Garrett Wilson’s Insights on Justin Fields
Garrett Wilson noted that his teammates in the Jets locker room have been reaching out to discuss new quarterback Justin Fields.
“They come up and say, ‘That’s my guy.’ I already knew. It’s been really cool. He has a unique personality,” Wilson, who formerly played with Fields at Ohio State, explained. “He tends to be reserved initially, but once you connect, it’s like, ‘Wow, this guy is really great.’”
Fields Establishes Leadership
During the spring, Fields worked to win over his new Jets teammates and assert himself as a leader. He understands the responsibilities that come with being an NFL quarterback.
“I sensed that when I arrived, the team was looking for someone to lead the offense, so I was happy to step into that role. I’m committed to motivating everyone daily to reach our best performance,” Fields stated.
A Different Leadership Style
Fields’ leadership style contrasts sharply with that of his predecessor, Aaron Rodgers. Coach Aaron Glenn praised Fields for his “quiet confidence,” which differs markedly from Rodgers’ more vocal approach.
“I admire him for being genuine; there’s nothing fake about him,” Glenn said. “Players can easily see through inauthenticity, and he’s completely authentic, which I appreciate.”
Relatable to Teammates
Jets players aren’t directly comparing Fields to Rodgers, but running back Breece Hall noted Fields’ age (26) as an asset for relating to his teammates, while Rodgers was the oldest player in the NFL last year at 41.
“He gets excited just like everyone else,” Hall remarked about Fields. “He’s youthful, so we can talk about common interests and hang out on weekends. It’s been a pleasure getting to know him; he’s a great guy.”
Off-Field Initiatives and Performance Potential
Fields took the initiative to plan off-the-field activities this spring to bond with his teammates and embraced this element of his role. Ultimately, performance will dictate his reception, but the Jets are optimistic about what they witnessed from Fields.
The team signed him to a two-year, $40 million contract, hoping he can revitalize his career in a Jets uniform. Over the last two years, Fields demonstrated potential, completing 63.3% of his passes in his last 13 games, scoring 10 touchdowns with only four interceptions while rushing for 651 yards and eight touchdowns.
Positive Outlook from Coaches
“It’s all about growth,” said Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. “As he progresses, the experience will continue to build, and you can see positive development in his game. We believe there’s great potential with him.”
Fellow Buckeye’s Confidence in Fields
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, who also played with Fields at Ohio State, expressed confidence in Fields’ ability to succeed in New York.
“From the moment he joined us at Ohio State, you could sense his seriousness and competitive nature,” Ruckert remarked. “He’s incredibly athletic, but more importantly, his mental resilience sets him apart. Nothing phases him. He’s perfectly suited for this team and the pressure it entails.”
