Jets' C.J. Uzomah: Zach Wilson 'rubbed the team the wrong way' after Patriots loss

New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah has confirmed quarterback Zach Wilson upset teammates with his antics during what's become a famous postgame press conference. 

Wilson attracted criticism from analysts and fans, alike, when he initially refused to say he and the offense "let the defense down" shortly after New York's 10-3 loss at the New England Patriots on Nov. 20. Per Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post, Uzomah explained during an appearance on "The Chris Rose Football Show" that he reached out to Wilson regarding the matter before the second-year pro was benched by head coach Robert Saleh. 

"I didn’t go up to him…I texted him later that night, and then Monday after we had film, I texted him, and then I texted him on Tuesday night just like, 'Hey man,' — this was before anything happened, right, I didn’t know what was going on, Wednesday was when we found out about the quarterback change — I texted him Tuesday night, just like, 'Hey man, just letting you know, obviously you know you rubbed the team the wrong way just, I’d say something if I were you,'" Uzomah remarked. 

Uzomah added that Wilson responded early Wednesday morning and ultimately addressed the team after it was learned that backup Mike White would start against the Chicago Bears in Week 12. According to Uzomah, Wilson "gained a lot of respect from the players" for offering a "very emotional" apology. 

"Individually, there was like a little line that dapped him up and said we appreciate you and we appreciate you saying that," Uzomah said of the response Wilson received. 

It was previously said that Wilson was demoted from starter to scout team duties and made an inactive spectator against Chicago in part because he had lost at least some within the locker room. Meanwhile, White passed for 315 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in the 31-10 victory over the Bears and is on track to start when the 7-4 Jets play at the 9-2 Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.