Sure, it was just preseason. I didn’t keep track, and it doesn’t impact any crucial games. But Andre Cisco isn’t one to brush off mistakes easily. As a seasoned player in his fifth year, he recognizes the importance of improvement.
“You can never rise above that,” the Jets’ new starting free safety remarked after practice on Wednesday. “It’s about the fundamentals and mental checks you must make before every play. It serves as a reminder that you never really surpass those basics. A good wake-up call during the preseason game. Of course, I didn’t like what happened.”
The incident he referenced occurred during Saturday night’s game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Cisco was outmaneuvered on an 80-yard pass from Russell Wilson, which ultimately helped the Giants score quickly.
The game ended with a disappointing score of 31-12, and new coach Aaron Glenn described the team’s performance as “sloppy” and “dispirited,” with Cisco’s misstep highlighted as significant.
“This isn’t reflective of who we are,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes explained. “We talk about the daily grind, and Cisco is embodying that for us.”
Cisco then took responsibility for the play, speaking publicly for the first time since the encounter with the Giants.
“It’s a reminder of the consequences of not doing your job,” the 25-year-old safety, who previously spent four seasons with the Jaguars, explained. “As a safety, it sometimes feels like you’re in position when the ball isn’t thrown your way. Every inch matters. It happens more than you’d think. If you get caught out of position, it can cost you dearly.”
“It’s not about lacking talent or ability… it’s really about maintaining focus.”
After losing Chuck Clark and Ashton Davis to free agency, the Jets are counting on Cisco to solidify their safety roles, especially after he signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract this offseason.
A third-round pick from Syracuse, he has started 47 games in Jacksonville and recorded eight interceptions during his tenure.
Cisco is particularly invested in the Jets, as he grew up in Valley Stream on Long Island, and he’s thrilled about the chance to play for a team from his hometown.
“I love it, man,” he shared. “It’s truly a blessing. Just being here, with the team and the guys we have—it feels like the right moment.”
The only challenge? The influx of ticket requests for the first week against the Steelers.
“Since I spent some time away, it was rare for visitors to come see games,” he reflected. “But now folks can just drive over whenever.”
