Eagles star takes not-so-subtle shot at his former coach
Getting traded to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at midseason was the best thing to happen to Jay Ajayi. And he let the coach of the team that traded him, the Miami Dolphins, know it.
In an Instagram post, Ajayi posed with the Lombardi Trophy and had a message for his former coach, Adam Gase.
“THEY may have tried to discredit you, discount you, throw dirt on your name … none of it matters now,” wrote the Eagles running back.
“LEGACIES LAST FOREVER. funny how they were GASsEd over journalistic…look at me now. ONLY GOD,” Ajayi continued.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be0cPTqDCNa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_ufi_control
It’s pretty obvious by reading between the capital letters that he was taking a shot at Gase, who traded him to Philly on Oct. 31, 2017, for a fourth-round pick.
Ajayi had a breakout year in 2016, Gase’s first year as coach, gaining 1,272 yards on the ground with eight touchdowns.
But Gase seemed to grow frustrated with Ajayi this season, taking several veiled shots at his star running back.
After the Dolphins were crushed by the Ravens 40-0, Gase essentially blamed the offense’s problems on the running backs.
“To me it comes down to more than just offensive line. Majority of the time, the line knows where to go and what to do. Running backs, we never blocked the right guy,” Gase said after the Baltimore shutout.
While he didn’t mention Ajayi specifically, Ajayi played 70 percent of the snaps that game.
“We’ve got to stop trying to hit home runs all the time,” Gase added, referring to the running game. “How about take the 4 or 5 yards that we’re going to get? It comes down to everybody doing their job.”
He also seemed to question the commitment of some players, which could be viewed as a shot at Ajayi, whom he traded two days later.
“Offensively, it’s a joke,” the coach said. “We’ve got too many guys that don’t want to take it home with them. Until our best players actually put forth some effort, it’ll be s—.”
“I’m going to play the guys that know what to do,” Gase said. “The fan base might not like it, but oh well. We’re the worst offense in football. It’s hard to go lower than that.”
Ajayi went from the worst offense in football to the best team in football. In Philly, he was reinvigorated, rushing for 408 yards, on 5.8 yards per carry, in seven games.
After the Super Bowl, Ajayi pointed to the deep faith of many Eagles players.
Jay Ajayi said after the game that he’s never been apart of a team that his been very faith oriented with many coaches and players on the team. It is all about putting your faith and trust in Christ alone. Rejoice in the Lord and proclaim him forever and ever amen. #SuperBowl
— Brian Gerald (@RealHark12) February 5, 2018
In the 41-33 win over the Patriots on Sunday, Ajayi rushed for 57 yards on nine carries.
“To see where I’ve come from, the journey,’’ Ajayi said after the game. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity I was given. I’m so thankful for my teammates for embracing me.”
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