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Ex-Jets RB Vows to Make New York Regret Letting Him Go, Sends Tribute to Packers

GREEN BAY, WI — August 8, 2025 — Former New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda is gearing up for a personal mission in the Green Bay Packers’ preseason opener against his old team on Saturday. Cut by the Jets at the end of the 2024 season, Abanikanda, who signed with the Packers in the offseason, views this game as a chance to “settle the score” and prove New York made a costly mistake by letting him go.

A fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh in the 2023 NFL Draft, Abanikanda showed promise with the Jets, rushing for 112 yards on 22 carries in limited action during his rookie year. Despite his potential, the Jets released him, leaving the 22-year-old determined to make a statement. Now fighting for a roster spot in Green Bay’s backfield alongside Josh Jacobs, Abanikanda is ready to seize his opportunity. “I’m not going easy, even if it’s my old teammates,” he said during a press conference at Lambeau Field. “The Packers gave me a chance to come back, and I’m paying them back with a touchdown to prove I belong here.”

Abanikanda’s explosive running style and knack for breaking tackles have turned heads in training camp, earning him significant reps with the second unit. His hunger to prove himself aligns with the Packers’ culture of discipline and opportunity under Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “Israel’s got that fire,” LaFleur said. “He’s fighting for every carry, and we love that mentality. This game means something extra to him, and we expect him to show it.”

The Packers, aiming to build on their 2024 playoff run, see Abanikanda as a potential spark in their offense. Facing the Jets, he has a chance to showcase his speed and vision against a defense that once called him teammate. With the regular season less than a month away, a strong performance could solidify his role in Green Bay’s crowded backfield.

Abanikanda’s determination to score against New York underscores his drive to rewrite his NFL story. As the Packers prepare for a competitive season, his vow to deliver a touchdown signals his intent to make the Jets regret their decision. Fans at Lambeau will be watching closely to see if Abanikanda can back up his words with a game-changing play.

Dolphins Legend 3× Pro Bowl and 1× Super Bowl, Expresses Desire to Join Patriots After Being Released Due to Suspension – Willing to Give Up Everything to Repay the Team That Saved His Soul from His Darkest Days
Foxborough – November 20, 2025 The story of a former Dolphins legend – a player who was once selected to 3 Pro Bowls and owns 1 Super Bowl championship – is creating waves of emotion throughout the entire NFL. After being released because of a suspension, he is not seeking glory or an expensive contract. What he wants is to go to the place that once pulled him out of the mental abyss. A journey no longer revolving around fame, but revolving around gratitude. Right after the Dolphins officially announced the termination of his contract, he immediately contacted the New England Patriots side to ask for even the smallest chance. Not to rebuild his career, but to repay a debt of gratitude he believes he has never fully repaid. That sincerity has attracted attention not only from Patriots fans but also from neutral viewers, people who can clearly feel the desire for rebirth from a player who once stood at the pinnacle and then fell to the very bottom. In an interview broadcast last night, he left the entire press room in silence when he spoke about his darkest days. He said the criticism, the injuries, and the isolation had pushed him into a dead end. In that moment, he admitted there was only one single place that pulled him back up. “When the whole world turned its back on me, the Patriots were the only light that pulled me out of my darkest days. If I still have one chance in the NFL, I am willing to trade everything just to repay them.” And the player mentioned throughout the article is Odell Beckham Jr. He revealed that it was former head coach Bill Belichick who continuously called to check on him, even though he had never played a single snap for the Patriots. Those conversations were not about football but about the value of a human being. It was that sincerity, he said, that saved him from “the darkest moment of his life.” That is the deepest reason why he wants one day to wear the Patriots jersey – the place where Belichick once made history and the place where he believes he owes an entire spiritual life. Although the Patriots are seriously considering giving him a chance, according to sources from inside the league, he still holds hope that New England will open that final door. And at this moment, nothing is clearer than the truth that Odell Beckham Jr. is no longer seeking salvation for his career, but for his soul. If the Patriots speak up, he is ready to step in without hesitation – just as he said, only to be able to “repay the greatest debt of his life.”