Haason Reddick posts defiant message ahead of Jets debut

It’s the New York version of asking for forgiveness.

“Hate me now, love me later…I’m still me ” Hasson Reddick, 30, wrote on Instagram Thursday evening.

The caption accompanied a photo of the linebacker participating in a Jets practice ahead of their Week 8 divisional showdown against the Patriots in Foxboro.

Haason Reddick looks on at Jets practice on Oct. 25, 2024. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Reddick is finally set to make his Jets debut in the clash.

The image, which shows Reddick decked out in a green practice jersey and team-issued shorts, is one that Gang Green has been waiting to see for quite some time.

As long as this Jets season has felt like, Reddick’s reprieve has felt longer.

The two-time Pro Bowler was traded to New York in March, but an extended contract break kept him off the gridiron during the mandatory three-day minicamp in June. And the start of training camp in July. And the start of preseason play in August. And the start of the regular season in September.

None of that matters anymore now.

Reddick is desperately needed.

The Jets – with a 2-5 record, 3rd place in the AFC East – are reeling.

They have lost four in a row and given up more than 20 points in three of those games.

New York’s defense already ranks among the top 10 in the league in average yards allowed per game, though that number only tells half the story.

The Jets’ pass defense ranks second in the NFL, averaging 164.7 yards per game through the air.

But on the ground, the defensive unit is allowing an average of 127.7 yards per game, which ranks 16th.

Reddick — who has racked up 410 tackles and 58 sacks in seven seasons with the Cardinals, Panthers and Eagles — is expected to come in and immediately close the gap.