EXCLUSIVE: D'Angelo Ponds is set to feature for the Jets against the Lions on Sunday, marking his first NFL game after overcoming an injury - and he spoke to The Mirror U.S. about his long wait
D'Angelo Ponds last played in a football game during the National Championship in Miami in January
D'Angelo Ponds last played in a football game during the National Championship in Miami in January(Image: Getty Images)
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“Pure excitement.”
That’s what cornerback D’Angelo Ponds told The Mirror U.S. when asked how he’s feeling ahead of his New York Jets debut against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. It’s been a long wait for the rookie, who injured his calf on the first day of training camp in July and only returned to practice three weeks ago.
After winning the national championship with Indiana back in January, Ponds — who had a city temporarily named after him - heard his name called in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, realizing his lifelong dream. But he will get to live that dream in Detroit, which the 21-year-old hopes will mark the start of a long and prosperous career at the highest level.
“It’s something I've been waiting on for a long time,” Ponds exclusively told The Mirror U.S. “I always wanted to play in the NFL, and the fact that that's going to come true soon, I just feel pure excitement.”
Ponds came agonizingly close to suiting up against the Green Bay Packers in the Jets’ home opener last week, only to be made inactive. While he got to watch his teammates, including fellow rookie Kenyon Sadiq, get off to a winning start in Week 1, the feeling of helplessness during the Green Bay loss stuck with him.
“It was tough for me not to be out there helping my team in any way possible,” Ponds said. “Obviously, as a competitor, I'm a guy who wants to be out there helping my team. I hate not playing. I just had to work on myself, study the playbook, and make sure I’ll be ready when it’s my time to go.
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D'Angelo Ponds was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft
D'Angelo Ponds was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft(Image: X @UnderdogNFL)
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“It was very tough for me, but moving forward, I’m going to be out there.”
Standing at 5-8 and weighing 182 pounds, Ponds may be considered by some to be undersized for the NFL. But he compensates with elite athleticism and a physical play style, which helped him dominate at Indiana in college.
His first NFL test? The Lions’ vaunted passing offense is spearheaded by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta. Through two games, Detroit is averaging 362 yards and 31 points with running back Jahmyr Gibbs stealing the show.
But Ponds is not intimidated. In fact, he relishes the opportunity. “It’s a good opponent to go against for my first NFL game. They have a great receiving corps overall.
“I just want to look back and see that I went against great receivers in my first rookie game, knowing I competed well against them. It’s the perfect start, really.”
And he’s good to go without any calf issues? “Yessir. Absolutely.”
Ponds and the 1-1 Jets face the 1-1 Lions at Ford Field on Sunday.