Jets Coach Tony Oden Hospitalized after Incident at Joint Practice with Buccaneers
New York Jets coach Tony Oden was hospitalized after an incident occurred during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday. Oden, who serves as the Jets’ senior defensive assistant and cornerbacks coach, had to be carted off the field in Florham Park, New Jersey.
According to reports, Jets cornerback Brandin Echols was at the center of the altercation that led to Oden being knocked to the ground. Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans later revealed that Wednesday’s session witnessed the highest number of fights he has ever seen during a joint practice in his near-decade-long NFL career.
Jets coach Robert Saleh provided an update on Oden’s condition, stating, I think he caught some friendly fire. He’s awake, he’s doing fine, he’s stable. Saleh added that he was unsure of the exact details leading to Oden’s injury but acknowledged that it occurred during one of the altercations.
The Buccaneers had traveled north to train with the Jets ahead of the upcoming NFL season. The incident involving Oden took place shortly after a scuffle broke out between the two teams. Additionally, Bucs wide receiver Russell Gage was also carted off the field after suffering a leg injury.
While these incidents are unfortunate, there was some positive news for the Jets earlier in the week. Running back Breece Hall was activated from the physically unable to perform list, signaling progress in his recovery from an ACL and meniscus injury in his left knee. Hall’s return is a significant boost for the team as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in their season opener on September 11.
Tony Oden, aged 50, joined the Jets in 2021 but has a wealth of experience in the NFL. He previously worked for the Buccaneers a decade ago and has had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers, where he also worked under coach Saleh.
In conclusion, the incident involving Tony Oden at the joint practice between the Jets and Buccaneers has led to the coach being hospitalized. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, Oden is reportedly in stable condition. The incident serves as a reminder of the intensity and physicality often witnessed during practice sessions, especially when two teams come together in preparation for the forthcoming NFL season.
