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Mekhi Becton, offensive lineman for the New York Jets, appeared for his media availability Wednesday in a “Big Bust” T-shirt amid questions about his weight and condition.
Becton is nearing his third season in the NFL after New York made him the 11th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He missed all but one game for the Jets in 2021 due to a knee injury.
His weight became a topic of conversation for the first two seasons of his career. While rumors spread that he hit 400lbs last year, the team page lists Becton at 363lbs.
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New York Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton speaks to reporters at the team’s NFL football facility in Florham Park, NJ, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. The offensive tackle knows he will be written off by many but insists he his best will critics “eat their words”. (AP Photo/Dennis Waszak Jr.)
The 23-year-old declined to reveal his vitals but said he’s “happy” with his weight, according to NFL.com.
“I don’t understand why,” Becton said when asked why people wrote him off. “But it’s all good. I’ll make them eat their words.”
Jets coach Robert Saleh said someone like Becton, who is also 6-foot-7, has a harder time recovering from injuries because of his height.
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Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets paces the sidelines during the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
“A man his size has to work a little harder than most,” Saleh said of the New York Post. “His weight will fluctuate incredibly over the course of about three days. It is fascinating. He is capable. He has the right attitude.
Saleh also praised the young lineman’s talent.
“We’re all aware of his talent, the height, the athleticism, the physicality, all that, and he’s really smart,” he added. “[It helps] Having him on the offensive line to get people out of their seats so the running back has running lanes and the quarterback can sit in the pocket and buy a hitch. So yes, he is important. When he takes care of business like we know he can, he can be transcendent.”
Becton added he has a lot to prove this season.
New York Jets’ Mekhi Becton #77 looks on during training camp at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on August 19, 2020 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Robert Sabo Pool/Getty Images)
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“[To]get better than what you did in the rookie year and then just get injured and be out all season is a lot,” he said. “It’s a lot to take in, but I’ll definitely come back with that chip on my shoulder.”
Ryan Gaydos is a sports editor at Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].