Tag: Olu Fashanu

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) limps off the field during a play where it appeared he had gotten injured, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in East Rutherford. Rodgers was back on the field during Gang GreenÕs next possession.

Aaron Rodgers on his Jets future: ‘You should ask Woody’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers has made it clear that if he plays a 21st NFL season in 2025, he’d like to do so with the New York Jets. But he’s tried to turn the spotlight on the team’s owner, Woody Johnson, when the topic of his future arises.

Asked Tuesday whether he believes the organization wanted him back next year following another disappointing campaign, Rodgers acknowledged that several decision-makers have to be put in place before the Jets plan their future. New York fired coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas during the season.

“There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach,” Rodgers said, “so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach.”

Rodgers was asked if he believes Johnson wants him to return.

“You should ask Woody,” Rodgers said, later adding that he and the owner have not had any conversations about his future with Gang Green.

His comments to reporters came one day after his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he also discussed his playing future and seemed to poke fun at Johnson.

“Being released would be a first; being released by a teenager, that would also be a first,” Rodgers said with a laugh Monday. “So, hey, I’m open to everything and I find the comedy in all of it. If that happens, hey, it’s a great story.”

Rodgers was referring to a report by The Athletic last week that said Johnson has been swayed by advice from his teenage sons, Brick and Jack, including about whether to pursue trades for certain players.

The Jets would absorb a $49 million dead cap hit if they release or trade Rodgers this offseason.

After his first season with New York was ruined four snaps into Week 1 when he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, Rodgers has thrown for 3,511 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year as the Jets have gone 4-11.

Rodgers is playing through an MCL injury but said Tuesday there was “no way” he wouldn’t play in the Jets’ Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (74) blocks against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Jets rookie OL Olu Fashanu (foot) out for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Jets offensive lineman Olu Fashanu’s rookie season is over due to a foot injury, the team confirmed Tuesday.

The 2024 first-round draft will be placed on injured reserve with plantar fasciitis. The injury will not require surgery.

“His season is done,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “… It’s unfortunate. He was having a great rookie season.”

Selected 11th overall out of Penn State, the 22-year-old Fashanu played in 15 games (seven starts) and was on the field for 533 snaps on offense and 51 snaps on special teams.

He was injured during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 19-9 loss to the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

–Field Level Media

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium September 2, 2023, in State College.

Penn State OT Olu Fashanu opts out of Peach Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, a projected top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, will not play on Saturday against No. 11 Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.

Fashanu was listed as out on the No. 10 Nittany Lions’ pregame availability report.

He was seen as a first-round pick in mock drafts for 2023, but he decided to return for another season with Penn State.

Fashanu declared for the draft on Dec. 22 but accompanied his teammates to Atlanta for the bowl game. He did not divulge whether he would play against the Rebels, however.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, Fashanu was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. He started all 12 games and not allow a sack for No. 10 Penn State this season.

–Field Level Media

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium September 2, 2023, in State College.

Penn State LT Olu Fashanu declares for NFL draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Penn State’s Olu Fashanu, considered one of the top offensive tackles in the upcoming class, announced Friday he is entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fashanu was seen as a first-round pick in mock drafts for 2023, but he decided to return for another season with the Nittany Lions.

“A year ago I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft,” Fashanu wrote in a social media post. “I am forever grateful that I made the decision to come back and compete with my brothers on last time while also graduating. With that being said, I am proud to announce that I will be declaring fore the 2024 NFL Draft. I look forward to spending time with my teammates and coaches in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl.”

While he plans to travel to Atlanta, it was unclear whether Fashanu will play in the Peach Bowl for No. 10 Penn State (10-2) against No. 11 Ole Miss (10-2) on Dec. 30.

Fashanu, listed at 6-foot-6 and 317 pounds, was a two-year starter at Penn State and was named a first-team All-American in 2023.

–Field Level Media

NCAA Football Penn State offensive line Olu Fashanu

OT Olu Fashanu to put off NFL draft, return to Penn State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu announced Monday that he is forgoing the 2023 NFL Draft to return for another season with the Nittany Lions.

Fashanu’s decision was noteworthy because he was projected to be as high as a top-10 pick in 2023 had he declared.

“Although playing in the NFL is a goal of mine, there is still more that I want to achieve personally and collectively as a program,” Fashanu wrote in a social media post. “After several conversations with my parents and coaches, I will be returning to Penn State for the 2023 season.

“My work here is far from over and I look forward to getting back to work with my brothers.”

Fashanu, a 6-foot-6, 310-pound prospect, has been Penn State’s starting left tackle throughout his redshirt sophomore season. His blocking has helped Penn State gain 432.4 yards per game, ranking 35th in FBS, with top-50 averages in both passing and rushing offense.

The Nittany Lions are 10-2, their only losses coming against Michigan and Ohio State, and they are in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl bid, though not a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Other top tackle prospects in 2023 include a pair of Big Ten foes, Paris Johnson Jr. of Ohio State and Peter Skoronski of Northwestern.

–Field Level Media