Former Boise State star Clady has ‘something to prove’ with Jets
Ryan Clady’s body betrayed him — again — a year ago, and the big left tackle was forced to watch Denver’s run to the Super Bowl title as a sidelined spectator.
A few months later, he was replaced on the roster and traded to the New York Jets. A lost season capped by a championship ring and a tough divorce.
“I think it stings a little bit, you know?” Clady said Wednesday while talking to reporters for the first time since being dealt to New York in April. “A little chip on my shoulder. I’ve got something to prove, so I’m ready for the challenge.”
Clady is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who quickly established himself as one of the best at his position after being a first-round draft pick by Denver out of Boise State in 2008. But the past three years have been rough. He’s missed 30 games in that span.
There was a Lisfranc foot injury early in the 2013 season, when the Broncos also played in the Super Bowl and lost to Seattle with Clady on the sideline. He played in every game in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl, but during organized team activities in May 2015, he tore the ACL in his left knee.
Denver moved on and signed Russell Okung — despite Clady telling The Associated Press during the Super Bowl that he was willing to restructure his contract to be a “lifetime Bronco.”
“I knew there was a good chance that I’d be moving on,” Clady said, “so I mentally prepared myself.”
Meanwhile, the Jets were looking for a left tackle as D'Brickashaw Ferguson surprisingly retired after 10 seasons. A day after Ferguson officially ended his playing career, New York traded a fifth-round pick for Clady.
“You know, it was a contract situation, and they felt they had to move on,” Clady said. “And I think it was a good change for me, as well.”
The Jets have eased Clady into things through workouts and organized team activities, with the hope he'll be completely healthy for training camp next month.
“He’s doing a lot better than what I thought he would be doing,” coach Todd Bowles said.
Clady says he’s “working through the kinks” right now while he learns Chan Gailey’s offense. He also acknowledged there is a bit of apprehension at play, in terms of getting over his most recent injury.
“There’s a little mental there, just feeling more comfortable playing on it and cutting off of it, but it’s feeling good,” he said. “I’ve been able to do everything and I’m moving well.”
Ferguson was a consistent presence on the field and one of the favorites in the Jets’ locker room, something that Clady has learned in his short time with New York.
“It’s a little awkward,” he said. “A lot of guys still talk about him, which they should because he was a great player and great ambassador for the Jets.”
Clady hopes to be the same in New York, but he had one final piece of business to take care of with his former team. On Monday, the Broncos met with President Barack Obama at the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl win.
“Oh, I went,” Clady said, adding that it was a bit “awkward” being with the Broncos again. “It was cool. Saw some of my guys and shook hands with Obama. Can’t beat that.”
This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 9:01 PM with the headline "Former Boise State star Clady has ‘something to prove’ with Jets."