Kelvin Beachum, the newest addition to the Ney York Jets offensive line, and the team's hope of a long-term solution to the left tackle position, is one of the smartest players in the NFL. Beachum earned a Bachelor's degree in economics, a Master's degree in organizational dynamics, and is also a big history buff. If you want to bet on the Jets this season, check out our sportsbook odds for the NY Jets games.
After sitting out most of his lone season with the Jacksonville Jaguars with a knee injury, Beachum signed with the Jets in the offseason. One of the first things he did after signing with New York was to reach out to D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who was the team's starting left tackle from 2006 to 2015. The two linemen met at a restaurant and talked about football.
When Beachum signed with the Jaguars last year, he did the same thing, only this time, he reached out to Tony Boselli a Jaguars legend and one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.
When he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Beachum met with former Steelers tackles Kendall Simmons, Tunch Ilkin, and Marvel Smith.
A lot of players in the NFL that have played for multiple teams never seem to bother with the history of the team they play with or try to meet some of the players that came before them. Unlike those players, Beachum likes to learn as much about the team he plays for and the players that came before him.
Beachum told reporters that for him, he tries to reach out to the people that played the same position on a new team because he knows there is a lot he can learn from them about the position and the franchise.
Beachum pointed to a picture of Ferguson on the wall of the Jets facilities, saying Ferguson was on the team's wall for a reason, so why wouldn't he want to learn from him if it can help him become a better player.
Even though the Jets haven't been very successful lately, they have had some great players over the years, including some great offensive tackles.
The most decorated and accomplished tackle in Jets history is the late Winston Hill, who was an eight-time Pro Bowler from 1964 to 1976.
Marvin Powell signed with the team in 1977 and made three All-Pro teams in nine seasons.
Beachum said he has already heard stories about Powell and called him a true man's professional because he heard he came to work every day carrying a briefcase with him. He added that he would love to meet Powell, but that might be difficult because the former lineman has kept his distance from the team for unknown reasons and doesn't show up for events involving former Jets players.
Ferguson, who never missed a practice or game when he was with the Jets, will be in the team's Ring of Honor one day, and Jets fans are starting to realize just how important he was to the team after their failed experiment with Ryan Clady last season.
If Beachum can stay healthy and play the left tackle position well, he too might be consider for the team's Ring of Honor one day.