Garrett Wilson doesn't care about not being named a Jets captain and neither should you

When the New York Jets announced their six team captains for the 2026 season, the list was likely how fans envisioned it from the start of the offseason. After all, the team desperately needed veteran leadership this offseason, and Darren Mougey went out and got them.

Linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick were shoo-ins for captaincy the second they stepped through the door. Same goes for quarterback Geno Smith. Harrison Phillips was the Jets' biggest vocal leader in 2025, and certainly earned his "C" as well.

The one major shock was wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was named a captain ahead of the 2025 season, losing his spot as an offensive captain to guard Joe Tippmann, the longest-tenured Jets offensive lineman. As you can imagine, fan reaction was measured and reasonable.

There was never any reason for anyone to freak out over Wilson not being named a captain. His teammates don't hate him, and it's not like he's going to be demanding a trade anytime soon. The Jets just have other veterans who take a more hands-on approach to leading.

Garrett Wilson breaks silence on not being named a New York Jets team captain

After Jets practice on Tuesday, Wilson spoke with reporters and was asked if he was upset about not being named a captain despite earning the patch last season. He was as measured as you would expect from the 26-year-old star receiver.

"I don't know if upset is the word. It's more like, man, we've got a collection of guys that all warrant that label... The value they bring to this team and what they mean to this team as far as getting us ready to play, getting us ready to practice... I'm happy to have those guys leading the charge. I'm always going to be there to play my role to the best of my ability."

Wilson seems incredibly unbothered by the fact that he wasn't voted captain by his teammates, and it's likely due to the fact that he knows the guys who did earn the honors are more than deserving of it.

And just because he doesn't have a big "C" on his jersey doesn't mean he won't lead. Wilson is the elder statesman of the Jets offense (in terms of being in New York the longest), and his teammates will surely still listen when he speaks.

If he's not upset about it, then Jets shouldn't be either. It's not like it's the end of the world or anything.

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