Jets' Pro Bowl Snub Quincy Williams Wins More Meaningful Honor

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated 1/6/24

If New York Jets' head coach Robert Saleh, or defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, were in charge of Pro Bowl selections, then linebacker Quincy Williams would be featured front and center.

Despite an ultra productive career year, Williams was snubbed by the NFL's annual all-star event. Tabbed as a fifth alternate, his chance of getting named to the squad is slim— a situation that has left Saleh somewhat perplexed.

"I don’t know. That’s a good question. I never know how that stuff works," said Saleh on Friday in Florham Park.

While he didn't have a Pro Bowl Games selection to celebrate, Williams was named the Jets' Team MVP this week. The 27-year-old linebacker is the 2023 Curtis Martin Award as Gang Green's most valuable player.

"It was pretty cool, because the players vote for that one, and for him to have gotten that type of respect in the locker room, I think it’s a testament to him," said Saleh. "Nobody knows him like his teammates know him, and while he may have been snubbed for the Pro Bowl, he was definitely recognized here."

After re-signing to a new three-year contract last March, Williams has blossomed into an all-around playmaker. He has accounted for 131 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, four quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery.

"When I signed my extension, I had to figure out how I could make the most of this moment," said Williams via the team's official website. "I wrote down all the linebackers that people thought were better than me and decided I want to be the No. 1 linebacker this season. Every day I had a plan to maximize my opportunity."

Williams has recorded at least five tackles in 15 of 16 games this season. On Sunday, he'll look to put an exclamation point on his fruitful campaign against the AFC East rival New England Patriots.

"Motivation and the vibes around the locker room is going 1-0 this week, especially because it's a big game. The goal is breaking the losing streak," said Williams.

The Jets (6-10) will visit the Patriots (4-12) on January 7 for a 1:00 pm ET kickoff. In the Week 3 meeting at MetLife Stadium, Williams made nine stops, including 1.0 TFL, in the 15-10 loss.

Despite his Pro Bowl snub, Williams has clearly earned the respect of the Jets' organization. He may not be heading to Orlando, but an award named after Hall-of-Fame running back Curtis Martin isn't a bad consolation prize.