following their Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, they were hit with such an injury, it has hit fans right in the gut. Running back Bilal Powell suffered a neck injury that was much more than just missing a few weeks of action on the gridiron.

Not only was Powell placed on the Injured Reserve list, effectively ending his season, but he now needs surgery to correct this devastating injury. Powell injured a disc in his neck to the point where once he gets the surgery performed, it could be career-ending.

This tragic injury is truly unfortunate considering that Powell was in the final year of his contract with the Jets. Set to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason, this injury puts everything in perspective at just how much of an impactful career Powell had with the Jets over the past eight seasons.

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Even head coach Todd Bowles know how tough it is to lose a starting player from the team and more importantly, the person behind the helmet. Such is the case for Bowles as here is what he said it meant to lose Powell in such a devasting way, courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

Football wise, anytime you lose a starter, Bilal is one of the hardest workers on this team, it’s a big blow from that standpoint but you worry more about the person then you do the football player, so that’s where we’re at.

Over the years of watching Powell do what he does best on the field, what Bowles said hits the nail right on the head. Powell was the consummate professional both on and off the field as he always put the team first before himself.

Even when he was a part of some of the more troubling teams in the past, Powell never threw anyone under the bus to the media, no matter how bad things got. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of pro football as all one can do is remember Powell for all the incredible memories he had on the Jets and wish for a speedy recovery.

We here at The Jet Press would like to send good wishes and positive vibes to Powell throughout this process. We will always root and love you, #29!