Jeff Ulbrich, Jets Just Saved Takk McKinley's Career

Relationships matter in the NFL, as they do in life.

In the case of New York Jets edge rusher Takk McKinley, one relationship may have saved his entire career.

A former first-round pick out of UCLA, injuries and ineffective play had driven the former Atlanta Falcon out of the league for the 2023 season. After a nearly year and a half hiatus, the belief was that McKinley's playing career was over.

One person, though, didn't feel that way.

Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was on the Falcons defensive staff that drafted McKinley and even had a relationship with the edge rusher out of college.

With McKinley looking for an avenue to get back into the NFL, Ulbrich (now with the Jets) pushed for the team to give the veteran a tryout - something that he took hold of and hasn't looked back.

Since joining the Jets on a tryout basis, McKinley has been a dominant force on the team's defensive line in both training camp practices and preseason action. In Saturday's preseason win over the New York Giants, the 28-year-old recorded 2.5 sacks including multiple stops in the run to potentially earn a roster spot this year.

For McKinley, he understands and appreciates the fact he never would have had this chance had it not been for Ulbrich.

"Ulbrich, that’s my guy. He recruited me out of community college to UCLA, so we always had that bond and connection, he knows the real Takk McKinley," the edge rusher said after Saturday's preseason win. "And again, I know in the past I’ve made mistakes on the field, off the field, but everybody can grow. I am very thankful that he allowed me just to show the Jets organization what I’m capable of. He’s a great man because he didn’t have to do that."

New York's coaching staff only gave him an opportunity, though. From then on, as head coach Rober Saleh said "it was all Takk."

McKinley still is not guaranteed a roster spot with Gang Green just yet - final decisions aren't due until Tuesday. It is clear, though, that the former college star can still play at this level.

Related: Jets Are In Difficult Spot Deciding 53-Man Roster, Waiver Wire

So even if he doesn't end up making the Jets roster, there will be other edge rusher-needy teams that could definitely use his services.

"Every day in training camp, I gave it my all, in the game I gave it my all, and we’ll see what happens."