The New York Jets have had a history of acquiring quarterbacks who end up being busts. Since 2000, the team has taken seven quarterbacks in either the first or second round, including names like Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, and Sam Darnold. Chad Pennington, the 18th pick in 2000, is considered the best of the bunch. Even Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP, who was traded to the Jets, suffered an injury on just his fourth play with the team. Hackenberg, one of the quarterbacks drafted by the Jets, stated that the team had no plan during his time there.
Hackenberg was chosen by the Jets with the 51st pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, despite the team already having Smith and Ryan Fitzpatrick on the roster. Hackenberg acknowledged that New York may not have been the best place for him due to the market, expectations, and lack of opportunity for development. He never played in a regular-season NFL game and was eventually traded for a seventh-round pick in 2018. Despite being highly touted out of Penn State and having success in high school and college, Hackenberg never lived up to the hype or his draft stock.
Reflecting on his time with the Jets, Hackenberg admitted that he knew he had a lot to improve on when he entered the league. However, he also dealt with the pressure of high expectations and the narrative that he was destined for success. The lack of a clear plan for his development within the organization made it difficult for him to progress as a quarterback. The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010, and their struggles with finding a successful quarterback continue to plague the team.
The decision to select Hackenberg in the 2016 NFL Draft raised eyebrows, as it seemed like a puzzling choice given the team’s existing quarterback situation. Hackenberg’s lack of success in the NFL highlights the challenges young quarterbacks face when entering the league, especially without a solid support system or clear plan for development. The quarterback carousel that the Jets have experienced over the years reflects the organization’s struggles with finding a franchise quarterback and building a cohesive team.
Despite the setbacks he faced in the NFL, Hackenberg remains focused on his journey and the lessons he learned from his time with the Jets. He acknowledged that there were many factors at play in his lack of success, including internal battles and external pressures. Moving forward, Hackenberg hopes to carve out a successful career for himself, learning from his experiences and continuing to improve as a quarterback. The Jets’ inability to find a consistent and successful quarterback remains a key challenge for the organization, as they continue to search for stability at the position.
