Bilal Powell has seen his playing time diminished this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from moving his name up in the Jets ‘record books.
Powell is 19 yards away from passing Bill Mathis for No. 8 on the team’s all-time rushing list. He is currently at 3,571 yards. With Le’Veon Bell’s status for Sunday’s game in question, Powell could see a lot of playing time and move up on the list.
Powell has had a remarkable career in green and white, but he’s not taking all the credit.
“It’s a privilege to be in the NFL,” Powell told reporters. “I can’t give credit to myself. I’ve had some good offensive linemen that helped me along the way… I’m worried about the team first, going to get a ‘W’ vs. the Dolphins.”
The 31-year old running back is the longest-tenured Jet on the roster. He was drafted in the fourth round back in 2011 out of Louisville.
Powell has always been consistent with the Jets. He has never been the superstar running back, but he is reliable. In eight-plus seasons with the Jets, Powell has run for over 600 yards three times while also having two seasons of over 300 receiving yards. His best season came in 2017 when he ran for 772 yards and five touchdowns.
This could be Powell’s last season with Gang Green given his age and the Jets’ situation at running back. To finish his Jets career as a top 10 rushing leader in Jets history would be well deserved for Powell.