The first of what the New York Jets hope is a string of accolades was given this week to tight end Kenyon Sadiq. He was voted the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for his Week 3 performance against the Detroit Lions.
Sadiq is the fourth rookie pass catcher in Jets history to record 7 receptions, 105-plus receiving yards and 1 receiving TD in a single game, according to Stats Perform.
He also became the first rookie to have 100+ receiving yards in a single game this season while becoming the first Jets rookie tight end to eclipse the three-digit mark since 2008.
His 24-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Geno Smith was a thing of beauty, a diving catch into the end zone as he bolted up the seam. He later had a 43-yard reception, gaining an additional 21 yards after the catch.
The performance wasn’t shocking, but was something the Jets have been waiting for to vindicate their selection of Sadiq at No. 16 in the first round of the 2026 draft. Many observers were surprised he went that early, despite a blazing 4.39 in the 40 at the NFL combine.
In 2025 with the Oregon Ducks, he set the Oregon single season record for catches by a TE with 51. For the Jets, Sadiq now has 12 receptions for 143 yards and a TD along with a 3-yard end-around rushing score in Week 1 against the Titans.
With No. 2 receiver Adonai Mitchell sidelined, running back Breece Hall nursing a pulled quad, and starting tight end Mason Taylor fighting an injured thumb, the door is wide open for Sadiq to see increased playing time.
