Safety Jamal Adams was the only Jets player to be selected to the Pro Bowl. He leads the team with 79 solo tackles and 11.5 tackles for a loss. He's been one of the team's leaders in the locker room and is only in his second professional season.
He was an obvious choice for team MVP.
Adams' teammates voted him as the 2018 Curtis Martin Team MVP, as head coach Todd Bowles revealed the honor during a team meeting Friday morning.
A true honor to be recognized by my teammates in this way. Their vote means more than any award I could receive! I take a lot of pride in leading this team, we will right the ship! #President pic.twitter.com/yMshpZxtvy
- Jamal Adams (@TheAdamsEra) December 29, 2018
"It means everything," Adams told NewYorkJets.com's Eric Allen. "There's so many guys in there who you could name MVP. For those guys to pick me is definitely an honor and I don't take it for granted. I'm very fortunate and I appreciate those guys in there. They're all like brothers to me and I just can't thank them enough."
The 23-year-old Adams, who has also recorded 12 passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception, has been one of the team's top-performing defensive players since New York drafted him sixth overall in 2017. More than his stats, though, are his intangibles and leadership qualities.
"A lot of guys kind of want to force the leadership role onto themselves," Adams said. "I honestly feel you're born with it. It's a special tool and I'm very fortunate to have it."
The Jets also named defensive tackle Steve McLendon as the recipient of the Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational Award, center Jonotthan Harrison as the winner of the Marty Lyons Community Service Award, wide receiver Quincy Enunwa as the winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, linebacker Avery Williamson as the Kyle Clifton/"Good Guy" award and tight end Chris Herndon as the winer of the Bill Hampton Award for being "the rookie who acts like a pro in the locker room."