Willie Colon says he, Geno Smith have talked about 'Porsche' remark

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Willie Colon probably never wants to hear the word "Porsche" again.

A week ago, Colon compared the New York Jets' roster to the ultra-luxury car, and seemed to apply pressure on third-year quarterback Geno Smith.

"We bought the Porsche, we've given him the keys -- he can't crash it," Colon said in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Seven days later, as the Jets convened for the opening day of their three-day mandatory minicamp, that comment was still a topic of conversation. Smith was not available to the media Tuesday, and wide receiver Eric Decker declined to comment on it. But Colon himself did address it.

"Thinking back on my comments, I misspoke," Colon said. "Because from day one, [offensive coordinator Chan] Gailey said we don't know who we are, we don't know what we are. So I guess me labeling us a Porsche is me emphasizing that we've got a great secondary, we've got a lot of great wide receivers.

"But, at the end of the day, I said what I said. Me and Geno have talked about it, and we're OK."

Colon said he was surprised that the comment caused such a stir.

"In essence I felt like I was defending Geno," Colon said. "I felt like I was pretty much saying that all the heat he's gotten isn't his fault. He was kind of forced to step into a position where he kind of had to be the man right on.

"I can't tell Geno how to play football. I have a lot of respect for him, he knows that. The season will tell all. I'm fighting for a position, [too]."

Smith, 24, has endured a rocky first two years in the NFL. But new Jets coach Todd Bowles is sticking with Smith as his first-string quarterback, at least as of now. Veteran starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was brought in during the offseason and could push Smith for the starting job.

The Jets also traded for former Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall -- a significant upgrade at the wide receiver position, which should help Smith.

As for Colon, the 10-year veteran is in a battle to be the Jets' starting right guard next season, competing with Oday Aboushi.