Aaron Rodgers' first season with the New York Jets lasted only four snaps. The 40-year-old quarterback was voted by his teammates the winner of the Jets' Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational award Friday for his continued leadership during his rehabilitation from a torn left Achilles tendon that ultimately ended his season. “It's just the effect that he's had on this locker room in such a short time is why I think you see him win that award and all the guys here voted for him,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said.
Bill Belichick's coaching tenure with the New England Patriots could potentially begin and end with links to the New York Jets. When New England hosts New York on Sunday in the season finale for both teams, it will be just over 24 years since Belichick shocked the NFL by resigning as the Jets' coach on the same morning he was set to be introduced as Bill Parcells' successor.
Gabriel Vilardi broke a tie on a power play at 3:14 of the third period, Connor Hellebuyck made 27 saves and the Winnipeg Jets beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Thursday night to extend their points streak to a franchise-record 10 games. NHL-worst San Jose has lost 10 straight to fall to 9-27-3. The Sharks began the season with 11 consecutive losses.
Wilson is the 16th player in NFL history with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, and has the most catches (176) through a receiver's first two seasons in franchise history. PATRIOTS PLAYER TO WATCH: Rookie WR DeMario Douglas. His 47 receptions for 548 yards are the most catches and receiving yards by a Patriots rookie receiver under Belichick.