The Jets were one of 28 teams across the league to begin Phase One of their offseason workout program on Monday.
"It feels great. I've been working hard and I've been eager to get back," said WR Quincy Enunwa. "I think any time you're away for a long period of time, it creates that itch to get back out here, work with the guys, see all of the new faces and get this season started."
The 24-year-old Enunwa is a third-year pro coming off a season where he set career highs in receptions (58) receiving yards (857) and TD receptions (4). He was joined Monday by a lot of youth at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. The ageless David Harris, who is now entering his 11th pro season, was eager to get back in the locker room and begin the spring process with some of the young blood.
"It feels awesome. It's been a long offseason and being able to get back in the locker room is something that I look forward to and I'm ready to get started," he said.
During this initial phase, players are permitted to be at the facility for four hours daily. They can work only with the strength and conditioning coaches and athletic trainers on the field or in the weight room. While classroom instruction is allowed, individual player drills won't commence until Phase II of the program, which starts May 1.
"It feels like the first day of school, walking around seeing smiles on everybody's face. It feels great to be back to work with all of my teammates," said DL Leonard Williams, fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Head coach Todd Bowles said the Jets will have open competition at the QB position and all three signal callers on the roster were in good spirits as the offseason got underway.
"It's always good to get back started especially when you are coming to a new team," said Josh McCown, who begins work with his 10th NFL team. "It's good to meet everyone and get acclimated. But It's the first day in a long process and I'm excited to be part of it."
Jets Players Returned to 1 Jets Drive on Monday to Begin Phase One of the Offseason Program
Bryce Petty, who started four games in 2016, is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder.
"I'm excited on all fronts. It's always good to get some time away, but then you come back in the building and see old faces and see the guys," he said. "It's the kind of adrenaline you don't get anywhere else."
Christian Hackenberg, a second-round pick last April, and the other two QBs will be mentored in the classroom by a pair of new Jets coaches in QB coach Jeremy Bates and offensive coordinator John Morton.
"It feels awesome. It's been a long offseason and being able to get back in the locker room is something that I look forward to and I'm ready to get started," Hackenberg said.
Veteran RB Matt Forte said the Jets have a lot to prove and DL Muhammad Wilkerson looked ahead to a fresh slate.
"It's a new season. I'm glad to be back and get things started. It's the first day of workouts with the guys," Wilkerson said. "We have a lot to look forward to."
