After the first day of Jets mandatory minicamp, wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker flew in a helicopter with each other to New York City. The dynamic duo, who have traveled in style a few times together, told me that their trip was for two reasons — receiver bonding and beating the gridlock traffic.
"When there's heavy traffic, I usually jump on one going home after practice," said Manhattan resident Marshall. "The reason is because we put our babies down to sleep at 8 p.m. and we get out of here at 5:45 p.m. — it gives me an opportunity to spend as much time with them as possible instead of sitting in traffic for two hours."
Decker, who hopped on the chopper with his buddy, enjoyed the view.
"You fly over the airport and you come in down the Hudson," he said, "so you see the Statue of Liberty, the skyline. It's cool."
The veterans, who led the team in scoring with a combined 26 touchdowns last season, look to translate their chemistry into even more success on the field in 2016.
"We have a unique bond that is building and growing," Marshall said. "You know, I told him the other day we should try to go beyond what we did last year. As far as touchdowns, really dominating the red zone — taking it to another level — third downs and also two minutes. The special thing is when you have guys that really enjoy each other's company off the field, it makes it easier on the field."
Marshall's teammate could not have agreed more.
"We ride together — we fly together…you know?" Decker said.
