Has Kerry Rhodes Gone "Hollywood?"

Kerry Rhodes broke out in 2006, his second year in the league, becoming one of the stars of the Jet’s defense. He was a big pay machine recording five sacks, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles. He was deserving of the Pro Bowl, but missed out due to his relative unknown status outside of New York.

He followed up that season with a nice 2007 year as he gained recognition around the league. Renowned NFL writer, Peter King, ranked Rhodes 29th on his list of the top 500 players in the league.

Rhodes then inked a nice contract extension in the off season from Jets, totaling five years and $33.5 million, with $20 million guaranteed. It was on par with Bob Sanders' deal.

However, since signing his extension before the 2008 season, Rhodes has only recorded one sack and two interceptions compared to the seven sacks and nine interceptions he had in the ‘06 and ‘07 campaigns. And this season he has not recorded any sacks or interceptions.

This is coming to the guy who was suppose to be the Jet’s version of  Ed Reed in Rex Ryan’s defense.

Rhodes’ has earned the nickname “Hollywood” over his career and appropriately so. He has appeared in two movies and has done a lot of modeling work. He has also joined Twitter and frequently tweets, updating his page numerous times per day.

Perhaps Rhodes has let his ego get in the way of his play. Maybe he prefers the movie screen and runway over the football field. He signed his big money deal and now may not be putting in the same kind of effort as before. While I’m just speculating, and may be way off, there are connections.

Watching the game on Sunday I barely even noticed he was on the field. The one time I did see him was when he allowed a Marcedes Lewis reception on a crucial third down down on the Jaguars game-winning drive.

Whatever Rhodes’ problem may be, he needs to start picking up his play. He is one of the most talented players on the Jets' team and needs to play like it before the ship sets sail on the Jets' playoff hopes.