Ryan Kalil realized he wasn’t ready to walk away from football after 12 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He wanted more, which is why the Pro Bowl center and two-time national champion at USC ended his brief retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Jets.
The chance to play again — to win again — is still greater than the pain and injuries that inevitably come with such a brutal sport. Yet, Kalil understands why Andrew Luck said goodbye after seven years as the quarterback in Indianapolis.
“‘From what I’m hearing, it sounds like it was probably a little bit worse than people think,” Kalil said of Luck on Tuesday at the Jets’ training facility in Florham Park, N.J. “I get that. I get him not wanting to be stuck in that again because it’s hard physically and it’s definitely hard mentally.”
Kalil said he has met Luck a few times. “He’s an outstanding individual. Everybody speaks so highly of his character,” Kalil said. “For him to make that decision, I think it had to be pretty bad.”
Kalil thought he was headed for retirement, too. He had decided the 2018 season would be his last after a neck injury limited him to just six games in 2017. He was also plagued by shoulder problems in 2016. As much joy as there is in playing a game they love, it can become torture when injuries keep players on the sidelines.
That’s why Kalil says about Luck, “I can relate more than anybody. I understand where he’s coming from. You get stuck in a scenario where you don’t feel quite like yourself.”
Though the Panthers were a disappointing 7-9 in 2018, Kalil started all 16 games, saying he went “into that season feeling like my old self and I stayed my old self throughout the year.” He felt like he was going out on his own terms when he announced the 2018 season would be his last, something few NFL players have the luxury of doing.
The Jets hope he can play like his old self even though he has yet to play in a preseason game. The Jets have been ultra-patient in their approach with Kalil, working him slowly into game-ready condition. “I feel like I’m getting my legs back and feeling like my old self,” Kalil said. “Being able to play fast and feel comfortable with the playbook, sometimes that’s easier when it’s in a more controlled environment.”
The Jets offensive line was fully intact for the first time this year during Tuesday’s practice, though it’s uncertain whether the unit will play in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Eagles.
Kalil has had no regrets about coming back. “Those moments came in the offseason,” he said. “I’m fired up to be here. I’m excited. Obviously, I just want to do well. It’s important to a lot of guys in this locker room. I don’t want to let them down. The people around New York City are excited for the season. I’m just working toward making sure I do my part and being as ready and prepared as I can for the first game.”
The Jets can use the experience and the stability Kalil brings. He has been to Super Bowls. He knows it’s a tough journey. “There’s going to be some growing pains,” he said. “There’s no doubt about that. What makes a good team is the ability to overcome the adversity of that. We’ll see how mature this team is if we hit any road blocks or stumps (and) how well we’re able to bounce back. Once we get in the groove, hopefully the sky’s the limit. From what I’ve seen, we have the potential to be all the things everybody says we can be.”
Kalil came into the league snapping to Vinny Testaverde and now will be giving the ball to Sam Darnold. Instead of quitting, Kalil is just getting started.
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