New Jets wide receiver Eric Decker sat down and answered questions from the NY press. Here it is..
On if Denver made him an offer to return…
There was no initial offer from them. That’s what I really enjoyed about New York is they saw me as an asset. They respect me as a football player. I enjoyed their company, I enjoy what they’re doing with the organization and that’s why I am a part of the New York Jets.
On his impression of Coach Ryan now and before he came on his visit…
Getting to meet him for the first time on this visit, he is just a genuine guy. What I have seen before was that he is a competitor. He is a fierce competitor [and] he loves his guys. That is what I got to find out. He really, truly cares about his coaches, about his players. He is a player’s coach and I respect that a lot. He is a guy that wants to make his players feel comfortable and confident so that you let loose and play with full confidence on Sundays.
On his wife’s reaction to him joining the Jets…
She is excited. She obviously wants what’s best for me in my profession. She spent a lot of time in New York with her career when she was younger and she is excited again to have an opportunity to work now again and to be able to have some resources and things. I think that overall it is a great decision and place for us as a family and career wise.
On the emotions of getting an offer from the Jets and expecting his first child…
Yes, I feel like I have a lot going on. Free agency is obviously a stressful time. The unknown and the possible change is always a fear for some and maybe anxiety for some. I figured when I got here in New York on Wednesday I felt good. I felt at home. I felt at ease. That was really important to me. When I had to make a decision to play with the Jets organization it was almost a sigh of relief. To just have that process over with and get back to my wife, take care of her and get ready for this newborn because family for me is my priority. I am so excited to bring a little girl into this world and start a family of my own.
On who will get number 87, him or Jeff Cumberland…
That is a great question. I reached out to Jeff and asked him how dedicated he was to the number. I guess we are going to kind of negotiate what we are going to do with the number. Obviously, he has been there for his four-year tenure. I think that is something that is up, maybe in the air and we can negotiate. Otherwise I will have to find a new home – a new number.