Eric Decker did his homework before signing with the New York Jets.
The veteran wide receiver took a leap of faith this offseason when he decided to leave the Denver Broncos — the defending AFC champions — and signed with the Jets, a team known more for its dysfunctional ways more than anything else.
However, Decker saw something in researching the Jets that he really liked. According to the New York Post, simple searches on Google and YouTube of Jets quarterback Geno Smith was enough to convince the wideout that New York was a good place to be.
“I was impressed by the games I watched of Geno, and then I Googled and YouTubed interviews to get a feel of who he was as a person more than just the physical skill on the field,” Decker said, according to the Post. “That’s a big thing.
“As a young guy, everyone goes through bumps. For me, it was how mentally strong he was and his potential I saw. It’s enormous as a veteran receiver. I want to be a part of this kid’s growth because I really see something that stands out.”
Even so, it’s still a big decision to make, especially when you’re leaving Peyton Manning, one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. The five-year, $36.25 million contract probably helped, but Decker had a good feeling about Smith and the Jets.
“It’s the power of technology,” Decker said. “I feel like I have good intuition and good instincts. I just felt something that he was going to be good.”
Decker is coming off the best season of his NFL career. The 27-year-old set career highs in receptions (87) and yards (1,288) while also scoring 11 touchdowns. Decker caught two passes for 12 yards in the Jets’ preseason opener.
Photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
