Every NFL off-season always gives us our annual dose of entertainment. Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts each received hefty contracts that made them amongst the highest-paid Quarterbacks in the league (until Justin Herbert took the title), Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets after spending 18 seasons in Green Bay, Odell Beckham Jr signed with the Baltimore Ravens and just recently, DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Tennessee Titans after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. One of the first moves that took place before free agency started was Jalen Ramsey being traded from the Los Angeles Rams, a team he won a Super Bowl with in 2021-22 to the Miami Dolphins which I was excited about because he’d be teaming up with fellow Cornerback, Xavien Howard. Unfortunately, we won’t get to see Jalen right away when the season starts. He suffered a meniscus injury during practice the other day. He will be out until December.
I’ve raved about him since his college days at Florida State. You can’t speak about the top Defensive Backs in the league without mentioning Jalen. He’s been one of the best in the league for years. Watching him for so many years, I see a guy that has the utmost confidence in his abilities. Jalen lines up wherever and makes plays. He is always around the football and isn’t afraid to make a tackle in the open field. Jalen plays with that Safety background that dates back to his college days and when he got to the NFL, he made the full-time transition to Cornerback. I mentioned that Safety background because he can sit back and watch how everything unfolds before attacking. Jalen is a 6’1 corner who plays his position with such physical intensity and will attack you any chance you can get. He’s truly everywhere. Jalen shuts down the short passing game, travels down the field with the deep threat receivers and he’s consistent when it comes to stopping the run. I remember when he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, I saw him line up against Rob Gronkowski and we all know the challenges Tight Ends bring to the table when it comes to defending them. I’ve always admired the cerebral side of his game because you can tell that he studies his opponents and watches a ton of film. Jalen also isn’t afraid to let you know when he’s made a play. He runs his mouth and backs it up.
This is tough news to break down. It’s also the unfortunate reminder that injuries are always occurring, whether it’s during a game or in practice. Other bizarre incidents have also happened such as Nyheim Hines. He’s done for the year after a knee injury that took place when he was jet skiing. Jalen was practicing when he was carted off the field after suffering his knee injury. He had his surgery which I heard was successful. I’m wishing him all the best in his recovery, and I can’t wait to see him on the field again.
