While the Jets begrudgingly accepted their “Hard Knocks” fate, it seems Micheal Clemons is enjoying the camera time.
The defensive end arrived at the Jets’ first day of training camp on Wednesday shirtless, wearing sunglasses and carrying a barbed-wire bat.
Clemons’ unexpected accessory resembles that of Negan’s from “The Walking Dead.”
The villain named his bat Lucille, intimidating all in his way – perhaps Clemons is attempting to send a similar message.
The team posted the slo-mo cameo on Twitter, with NFL Films’ cameras on the scene, getting all the content for the upcoming season of the HBO docuseries.
“I totally forgot about the ‘specifically coordinated w social media team arrival to training camp’ slo-mo videos. Football is officially back,” PFT Commenter said on Twitter.
“If there was any doubt who the main character on Hard Knocks is…” NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers added in.
Clemons, who was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is walking into his sophomore season as a versatile defensive lineman with a chance to grow into a bigger role.
The Texas A&M product posted 311 defensive snaps, accounting for 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hits in 16 games as a rookie.
“On first and second down, he can absolutely demolish the edge and be a great edge setter and do all that and still provide some rush out there,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said during OTAs, according to Sports Illustrated.
“But then on the passing downs, utilizing his athleticism and speed on the guards and centers.”
At 6-foot-5 and reportedly over 290 pounds entering camp, Clemons is a big-body ready to make an impact.
The Jets are the first training camp to open in the NFL.
Gang Green is getting the early start to training camp as they prepare to play in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 3 against the Browns, who will begin camp on Friday.
