New York Jets: Victor Ochi Signing Makes History Twice
By Nafisa H
The New York Jets have brought Victory Ochi up to their 53-man roster, which is a historic move—for more than one reason.
New York Jets outside linebacker Victor Ochi made history on Saturday as the team promoted him from its practice squad to its 53-man roster. The move came after linebacker Erin Henderson was placed on the team’s NFI list. The move makes Ochi the first defensive player out of Stony Brook University to make it onto an active NFL roster. He joins former teammate tight end Will Tye, who became the first player in school history to become activated when the New York Giants promoted him last year.
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The addition of Ochi, Stony Brook’s career leader in sacks (32 1⁄2) and tackles for loss (49), comes at a perfect time as the New York Jets are set to play the Baltimore Ravens. Ochi spent training camp and the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent, recording five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. His two sacks occurred in the final two games and included a strip sack on New Orleans Saints quarterback Garrett Grayson in Ochi’s last game.
Victor Ochi has the opportunity to prove that one team’s loss is another’s gain and to help the New York Jets struggling defense, which currently ranks 23rd in overall defense and 29th against the pass. The 6-1, 246-pound linebacker was overlooked by many teams for his size and the fact that he went to a small school. But the Jets have had their eye on Ochi all along and see that with his speed, good hands, raw talent and ability to get to the quarterback, Ochi is very much an impact player.
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Regardless of whether he gets a lot of playing time or not, Victor Ochi signing is already a dream come true and a huge success story. He grew up watching Michael Strahan crush quarterbacks and dreamt of following in his success. However, his NFL dream wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t play college football and that was close to happening before Stony Brook offered Ochi a full scholarship and a chance to play football. They were the only school to do so.
The best part of the signing? Ochi gets to play for his parents’ favorite team. Yes, while Ochi grew up rooting for the Giants, his parents are diehard New York Jets fans. They are also undeniably even prouder fans today since he made history by making the Jets’ team. What’s sweeter than making history, though? Well, making it twice. Which is exactly what the New York Jets player did this week.
Ochi was honored in a way no other NFL player has by getting a hero named after him at the Se-Port Deli in East Setauket. The deli, a favorite amongst students at Ochi’s alma mater Stony Brook Univeristy, added the Vic Ochi sandwich to its menu earlier this week. According to the deli’s website, the sandwich consists of chicken cutlet, melted American cheese, bacon, French fries, macaroni salad, and tomato topped with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce on a toasted garlic hero.
Sounds like a delicious sandwich and since this is what Ochi ate during college, the hero deserves recognition! Perhaps if the New York Jets defeat the Baltimore Ravens, Ochi will celebrate with a Vic Ochi! Regardless of the game’s outcome, Ochi has already won by making history and it’s one tasty victory!