Vernon Gholston

Outside Linebacker Vernon Gholston plays for the New York Jets in the National Football League. Gholston was selected sixth overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Gholston signed a contract with the Jets in July 2008 that featured a $21 million signing bonus and could pay him up to $50 million when it's all said and done. So far, through 2009, Gholston has yet to record a sack and has been labeled a massive disappointment by the masses. He has played mostly on special teams throughout the 08-09 seasons, and has been mostly lost whenever he has seen playing time during those two years.

When former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini, drafted Gholston sixth overall he envisioned Gholston being the disruptive pass rushing force that he was in college when he racked up 24.5 sacks over his last two seasons at Ohio State.

The 2009 season, especially with the four game suspension of OLB Calvin Pace was supposed to see Vernon Gholston make significant strides as an LB, but he didn't record a sack and rarely saw the field once Pace made his return.

Jets coach Rex Ryan, after getting the HC position in the 09 offseason, talked glowingly of Gholston. He compared him favorably to Terrell Suggs, and essentially said if he couldn't get the most out of Gholston, then no one could. Gholston had a golden opportunity to show something while Pace sat out to start the season, and was silent which drew ire from people within the organization and fans alike.

Gholston's attitude has also come into question, as people inside and outside the organization alike, question his passion and love for the game.

With the uncapped season on the horizon for the NFL, there were rumblings that the Jets might release Gholston to get out from under his burdensome contract. Ryan stood by Gholston saying that he hasn't had a fair opportunity yet, and Gholston for now stands to be on the 2010 roster as a backup linebacker.

2008 was Vernon Gholston's rookie campaign with the New York Jets and he didn't do much to impress anyone. He quickly made his way into then coach Eric Mangini's doghouse as he produced nothing.