“I’m a Jet for life” Powell exclaimed to the New York Jets Twitter account, following his retirement announcement.
A fan favorite and reliable depth piece, former Jets running back Bilal Powell officially signed a one-day contract to retire with the ball club. After nine years, all with the Jets, he finishes as one of three players in Jets history with over 3,000 rushing yards and over 200 receptions. He joins company with Freeman McNeil and Curtis Martin.
It’s very rare for a player, especially a running back, to have not only a long career, but staying with the same team. The former 4th round pick became part of Gang Green in 2011 and played his final snaps in 2019.
I remember one year, two of the teams that wanted me in free agency ended up playing each other in the Super Bowl. I just always chose to come back to New York because I always wanted to see the trophy come back here again. It was a thing for me, deep down, when I signed my name on that contract to become a New York Jet, that I wanted to stay a New York Jets, and that was for me personally. I always wanted to see the trophy come back, not only for myself, but for the Jets fanbase.” -Bilal Powell to Eric Allen
That quote embodies exactly why Powell retires as a New York Jets fan favorite. It was never about him. He loved the fans, and the fans loved him right back.
Powell finishes with 3,675 career rushing yards, 20 all-purpose touchdowns, and 1,600 receiving yards.
We wish him nothing but a healthy, enjoyable retirement. Best of luck to whatever comes your way, Bilal. You will always have a spot in the heart of Jets fans young and old.
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