College football bowl season has come and gone. Only the national championship is left to play.
Among those who spent their long New Year’s weekend on the couch watching all of the games was New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. However, he had some regretful nostalgia.
Just like the rest of us, Wilson watched Georgia put a beatdown on Florida State in the Orange Bowl and wished that it wasn’t as ugly as it was. The Seminoles played without more than 55% of their two-deep depth chart due to opt-outs and transfers. They never stood a chance.
Garrett Wilson did not enjoy it.
Wilson hated to see it go down in such a manner and offered his thoughts on the current bowl climate.
Bowl games suck. Used to mean something
— Garrett Wilson on X, formerly known as Twitter
Of course, there was some irony in the comments. Wilson, who was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, did not play in the final bowl game of his three-year career at Ohio State.
He sat out of the Rose Bowl against Utah. Not because of an injury. To prevent an injury.
Wilson’s decision to opt-out of the Grandaddy Of Them All did not hinder what was ultimately an awesome game. However, it certainly could have — like Florida State on Saturday.
Naturally, the internet was quick to comment on Wilson’s decision in response to his initial post.
Yep. That’s why you opted out of the Rose Bowl (I don’t blame you).
— Jeremy George on X, formerly known as Twitter
The response to George’s comment came as a surprise.
Wish I didn’t, but yes
— Garrett Wilson on X, formerly known as Twitter
A different fan proceeded to ask Wilson for an understanding of his regret and received a really interesting perspective from the 23-year-old NFL wide receiver. He alluded to the idea that his decision not to play in the Rose Bowl stemmed from outside guidance.
Just to have played one more w the roommates etc… the way it’s set up, it doesn’t make sense to play in a non-playoff bowl, and that’s the info you get when you start having talks about going pro
— Garrett Wilson on X, formerly known as Twitter
To hear Garrett Wilson admit that he wishes he would have played in the final game of his career is a unique position from someone who ultimately went in the top-10. On the flip side of the conversation, however, is the injury to Clemson running back Will Shipley in the Gator Bowl.
Players should be allowed to make the decision for themselves. It is their decision.
With that being said, if Wilson’s advice is the same advice being offered to all college football players, they should heed the Jets pass-catcher’s regret as warning. He wished that he played. They might too!