In his first training camp with the Jets, newly acquired left guard John Simpson has had to adjust to playing with and against the Green & White's collection of All-Pro players.
"It's going good," Simpson said about training camp. "I'm competing everyday with and against future Hall of Famers and really impressive dudes. I am trying to take it one day at a time and learn from them."
Simpson, a former draft pick by Raiders, signed with the Jets in March after three years with Las Vegas and one with Baltimore.
Simpson started all 17 games at left guard for the Ravens in 2023 and played with RT Morgan Moses, who was traded to the Jets in March. In addition, Simpson played beside All-Pro LT Ronnie Staley as Baltimore led the league in rushing yards (156.5 per game).
Simpson and Moses hope to replicate that success playing with another All-Pro LT in 13-year veteran Tyron Smith. Smith signed with the Jets in April and has been a guiding force for Simpson and the entire offensive line group.
"Oh man, when I found out that he [Smith] was going to be coming here when I signed, I was excited," Simpson said. "Learning from a guy like that and all the experience that he and stuff that he can bring to me and help me out it's amazing, so I'm grateful for it."
Simpson protected two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson during his time in Baltimore and graduated this year to protecting another multiple MVP (4) in QB Aaron Rodgers.
"He [Rodgers] is a GOAT," Simpson said. "There is just a little extra with him, you got to do your job. You're trying to keep him up right and do our best every play. Having a guy like that that's going to switch the snap count, that's going to do different things behind the line. You just got to be locked in and whatever he's saying because he's going to run the show."
While Rodgers has been leading and teaching by example, Simpson has felt the pressure of playing with a future Hall of Fame signal caller. Adapting to Rodgers' hard count has been an added challenge.
"Like anything, it takes time," Simpson said. "We just got to buy into it and once we buy into it, I think it's going to be it's going to be smooth sailing."
On the opposite side of the ball, Simpson has often had to block Jets' All-Pro nose tackle Quinnen Williams. Williams' quick feet and versatile pass-rush moves have acted as their own teacher for Simpson.
"I mean it's a fight every day, every snap, every play, just trying to put my best foot forward, and compete against a guy like that," Simpson said. "I think he's going to make me better, and I'm trying my best to make him better."
Surrounded by All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and future Hall of Famers on both sides of the ball, Simpson believes the offensive line has a chance to be special.
"We just got to keep our QB upright and do our job," Simpson said. "As long as we focus on that, I think we will be fine. I think we're headed of a lot of other places. We're always trying to get closer and closer as a unit so we can just fully trust each other when we go out there for that first game."
