Kellen Clemens Gracious In Defeat As Sanchez Named Starter

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Say what you will about Kellen Clemens playing ability, but nobody can question his attitude, his graciousness and his genuine appreciation for the game.

Today, must of been a very long day for Clemens. Just after 8:00am this morning, he was called to a meeting, and must of known what was coming. Mark Sanchez officially named the starter of the New York Jets.

DeJa Vu, a scene that had to be very familiar and unwelcoming to Clemens, a man who came out of college with high hopes and expectations, and rightfully so. Amongst all the congratulations that we hand to Mark Sanchez, Clemens reaction can not go un-noticed.

First person to inform the media of Clemens reaction was non other than the New Jets quarterback himself, who told the media on Wednesday afternoon that once the two had left Rex Ryan's office, Clemens turned to him and said:

'Hey man, I'm happy for you.' He said, 'I'm behind you 100 percent and this is something great. Take it and run with it and we'll be in this thing together. I'll be your eyes on the sideline.' And that was really special to me. That meant a lot."

Now, In a sport where players are berated for there selfish attitude, I hope that it is not just me who finds this kind of support from a gracious loser to be refreshing. I don't particularly like the sound of the word 'loser' in this context, but he did lose the battle.

Clemens might be thinking what's next for him, however, he seems ready to take on his role on the sideline. He can help and mentor the young QB.

Clemens might not have the years of experience, but he knows the system. Rex applauded his knowledge with the system and it could be vital for the development of Sanchez

It would've been very easy to turn his back on the rookie and the Jets franchise having been passed up for the job again; having already previously lost out to Chad Pennington and Brett Favre.

Clemens might not be starting this season for the Jets, but that does not mean that he is not important to this franchise.

Clemens briefly commented on the decision saying:

"A bump in the road. It's not the end of the road."

A top class person, who I'm sure every Jet fan will wish luck in the future, even if it might not be with our very own franchise. At least one more season, though Clemens, see out the remainder of your contract then go hunting for a job.

I'm sure we as Jets fans would not deny him that.

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