The New York Jets had strong defense and special teams units in 2023 that were responsible for carrying the team after quarterback Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles just four plays into the season.
That special teams unit will now be looking to replace a former Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro who is leaving in free agency.
Justin Hardee Sr. was a valuable member of New York’s special teams over the past three years and is leaving to sign with his hometown Cleveland Browns, so he took to X to say goodbye to the team that he called home for the past three years, saying “thank you to the whole New York Jets organization for the past 3 years from top to bottom.”
Thank You to the whole New York Jets organization for the past 3 years from top to bottom. My childhood dreams of becoming a Pro Bowl selection, as well as being an NFLPA All-Pro happened here something that’ll live with me forever. To my Teammates, Forever grateful for you all. pic.twitter.com/nXdC8eryqm
— Justin Hardee Sr. (@jhardee_19) April 6, 2024
He also added he was forever grateful for his teammates and called his accomplishments in New York “something that will live with me forever.”
Hardee recently turned 30 years old and made just five tackles last season in 11 games.
He was a pivotal aspect of a special teams unit that led the league in kickoff coverage (15.4 yards per return allowed) and opponents’ gross punting (44.5 yards per punt).
This will be Hardee’s eighth year in the NFL after spending his first four seasons as a New Orleans Saint as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois.
Hardee’s contract with the Browns will be a one-year deal worth $1.377 million, which comes at the conclusion of the three-year deal he signed with the Jets for $6.75 million to serve as their special teams ace.
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