MetLife Stadium won’t be using former Jets bust Mekhi Becton as a spokesperson anytime soon.
“I don’t wanna play in that s–tty stadium,” Becton, now with the Eagles, said before his return for the Week 7 game vs. the Giants, per CBS. “It’s bad. Everything is just bad about that stadium. I don’t really like it. I’m just glad I only gotta do it one time a year. Just gotta go in there, do my 1-11 and go home.”
Becton called MetLife Stadium home for the first four years of his career after the Jets selected him with the 11th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Like most players, the former Louisville standout has major qualms with the playing field inside the East Rutherford stadium.
The Giants and Jets switched to a new synthetic turf ahead of the 2023 season, although Jets star receiver Garrett Wilson still labeled it as “garbage.”
Giants owner John Mara and Jets owner Woody Johnson have both discussed the logistical issues of swapping to grass permanently due to both teams using the venue in a cold-weather locale.
However, grass will be temporarily installed for the 2026 World Cup to meet FIFA requirements.
While injuries slowed Becton during his time with the Jets, with the tackle playing in just one game spanning the 2022-23 seasons, he never actually suffered a major injury during a home game.
“You can just tell the difference like if you was to get on that turf and (then) go on a different turf,” Becton told CBS. “You can tell. It’s a night and day difference in turf. It just feels lifted. There’s a lot of things that doesn’t feel right about that turf.”
He added: “I just don’t understand why if you have an outdoor stadium, why not just have grass. Just for anybody. It just don’t make sense to me.”
This game will not be a true homecoming for Becton since he’s not facing his former team, but Becton didn’t want to take a trip down memory lane.
Becton did say, though, that he and Saquon Barkley, whose return is a much bigger story, “both know how New York did us,” seemingly indicating he believes both were mistreated by their former teams.
“No comment. That’s what I’ll say on that,” Becton said when discussing the Jets, according to CBS. “I’m good and happy over here. No comment.”
Becton showed glimpses of being a cornerstone for the franchise, but injuries and underwhelming performances led to him signing a one-year deal with the Eagles this offseason.
The 25-year-old has started all five games for Philadelphia.
Becton noted that he feels the Jets live in the Giants’ shadow.
“It’s like a whole another side,” Becton said, per CBs. “The way I put it when I was there, we was like the little brothers to them. On their side, they had all their trophies and Super Bowls and on or side — we were the New York Jets.”