C Connor McGovern returns to Jets to 'join something special'

Connor McGovern contemplated retirement after a pair of knee injuries last October, but the veteran center is back with the New York Jets after signing on Wednesday following a tryout.

McGovern, 31, practiced with the Jets for the first time on Thursday since damaging his left MCL and dislocating his kneecap on Oct. 29, 2023.

"After I got hurt, I called my wife and was like, ‘Well, that's it. We're hanging ‘em up,'" he said Thursday.

On the advice of his agent, McGovern rehabbed the injuries and kept himself in playing shape. The advice paid off as he was added to the Jets' practice squad.

"If or when this team goes to the playoffs and if I wasn't helping in some capacity," McGovern said, "I'd be pretty disappointed that I didn't seize any opportunity. I had to come have another ride with this group and be a part of something special."

From 2020 until his injury last season, McGovern was the Jets' starting center for 55 games. Joe Tippmann, the Jets' second-round pick in 2023, took over and currently holds the starting job. McGovern was contacted by the Jets after they placed backup center Wes Schweitzer on injured reserve with a hand injury last week.

McGovern began his career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. He spent three seasons in Denver, starting 36 of 47 games before signing with the Jets in April 2020.

McGovern, who said the Jets were the only team he would play for, is reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who took the Jets' offensive linemen -- including McGovern -- on a trip to Las Vegas in January.

McGovern found himself watching the Jets on Monday night in their 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and pulling for New York.

"My wife was like, ‘You're not even on the team yet!'" McGovern cracked. "I was like, ‘Yeah, but those are my boys out there.'"

--Field Level Media