JD PicKell: The draw should be playing for Miami's defense not the turnover chain

The turnover chain is no more for Miami football. New ‘Canes coach Mario Cristobal did away with wearing the golden necklace following a fumble or interception as part of implementing his new regime.

On3’s JD PicKell is all for the move. After all, the chain was more of an optics stunt than it was about representing a great defense, Which, frankly, Miami really hadn’t been in recent years. Over on the On3 YouTube channel, PicKell explained why getting rid of that sort of distraction — while shiny and cool to kids and recruits — is a step back towards what Miami football should be all about. Making noise on the field, not with some jewelry off to the sidelines.

Check out PicKell’s comments in the video or scroll below to find out exactly what he had to say regarding the death of the turnover chain.

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JD PicKell on why the turnover chain needed to go

“The defense doesn’t have the same shine it used to. And to take it a step further, you don’t see great programs announcing themselves,” according to PicKell.

“The Alabama’s, the New England Patriots, think about the San Antonio Spurs. They don’t announce themselves. It’s not a…hey, look at me. It’s as they walk by…whoa. Hey, that’s the Miami defense.”

He thinks Miami’s defense should scare opponents on its own, without some gimmick.

“That should be what you’re aiming for. Not…oh, Miami defense, cool turnover chain, that’ll be great for my social media. That shouldn’t be the draw. The draw should be to come play for that defense. That’s ultimately what they want to try and create at Miami.

“That’s why, honestly, I support Mario Cristobal for saying…No, that’s not a part of what we do here. That’s cool if y’all wanted to do that back then. That’s fine. We’re not going to do that with me here running the show. We’d like to take the ball away more than we’ll wear the turnover chain.”

PicKell believes Miami fans are on his side too, judging by a recent poll.

“I think Miami fans are in lockstep with Mario Cristobal. People that genuinely support, love, live and breathe Miami football — they’re happy to see it go. I put a Twitter poll out and I said…do you support Mario Cristobal saying no more turnover chain? 80% of y’all said yes.”

Perhaps moving on from the turnover chain is best for everyone.