Jerricho Cotchery: 'It's Always Fun To Come Back'

Last Saturday, at NC State's homecoming versus Maryland, Jerricho Cotchery was proud to stand before all of the Wolfpack fans in the end zone. Before leaving to go on to the NFL, Cotchery left a legacy as on of the best players to ever play for NC State. One look at the NC State record books, and it is obvious why the crowd in Carter-Finley stood in roaring applause this past Saturday. Cotchery is NC State's all-time leader in receptions, with 200 (ranks 4th in ACC history), and also holds the all-time record for the most career 100-yard receiving games, with 15 (ranks 2nd in ACC history). He also finished second in school history behind Torry Holt in receiving yards (3,119) and receiving touchdowns (21). Jerricho is one of two people in ACC history to collect 200 receptions and 3,000 yards in his collegiate career (the other player is former FSU wide receiver Peter Warrick).

Cotchery was drafted in the 4th round of the 2004 NFL draft by the New York Jets. After reeling in 82 receptions for 961 yards and 6 touchdowns in his third year in the NFL, which was the final year of his rookie contract, the Jets signed Cotchery to a 5-year extension worth $19 million in March of 2007. Since then, Jerricho has gone on to become the 3rd receiver in Jets history to record three consecutive seasons of 70-or-more receptions.

Jerricho started off this season as the number #1 option for the Jets, and was living up to the title until he was sidelined after Week 4 with a hamstring injury. Before the injury, Cotchery was ranked 5th in the NFL in receiving yards. In his first game back from injury this past Sunday versus the Dolphins, Cotchery looked like he was back to early season form, reeling in 3 receptions for 70 yards.

The Wolfpack had one of their all-time best back in Carter-Finley this past Saturday, and the atmosphere in the stadium brought back a lot of memories for Cotchery.

"It's always fun to come back down here. The atmosphere is just so great," Cotchery said. "The fans are going crazy all the time, supporting the team no matter what. It just brings back a lot of great memories when you come back here."

Cotchery also forecasts good things for the future of the NC State football program, trusting that Coach O'Brien is the right man for the job.

"Coach O'Brien is doing a great job," Cotchery said. "We're fighting injuries a lot, but those guys are still out there battling hard, and I think we'll be able to turn it around."

Wolfpack fans have to be proud of having a player like Cothcery represent their school so well. Not only is Jerricho a tremendous player, but he is also a tremendous person off the field as well. Back in '06, Cotchery received the Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award, which recognizes consistent willingness, cooperation and professionalism in everyday dealings with the various departments in the organization. In '07 he was selected by the Jets staff as the 2007 Marty Lyons Award winner, given to the player who gives from the heart through charity and community involvement. The United Way in New York City also dubbed Cotchery as a Hometown Hero in '07 for his work off the field. He also established the Cotchery Foundation in 2007, which was formed for the purpose of inspiring children to conceive and achieve goals by providing programs and services designed to enhance their futures.

Check out all the great work that Cotchery is doing at the Cotchery Foundation.