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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar took on a different role than fighter and Champion this weekend: motivational speaker.
According to a report from ESPN New York, New Jersey native Edgar came to speak to the NFL's New York Jets on Saturday night to help Jets coach Rex Ryan sell a speech on mental toughness. Edgar reportedly gave a lengthy speech on toughness and the players also viewed a highlight package of Edgar's UFC fights. Several players addressed his speech following a hard fought victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday, and pointed to his words as motivation in their come from behind win.
"What a perfect time," Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez said. "(He was) talking about never giving up, being counted out, playing until the end, fighting, believing in yourself, believing in your team and the people around you."
Said Jim Leonhard, Jets strong safety, "It was unreal to see him fight and hear about his career. I thought he sent the right message ... Maybe we should bring him back next week."
Edgar returns to action on New Year's Day to make his second Lightweight Title defense against the only man to ever defeat him, Gray Maynard.
Penick's Analysis: It's very cool for Edgar to get a chance to not only talk to the team, but to be a source of motivation for them as well. It's a positive sign for Edgar, as he is far from a proven draw at this point, and this is another step into the mainstream consciousness for him. Just being mentioned in the same piece as these players is positive press, and for them to point to things he said to the team the night before is a very cool thing for him and the UFC.
EDIT: Initial report mistakenly stated the Jets defeated the Tennessee Titans.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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