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Jets' Seferian-Jenkins sober for 129 days: 'It's been a transformation'

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Warning: Story contains coarse language

After coming into the league as a second-round pick in 2014, Austin Seferian-Jenkins struggled to reach his full potential, though his problem may not have been on the field.

The New York Jets tight end had a drinking problem through his first three NFL seasons, but told ESPN's Rich Cimini that Tuesday marked his 129th consecutive day of sobriety.

"Even since I stopped drinking, it's been a transformation," Seferian-Jenkins said. "It really has changed my life. I just try to win one day at a time. I've won 129 days and I'm going to continue to win however many more days. It's been a blessing."

The 24-year-old stopped drinking Jan. 21 and has been been attending rehab four times a week since. Though Seferian-Jenkins denies he is or was an alcoholic, he admits that his drinking caused his weight to balloon and that he used the substance to cope with personal stresses.

"It's not like I was dependent on it; I was dependent on self-medicating myself so I could deal with s---," said Seferian-Jenkins. "Once I figured out what was going on, I got help. I went to the doctor and figured everything out.

"I've been straight. It's not like I'm f-----g dying. It's not like I craved it, wake up in the morning and I need a drink. It was just like, I'm having a tough time, I'm dealing with something, it's 6:30 p.m. and let's crack one back."

Seferian-Jenkins is very appreciative of the support he's received from the Jets and the chance they have given him to compete for their starting tight end job.

"I want to be the guy the Jets brought in, the guy they see as a diamond in the rough, that they want to brush off and clean and show what he really can do," said Seferian-Jenkins. "I'm brushing it away right now.

"I'm going to shine."

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