FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The acknowledged purpose of the group, articulated lately by first-year coach Aaron Glenn, is to “transfer in silence.”
In that case, the New York Jets might have discovered their very best quarterback in Justin Fields, who, not like his predecessor Aaron Rodgers, does not have a weekly nationwide TV platform to spew his ideas on all issues soccer (and no matter else strikes his fancy). He additionally does not have a Netflix docuseries that explores the interior workings of his personal being.
Character-wise, Fields is about as distant from Rodgers as two beginning quarterbacks may very well be. And that is superb by the Jets.
Better of NFL Nation
• How the Giants ended up with trio of QBs• Shilo Sanders paving his personal manner with Bucs• Can the O-line maintain up for the Raiders?• 49ers hoping for improved particular groups• Packers’ CB corps — with or with out Jaire
“There is a quiet confidence about that man that is unshakable,” Glenn stated of Fields, who, fittingly, confirmed up carrying a “Humble over Hype” T-shirt on the day he signed his contract in March.
The general public unveiling of Fields will occur subsequent week, when the Jets start with their OTA practices. They have been working behind the scenes for six weeks, attending to know their new quarterback with out the glare of the highlight. After follow, Fields sometimes joins some teammates at a close-by golf simulator, the place they hack away whereas constructing staff bonds.
Apart from a few appearances on celeb row for New York Knicks video games at Madison Sq. Backyard, Fields has maintained a comparatively low profile. It is a distinction to Rodgers, who gave the impression to be all around the metropolis after his April 2023 commerce from the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Whereas he infused the franchise with hope and confidence — his Corridor of Fame résumé commanded the respect of teammates — Rodgers was so ubiquitous that he overshadowed the staff.
That does not look like it would occur with Fields.
“He is a brilliant good man and tremendous quiet,” guard John Simpson stated. “He stays to himself, and you might see how decided he’s to be nice. So it is going to be enjoyable to observe.”
Shifting in silence.
“Though he isn’t probably the most vocal individual, he is energetic along with his physique language,” Glenn stated. “He is energetic along with his one-on-one conversations. If he has to face in entrance of the fellows and say one thing, he’ll. He is not a kind of guys that is going to speak simply to speak as a result of generally when you do this, you understand gamers round you will get useless head. He says issues when it must be stated.”
In a manner, Fields and the Jets are related in that they are each seeking to polish their scuffed-up reputations. The Jets are tied with the Buffalo Sabres for the longest energetic playoff drought in North American sports activities (14 seasons), and Fields is on his third staff in three years. He was traded by the Chicago Bears, who drafted him eleventh general in 2021, and never re-signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers regardless of a 4-2 file as their starter.
Possibly they want one another, Fields and the Jets.
“I believe a extremely good trait about him is that he does not take heed to something outdoors,” stated tight finish Jeremy Ruckert, who performed with Fields at Ohio State. “I believe he is very internally pushed and at all times desires to be one of the best for all the fitting causes.
“I believe he is an ideal match for New York and the ambiance that you simply get put in. He’ll work day by day and showcase that perspective. He’ll give it the whole lot he is received and play the place a unique manner than lots of people do it.”
Ruckert stated it is noteworthy that Glenn chosen Fields as Rodgers’ successor after dealing with him for 3 years within the NFC North. Fields went solely 2-3 in these conferences towards the Detroit Lions, however three of his 4 highest profession speeding days occurred in these losses — 147, 132 and 104 yards.
Fields made an impression on Glenn, who, because the Lions’ defensive coordinator, acknowledged the problem in defending his dual-threat skill. The Jets have not had that sort of dynamic runner at quarterback in, like, ever. Just one quarterback within the trendy period has rushed for greater than 350 yards in a season — Geno Smith had 366 yards in 2013, his rookie 12 months.
Ruckert and vast receiver Garrett Wilson, one other Ohio State product, knew Fields when he was at his peak as a passer. In 2019 and 2020, he threw 63 touchdowns, solely 9 interceptions and accomplished 68% of his passes, with 17 of his scoring passes going to Ruckert and Wilson.
What to know from the 2025 NFL draft
• See all 257 picks | Choose-by-pick evaluation• Kiper’s grades | Miller’s finest 100 picks• Yates’ favourite picks | Overreactions• Kiper’s Day 1 winners | Day 2 winners• Sanders to Browns | Hunter to Jaguars
As a professional, Fields hasn’t approached that stage, not even shut – 45 touchdowns, 31 interceptions and an alarmingly low 61% completion charge. He confirmed indicators of enchancment final season in six begins with the Steelers, elevating his completion mark to 68%.
Ruckert hopes to rekindle that faculty vibe along with his quarterback. It is nonetheless early, however he senses it on the follow subject.
“Talking from private expertise, he is made some throws to me — some home windows you did not suppose had been open — and the ball finally ends up proper in your physique,” Ruckert stated. “So it is good to have that connection again and have the ability to replicate on these reminiscences we had. However I believe much more importantly, we’re wanting ahead to creating some new ones.”
There will likely be loads of time to dissect and analyze Fields on a throw-by-throw foundation. For now, their goal is to assimilate him into the offense and ensure he establishes himself because the chief. It is a robust gig, this Jets quarterback factor.
There’s a lot extra to this job than working a huddle and throwing passes. You are the face of a franchise that hasn’t reached the Tremendous Bowl in additional than a half-century and is usually portrayed as a dysfunctional mess. The quarterback, with spoken phrases and delicate physique language, can create or gasoline a detrimental narrative. The Monday-to-Saturday stress is actual, and it takes a particular individual to navigate it.
Rodgers tried to vary the dropping tradition, making it his mission to deliver one other Lombardi Trophy to the Jets, nevertheless it backfired in a giant manner: a 5-12 file final season. Now Fields, in his personal manner, will get his shot.
“He is doing the whole lot he can to enhance, and no matter benefit he can get from teaching, energy and conditioning, being on the sphere, he’ll get that,” Glenn stated. “He’ll take that benefit, and he’ll run with it. So I am very proud of the place he is at.”
