Transcripts of interviews with selected Jets players during locker room media availability before Thursday's midday practice:
T DAMIEN WOODY
On receiving the Eskenazi Award as voted on by the Jets beatwriters for the most cooperative player with the media…
As a player, it's not always easy to talk about situations, especially after losses. I understand that [the media] has a job to do. I try to be sensitive to what you guys have to do and try to make myself available with whatever situation comes about. I appreciate it. I am being me. That is who I am and hopefully there will be a lot more to come as we continue on in the near future.
On playing Seattle…
It's a big deal. Adding to it, this is Coach Mike Holmgren's last home game with Seattle. I am sure they are going to want to send him out in a good way in front of the home fans. It's going to be a tough game. Those guys play hard. They have a lot of pride over there. They have a lot of good veteran players, plus they know what is at stake for us. They are going to want to play spoiler, too. It's going to be a difficult game to play.
RB/KR LEON WASHINGTON
On what Thomas Jones brings to the team…
His work ethic. His leadership. The attitude that this guy brings to the locker room and what he brings on the field is something that I haven't seen by any other guy since I have been here. When he is in that huddle before the game talking to the guys before we go out, he really gets you pumped and ready to go. In the huddle that we have with the running backs he gets so pumped and ready to go.
His leadership that he has brought this year in every single game has really made him the MVP. He was my MVP vote. He definitely deserves it. I was happy to see Thomas earn it. You can definitely say the running backs are holding it down once again [laughing].
On what is inspirational when Jones speaks…
It's how he says it. The choice of words he uses. The passion that he displays in his voice. You can see his attitude. When you get a guy like that who says it and he means it and shows it on the field, it's not hard for guys to follow behind him. I was ecstatic to see him not only get voted to his first Pro Bowl but get the team MVP award. He deserves it. He definitely got my vote.
On what it's like watching him in the weightroom…
It's amazing because you're thinking, "Man, this guy lifts weights almost every day." He lifts on Saturday even with the game on Sunday. I've heard of Barry Sanders doing the same thing by lifting weights a lot and taking care of his body. That type of dedication and watching that is very inspirational to us because we realize what it takes to be so great in this league. He definitely displays it.
RB THOMAS JONES
On receiving team awards…
I am grateful to be thought of highly by my teammates. That really means more than anything. These are the guys that I am around every day and the guys that I go to work with on Sunday. For them to feel that way about me is definitely an honor.
On if he "flips a switch" when he steps on the field to inspire his teammates…
I wouldn't say I flip a switch. I am around my teammates more than I am around the public. Obviously, they probably know me a little bit better. Like I said before, anytime I get out there on Sunday I am living a dream and I am blessed that I have the opportunity to play. I cherish the moment every time I am out there and I try to make sure everyone else feels the way I feel about the game.
The good thing about this team is that we have a lot of veterans and a lot of vocal guys. We inspire the young guys and we inspire each other with our work ethic and the way that we prepare. To have any kind of honor that is voted on by your teammates is special.
On if this is his most memorable season…
Obviously, the season has gone well at this point, but we still have a lot of work to do. It's definitely satisfying coming off of the season last year, being 4-12 and not having the success we wanted. I have definitely been blessed this year as an individual and blessed to be a part of this team. I would say it's one of the best seasons I have had.
