New York Jets rookie Kenyon Sadiq did something in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans that hasn't been done since 1978.
Not only did the New York Jets beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 to begin Year 2 of the Aaron Glenn era 1-0, but rookie Kenyon Sadiq also did something that hasn't been done since 1978.
According to ESPN, Sadiq joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome (1978) as the only two tight ends in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown in their first game.
"It was awesome, something you just dream of," Sadiq said. "I have so much gratitude for all the guys. Mason (Taylor) and Jeremy (Ruckert) were really the big reason why I scored there."
On his touchdown run, Sadiq went in motion toward Geno Smith, took the handoff and burned rubber around the left end, reaching a top speed of 20.08 mph -- tied with Mark Andrews (2025) for the fastest max speed on a rushing TD by a tight end since Next Gen Stats began tracking in 2016.
Sadiq had three catches for 21 yards in his first NFL game. He underwent hernia surgery in the spring and missed most of OTAs and then training camp after a setback in late July.
However, Sadiq looked explosive and healthy in Week 1 against the Titans.
The Jets took Sadiq with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Oregon.
In 2025, Sadiq caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished his college career with 80 receptions for 892 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 42 games.
Sadiq was named a second-team All-American and the Big Ten TE of the Year and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which goes to the nation's top tight end.
The Jets face the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. It will be intriguing to see how Sadiq performs in his second NFL game.
"It's exciting and it opens doors for all of us," Taylor said after Sadiq's arrival.
Smith played well in Week 1, going 19/24 through the air for 215 passing yards. More importantly, Smith didn't have any interceptions after throwing 17 with the Las Vegas Raiders last season.
For the Jets to upset the Packers, Smith and Sadiq have to have strong games again.
