NY Jets RB Michael Carter admits he was 'too emotional' last year

NY Jets running back Michael Carter is hoping to put together a bounce-back year following a disappointing second season in the NFL. Carter himself even opened up about some issues he encountered last season when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

The third-year running back admitted that he got "a little too emotional" when the Jets traded for veteran running back James Robinson last year following Breece Hall's injury. Carter showed remorse for how he handled the situation, insisting that he's learned and matured.

Carter insisted that all he wants to do is be great and that football is the only job he's ever had. It was a moment of honesty and self-reflection from the young running back, who seems more determined than ever to rebound this season.

The Jets could certainly use a bounce-back season out of Carter, who is penciled in as the team's RB2 at the time of writing. That could change if the Jets sign Dalvin Cook, but for now, Carter is expected to handle a sizable workload, especially as Hall works his way back from injury.

NY Jets running back Michael Carter is ready to prove his worth in 2023

Carter acknowledged that his performance wasn't up to snuff in 2022, and while he insisted that he wasn't out of shape, he did admit that he hopes to be better this season.

The former North Carolina standout also stated that he "sees everything [the media/fans] say." Carter said that he "feels amazing" going into the season and that he's "grinding" to ensure he's better in 2023.

Carter saw his efficiency plummet in 2022, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry in 16 games — down from 4.3 YPC in his rookie season. Injuries to the Jets' offensive line certainly didn't help matters, but it's safe to say that Carter still fell well short of expectations.

He's not going to be handed anything going into his third season, either. Undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight flashed last year, and the Jets went out and added more competition in the form of fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda.

Even if the Jets don't sign Cook, Carter is going to have to earn the RB2 role behind Hall. The Jets are very high on Abanikanda, and the rookie running back has already turned some heads this summer.

Regardless, Michael Carter seems determined to prove his doubters wrong this year. He's learned from his admitted mistakes last season and is ready to pick up where he left off following his impressive rookie campaign.