With the 4th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Today, in 2014, we can sit here and say that ‘Brick has started every single game of his career at left tackle. To be an offensive lineman that has started that many games in a row is tremendous. He is durable, and he is talented.
Over his eight year career, Ferguson has been one of the best left tackles in the league — he has been selected to three Pro Bowls and has been a part of two AFC Championship games with Gang Green.
But why doesn’t he get his share of appreciation?
Walking around MetLife Stadium, you don’t see all that many fans wearing jerseys with number 60 on the back. And why not? A hometown kid out of Freeport on Long Island, Ferguson has been an anchor on the offensive line for close to a decade now. Once again, he’s never missed a game; he’s been a Pro Bowler. Not to mention, his partner-in-crime on the O-Line, Nick Mangold, gets plenty of attention.
Well, for me its quite simple. He shuts his mouth and gets his job done.
There are many different personalities within an NFL locker room. There are louder players that love the media attention, your Bart Scotts and Richard Shermana. Then, there are really quiet players that would love for the microphones to stay on the opposite side of the room. That is D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Brick doesn’t speak much, and when he does, it’s strictly business. He’s the type of leader that leads by example. While someone like Mangold on the other hand, he leads more vocally. He’s involved with Jets fans on Twitter. He has an awesome beard. Its easy for fans to fall in love with Mangold.
Sometimes its nice to acknowledge somebody like Ferguson. If the Jets ever go to the Super Bowl, I’m willing to guarantee that he won’t be in a reporter’s face screaming, “DON’T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT ME!” Its time to show some love for the soft-spoken beast that has anchored the offensive line for years.
Of course, its tough for an offensive lineman to stay effective after eight full seasons at tackle. Ferguson’s play has been going downhill for the past couple of seasons. He certainly has something left in the tank, but realistically he’s definitely not the player he once was. It’s to be expected.
‘Brick isn’t flashy. He isn’t loud. He doesn’t like the cameras, or the attention. But I’ll tell you what he is. He’s talented, he’s a leader, and he wants to win. Next time you find yourself jersey shopping, check out #60. When he’s introduced on game day, cheer a little louder. D’Brickashaw Ferguson, the man who has started every single game of his eight-year career, deserves it all. Show the quiet player some love for once.
