After his two seasons in Atlanta ended after 2017, linebacker Courtney Upshaw found a new professional home Thursday as he grabbed the attention of the New York Jets.
According to an article from the Baltimore Sun, New York signed the linebacker/defensive end hybrid following his performance in a three-day minicamp tryout session. While he collected 33 tackles in 26 games as a Falcon (2016-17), Upshaw’s career in the National Football League started in 2012 with the Baltimore Ravens. A second-round pick from the University of Alabama, he compiled 183 tackles, five sacks, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries through four seasons (2012-15). Upshaw assisted the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2012, as the team earned a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite getting back to the big stage four years later, questionable play calling on offense and Tom Brady’s abilities to create big plays doomed Upshaw of a second Super Bowl title with the Falcons.
Although he wanted to be re-signed by Atlanta, the former All-American goes to a franchise where he can be a crucial contributor. During a conversation Upshaw had with yours truly of TDAL Magazine in April, he said that he’s still in the phase of loving the game of football.
“It’s not about collecting checks,” Upshaw said. “I just want to play. “I just don’t want to go to a team and be on a team, I want to play football. I want to be in the game. There is nothing like making plays and hitting people. I just want to play.”
Hailing from Eufaula, Ala., Upshaw brings the same passion to the Jets that he carried in four seasons under Nick Saban at Alabama. He was a primetime asset from 2008 to 2011, especially when he led the team in tackles for loss (18), sacks (9.5) and quarter back hurries (10) as a senior in 2011. With Upshaw, the Crimson Tide finished that year leading the nation in all five major defensive categories – earning its second BCS national championship of the Saban era.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
