Much like the Energizer Bunny, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon keeps going and going, and going.
On Wednesday, Colon re-signed with the New York Jets and the Hofstra product will get his wish to remain near is hometown of the Bronx.
Colon, who was originally drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, was released by the Steelers last March after only being able to play in 12 games over the course of the three previous seasons.
Even though Colon found a new team in the Jets, his personal injury bug followed him to New York and finally bit him in the final game of the 2013 season as he tore his biceps. He has since had surgery, however, and is expected to be ready for training camp.
After signing his one year, $2 million contract on Wednesday, Colon talked about his most recent injury and history of being hurt.
“I was very upset,” Colon said during a conference call with reporters. “I knew what it meant, especially going through this free agent time. The biggest knock on me was my injury history. For it to happen again, it was a blow. I knew it was going to hurt me when it came to free agency – and it did, to a certain degree. A lot of teams weren’t interested in me, and some were, for the most part, very cautious because of the injury history.”
When Colon is healthy, he’s still a pretty damn good offensive lineman and showed that last season with the Jets at right guard. Pass protection was his strength in 2013 as he only gave up one sack, three hits and 14 hurries all season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Colon will turn 31 in April and being as he’s only signed for one season, he’ll have to stay healthy in 2014 if he wants to continue his career. Should this be the final season for him, however, at least he’ll be able to play close to home and in front of his family and friends.
