Garrett Wilson makes Jets history after eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards again
Garrett Wilson said he wanted to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the season earlier this week, and he accomplished just that on Thursday.
In the Jets’ 37-20 loss to the Browns in Cleveland, the second-year wideout eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark with his five-catch, 50-yard performance. It’s the second straight season the receiver has hit the milestone and made Jets history in the process.
Wilson became the first Jets receiver to start his career with two 1,000-yard seasons. He’s also the first Jets receiver to get to 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back years since Keyshawn Johnson in 1998-99.
The Ohio State product Wilson recognizes the accomplishment but feels a win would have made it much better.
“It’s cool, I would have loved to do it in a win,” Wilson told SNY’s Jeane Coakley after the game. “I worked my whole life for this, to have the production that comes with recognition. I have to keep building on this and make sure every season I play I’m getting better. I didn’t play up to my standard today. I just wish we played better. It’s a cool thing but I wish we could be talking about a win right now.”
Wilson’s accomplishments are even more impressive considering the offense he’s playing in. Not only has he had four different quarterbacks this year, but the team ranks 31st in passing. Despite that, Wilson has brought in 93 passes, a career-high, and now 1,008 yards.
The 23-year-old can eclipse his high mark in receiving yards (1,103) next week in the team’s season finale against the New England Patriots.
But if you ask Wilson, there’s just one thing he’s looking to accomplish in Week 18.
“A win. It’s been a tough go this season, and to finish this thing the right way, especially against an in-division rival in the Patriots," he said. "We’ve got to go out there and take it. They’re going to be hungry to finish this thing the right way as well. We want to really roll, we want to get going on offense, score some touchdowns, some points and finish this season the right way with a win.”
While Wilson is looking ahead to the end of this season, he also has his eyes on the 2024-25 season, specifically earning a spot in the postseason. The Browns' win Thursday punched their ticket to the playoffs for the second time in four seasons. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs in 13 years, the longest drought in North American sports.
Wilson says he lingered on the field after Thursday's game was over and saw the Browns celebrating. He plans to use that to fuel him this offseason and put in the work to help Gang Green earn a playoff berth.
“I’m confident that my turn’s coming, that our turn’s coming. I’m going to grind and make sure that that happens,” he said. “I know it’s not by accident. Winning in this league is precious. Because of that, I’ve got to be on my details and this offseason will be the hardest I’ve ever done in my life.
“I want to make it possible for us. You give yourself a chance by working hard, you give yourself a chance by going about things right during the week and preparing then you have to go out there and do it on Sunday. … Winning in this league is hard, it’s precious we have to find a way to get over that hump and pull it together because that’s the goal, to make the playoffs.”
