EXCLUSIVE: Carter Warren opens up about being drafted by NY Jets

In an exclusive interview with The Jet Press' Scott Mitchell (@ScottsScoop44), Carter Warren sits down to talk about his time in Pittsburgh, when he began playing football, being drafted by the NY Jets, and more.

When did you first get into football growing up as a kid?

“I grew up in Paterson, NJ and started playing football at six years old for the Paterson Mustangs.”

How does it feel to be drafted to your hometown team?

"It’s an amazing experience just having this opportunity to still be home and being only 25 minutes from the facility. It’s a pretty cool experience. When I got that phone call and saw the Jersey number pop up on the screen, I just couldn’t believe it. It’s a pretty cool feeling.”

You played your college career at Pittsburgh. What made you decide to commit to Pitt to play football?

“It was the city life. I’m about 20 minutes away from New York City. When I got to Pittsburgh, that was like the closest thing to home. Also, the coaching staff was something I wanted to be a part of.”

While at Pittsburgh, you got to play with another NY Jets draft pick, Israel Abanikanda. What’s it like to be moving on up to the next level alongside your teammate on the same team?

“It’s a cool experience. It’s fun. Having him here, I know what he can do with his feet, and he knows what I could do up front. We combine and play together as one. We can make this Jets team really, really good. I’m excited and really excited for this upcoming season.”

You decided to return for your sixth season at Pitt instead of going pro. What made you decide to do that?

“I noticed that year before there was a lot that I wanted to work on. I take pride in being the best I can be. I wanted to come back for the sixth year to work on little details that I know could boost my draft stock."

Unfortunately, last season you did suffer a significant knee injury. How difficult was it for you to go through that, and how do you feel now?

“I’m feeling good. I’m feeling really good. It was a tough time, but I had God on my side, and he got me through it all. Recovery and therapy every day, but I came out on top, and I’m good now.”

What was it like receiving the draft call from the Jets?

“Tears of joy. All that hard work over the years is starting to pay off. The injury, they still drafted me and that says a lot. I’m blessed and I was just so happy to get that call, it was so cool.”

How important is it for you to join a very talented offensive line room while also getting to protect a Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers?

“It’s very important to have a great room. Coming in as a rookie, I need to learn and gravitate to someone that’s older and has been through the system. I feel like that’s very important for my development and becoming a great player. Having a great offense and offensive line will be really good for the quarterback, I’m able to make plays, and it’s going to be really cool. I’m so excited for the season.”

Joining the NY Jets and starting your NFL career, what are your hopes for your NFL future?

“I just want to be the best I could be. Whatever that is. I don’t want to put anything in the air right now, but I just want to be the best tackle or guard, wherever I play. I just focus on being the best wherever I play.”