Zach Wilson Leaves Parting Gift For BYU Athletics Staff Before Start Of Jets Career

PROVO, Utah – Zach Wilson stole the show last night during the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Wilson is set to embark on his NFL career with the New York Jets.

But before touching down in Florham Park, New Jersey, on Friday, Wilson and his team made sure to have gifts waiting for the people at BYU that helped him get where he is today.

On Friday, members of the BYU Athletics staff, located on the third floor of the Student-Athlete Building, were greeted with Nike BYU football packages that contained an authentic Zach Wilson signed jersey from Nike. Last week, Wilson signed an endorsement contract to join the apparel giant.

Something incredibly cool for @BYUCougars employees to find at their desks this morning.

Pure class from the No. 2 overall pick. Not forgetting where he’s come from.@zachkapono1 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/S5lcAqQkRS

— Jon McBride (@jMcBee84) April 30, 2021

Each package contained a note that read, “The 2020 BYU Football Season was such a light to so many during a difficult time. It couldn’t have happened without your hard work and support. Mahalo!”

There was a time last July and August where many wondered if BYU would play a season at all amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe worked hard to piece together any schedule he could find after the Power 5 conferences decided not to play. Later, they opted to play, but it was conference-only schedules. Leaving BYU to scramble and find anything that they could.

Thank you @zachkapono1 and @BYUfootball! Such an awesome/thoughtful gift to get the day after the #NFLDraft2021 pic.twitter.com/W6VDcwAgvQ

— Jordan Blad (@jordan_blad) April 30, 2021

Without a 2020 BYU football season, there is no Zach Wilson as the No. 2 overall NFL draft pick to the New York Jets. Last year at this time, Wilson was barely on anyone’s NFL radar. After a season of leading BYU to its best finish in 24 years with a No. 11 ranking, and 11-1 record, Wilson made sure to give thanks to those at BYU.

Got into my office this morning and this was waiting on my desk for me.
Thank you @zachkapono1!!!
I appreciate you thinking of me.
Words can’t even express what I’m feeling at this time. You’re the man!!!
DAS MY NEPHEW!!!🤟🏾 pic.twitter.com/fJnJYt6ZKL

— Jack Damuni (@JackDamuni) April 30, 2021

In three years with BYU, Zach Wilson passed for 7,652 yards, 56 touchdowns, and completed 67.6% of his passes. As a starter, Wilson posted a 19-9 record in 28 career starts with the Cougars.