Jets Add Offensive Lineman Nick Dawkins, Son of NBA Legend Darryl Dawkins
The undrafted guard and center was signed to the practice squad to add depth.
The New York Jets have signed offensive lineman Nick Dawkins, the son of the late NBA star Darryl Dawkins, to their practice squad. The signing, which occurred Tuesday, aims to bolster the team's offensive line depth.
Dawkins, 24, is a 6-foot-4, 305-pound guard and center. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens in April but was waived on September 3. He sees the Jets as an opportunity for a "fair shake."
"I was on the couch for a couple of weeks. I came in for a workout, and I’m appreciative of it," Dawkins told The Post. He will wear No. 53, an homage to one of his father's jersey numbers.
Darryl Dawkins, a prominent player for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, among other teams, died in 2015 at the age of 58. Nick Dawkins stated that he thinks about his father daily and strives to represent their last name while carving his own path.
"I think about legacy, but honestly I’m just trying to carve my own path," Dawkins said. "I guess doing that is subconsciously still thinking about him, but I’m really just trying to make my own name, make my own bones."
Dawkins is also a cousin of NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns, who was Darryl Dawkins' godson.
In the locker room, Dawkins will reunite with former Penn State teammate Olu Fashanu, who is now the Jets' left tackle. Fashanu expressed enthusiasm about Dawkins joining the team.
"I think of Nick like a brother, so to have him in the locker room, another familiar face from Penn State, that’s cool," Fashanu said. "Growing up, I played basketball, so I knew about Darryl Dawkins and everything. Once we introduced ourselves at Penn State, I connected the last name. Eventually, we got to talking about it, and he told us a lot of stories about his dad that were pretty entertaining."
The Jets' offensive line depth has been challenged by injuries, including the recent knee injury to starting left guard Dylan Parham. Several other players also missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, including running back Breece Hall (quad), wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger), tight end Mason Taylor (thumb), and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (quad).