Quinnen Williams just gave Jets fans another reason to believe in Aaron Glenn

Quinnen Williams has always worn his heart on his sleeve, but the All-Pro defensive tackle is now showing a different kind of leadership heading into the 2025 season. It's safe to say that Aaron Glenn’s influence is already being felt in Florham Park.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Williams took responsibility for his now-deleted social media comments from February that appeared to criticize the Jets following the team’s decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers.

In the wake of the news, Williams posted “Another rebuild year for me I guess” with an eye-roll emoji before deleting his entire account. At the time, it was the clearest public indication that one of the Jets’ locker room leaders wasn't happy with the decision.

Now, just a few months later, Williams is walking his words back. He admitted his reaction was immature, emphasized how much he's grown from it, and reiterated his commitment to helping turn the franchise around.

"I was drafted here a long time ago, and I was paid to help change this thing around. I wear that with a badge of honor. Before I leave this game, the New York Jets are going to be on top. The New York Jets are going to be the football team to watch. I live that every single day."

Quinnen Williams

Quinnen Williams' apology is proof Aaron Glenn is changing the NY Jets' culture

Williams' words are a notable tone shift and a reflection of the new culture being built under Glenn. The last regime often felt like a free-for-all, with off-field drama regularly spilling into the public eye.

But if one of the team’s most important players is already falling in line and buying in, it might be the clearest sign yet that things really are changing. A new era may really be upon us in Florham Park.

Williams is one of the most respected voices in the Jets' locker room. The former No. 3 overall pick signed a four-year, $96 million extension in July of 2023 that made him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

For a player of that status to publicly admit fault and fully buy into the new regime speaks volumes. It’s also a far cry from the chaos that defined the Jets under the previous regime.

From Rodgers’ endless off-field circus to public frustrations being aired by multiple players on social media, last year’s team constantly found itself battling distractions. The front office lacked control, the coaching staff lacked discipline, and the players lacked direction.

This new Jets regime, led by Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, has already begun to institute a cultural overhaul of sorts. Glenn has wasted no time in laying the groundwork for a new identity in Florham Park.

He's a vocal leader who commands respect, and his presence already seems to be rubbing off on key players like Williams. If the Jets are truly going to change the narrative this year, it won’t just be about improved quarterback play or better draft picks.

It will be about the culture. The early signs have been promising.

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