Justin Fields has been on the go in his still developing NFL career, starting three seasons as the Bears' quarterback, making six starts last season with the Steelers, and now coming to the Jets. And he took time out this week after signing his new contract to tell fans why the Green & White under new head coach Aaron Glenn is the place for him to thrive in 2025.
"I think, No. 1, Coach Glenn," Fields told newyorkjets.com reporter Ethan Greenberg. "I've played against him early in my career. I know how passionate he is about the game, the way he coaches, the way his players play. So I think that was the biggest thing for me.
"And just the opportunity, the fans, of course, the city. When you win here, there's no better place to win. Those reasons are ultimately why I ended up here."
Glenn has similar motivations for wanting to add Fields to his Jets offensive equation. Fields' Chicago offenses battled Glenn's Detroit defenses five times from 2021-23, with the Lions coming out slightly ahead with three wins.
But Fields, the 11th overall choice of the '21 draft out of Ohio State, showed his developing game as he threw 5 touchdowns to 3 interceptions en route to an 84.1 passer rating in those games. Equally significant, three of his five career 100-yard rushing games came against the Lions, and in their last four meetings he totaled 53 carries for 441 yards and 3 rush TDs.
"Our relationship playing against each other means a lot because Detroit, of course, they've had a lot of success the past couple of years," Fields said. "So for him to want me here is definitely an honor, and I'm going to put it all on the line for him and do all I can to help this team be successful."
Fields will feel right at home in his new endeavor with three fellow Buckeyes around him in the Jets' offense. WR Garrett Wilson and TE Jeremy Ruckert had already come aboard in the 2022 draft, and C Josh Myers just arrived this month as an unrestricted free agent. All four played together and led OSU to a 20-2 record in the 2019 and '20 seasons combined.
"My guy Josh just called me and said he was planning on signing here. Once I heard that news, I was definitely excited, Fields said. "And Ruck and Garrett texted me, too, so I'm excited to be back with some of my Buckeyes, for sure."
Then there is the scheme of new offensive coordinator Tyler Engstrand, who helped further QB Jared Goff's already productive career with the Lions. It has the dangerously mobile Fields eager to continue to develop his downfield passing game, which has improved in accuracy and rating in each of the past three seasons.
"I know I definitely have some untapped potential," he said. "I'm hoping to get there this year and I'm hoping to put it on display for everybody to see."
