David Bailey, a rookie edge rusher for the New York Jets, had a standout performance during an October 11 game. His secret weapon? No social media.
The 23-year-old professional athlete has no active social media accounts. He deleted all his apps early this season.
He says that he spent too much time online. Scrolling was just too addicting. So he chose to throw off at least one thing that was hindering his progress. (See Hebrews 12:1 for a comparison to the life of the Christian). Now Bailey is shifting his focus to studying the playbook and physical training.
And the discipline is paying off. Bailey won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season. In a game against Cleveland, he had three sacks, seven total tackles, and four quarterback hits. His team won 17-12. He is the second Jets rookie ever to have three sacks in a single game.
His performance is drawing major attention on social media. But the best part? He hasn’t seen any of it.
Many in the league are talking about Bailey’s countercultural move. Though it’s strange to some, Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas and his brother, Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh, admire it.
“It just shows how he plays and how selfless he is,” says Azareye’h.
David Bailey is okay being different from his fellow football players. As Christians, we are called to look different too.
My son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths.— Proverbs 1:15
