NY Jets QB Zach Wilson 'gained a lot of respect' from teammates after speech

It's been a rough couple of weeks for NY Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. From his on-field struggles to his questionable postgame remarks, Wilson's difficult stretch culminated in the former No. 2 overall pick getting benched in favor of cult favorite Mike White.

While Wilson's in-game issues were the driving factor behind his benching, perhaps the most notable headlines came from the lack of accountability he showed following the Jets' 10-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11.

Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah was asked about Wilson's comments on a recent edition of "The Chris Rose Football Show." Uzomah spoke about how Wilson's initial remarks rubbed many in the Jets' locker room the wrong way and that he directly reached out to his quarterback and suggested he say something to his teammates.

According to Uzomah, Wilson told him that he already planned to address the situation and that he did just that the Wednesday after he was benched. Uzomah spoke highly of Wilson's speech referring to it as "very emotional" while insisting it went a long way with many of his teammates.

"He apologized to the team, put it on himself, and on his shoulders, and yeah that was a crazy couple of days. Individually, there was like a little line that dapped him up and said we appreciate you and we appreciate you saying that. He gained a lot of respect from the players from that gesture."

- C.J. Uzomah

NY Jets QB Zach Wilson took ownership for his shortcomings

Wilson came under harsh criticism in the days following that Patriots game, mostly due to his postgame comments. Everyone from former players and analysts to even former teammates of his were quick to comment on Wilson's perceived lack of maturity.

But Uzomah paints a different picture here. He paints a picture of a young quarterback who recognized his mistake and did what he could to rectify it.

As Uzomah noted, Wilson's admission of guilt did a lot to regain the respect of his teammates, especially seeing as though his speech came moments after his benching was announced to the locker room.

"That was big of him," Uzomah remarked in reference to Wilson's comments to the team. It seems as though Wilson's words resonated with many in the locker room.

Jets cornerback D.J. Reed was another player to comment on Wilson's speech. He told reporters last week "If [Wilson] didn’t already have it, he definitely earned and gained everyone’s respect from what he said today."

Zach Wilson seems to have made amends with his teammates. That's good news for the former second-overall pick if/when he starts another game for the Jets.