Brandon Marshall Looking To Mentor Austin Seferian-Jenkins
On Monday afternoon, the New York Jets successfully claimed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins off waivers. The team is hopeful that he can solve his problems and become a valuable contributor on the field.
Seferian-Jenkins has run into quite a bit of trouble on and off the field. He recently was arrested for a DUI and the Buccaneers decided they had seen enough and released him from the team. He was also kicked out of practice earlier in training camp this year.
The Jets are hoping he can turn all that around and nobody knows how to deal with these issues like Brandon Marshall. Marshall has a past like no other and has manged to overcome his issues by getting help.
An advocate for mental-health illnesses, Marshall knows some of the feelings Seferian-Jenkins is going through.
He has already reached out to Seferian-Jenkins and offered to help him personally. Marshall has also given him people to get in contact with to keep him in line.
"When I heard (Monday) we claimed him, I was like, 'This is God-sent.' If he needs me, I'm there. I've already connected him with the right people in the city if he needs them," said Marshall according to Newsday.
Marshall could really be key in helping Seferian-Jenkins with his "second chance".
"Guys need second chances," Marshall said. "When you make a mistake, it doesn't mean you are a bad person. You need people to believe in you, and sometimes a fresh start is a good start."
This acquisition can really help both parties as the Jets are dying for a real tight end. Seferian-Jenkins has caught seven touchdown passes in 18 games for the Bucs.
"I think he will take advantage of this opportunity," Marshall said. "He is still young and I am glad we got him."
Jeremiah Delgado is a fan of the Jets, Yankees and Knicks. He doubts he will, but hopes to live long enough to see the Jets or the Knicks win a championship.
You can follow Jeremiah on Twitter here.