The Los Angeles Post
California & Local U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: February 06, 2025
Today: February 06, 2025

Jets fans flock to training camp to get their first look at Aaron Rodgers

Jets fans flock to training camp to get their first look at Aaron Rodgers
July 22, 2023

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The loud “Aaron! Rodgers!” chants started almost as soon as the New York Jets quarterback stepped on the practice field.

The cheers turned near deafening Saturday when Rodgers acknowledged the fans with a quick wave.

“That's my QB! Let's go!” someone shouted.

“Surreal!” said another.

The Jets' third practice of training camp marked the first session open to the public — giving about 2,000 ecstatic fans their first in-person glimpse of their team's new quarterback.

“It's exciting, you feel the energy from the fans,” said Claudio Juarez, a 43-year-old native of the New York City borough of Queens. “It's like, you wake up and you're like, ‘Hello, Mr. Rodgers! Good morning!’ And everybody's like, ‘Good morning!’ It's hype, it's exciting and it's a lot of optimism that has been lacking in the past.”

Rodgers then put on a show with a terrific practice that included some precise passing and a few jaw-dropping throws.

“I’m just happy we have a competitive team," said Phil DeMeo, a 30-year-old fan from the New York City borough of Staten Island. "I'm not looking for a Super Bowl or bust. I'm hoping for a playoff win. A home playoff win would be awesome.”

New York acquired Rodgers from Green Bay in April, and the four-time NFL MVP wants to help end the league's longest playoff drought at 12 years.

And perhaps return the Jets to the Super Bowl, something they haven't been able to do since the glory days of Joe Namath in 1969.

“Man, I'm pumped up,” said Greg Muscaro, a 30-year-old fan and eight-year season ticket holder from Staten Island. “We got this. We're going all the way this year. Rodgers, Sauce (Gardner), Garrett (Wilson) — the boys are gonna cook. We're in.”

The Jets have plenty of work to do before they can even think about the postseason. But this is the type of optimism having a quarterback with the credentials of Rodgers, even at 39, breeds among a fan base that's hungry for a winner.

"I'm hoping we turn over a new leaf," said Ira Max, a 72-year-old season ticket holder for 45 years from Wyckoff, New Jersey. “Everything we've done so far hasn't quite worked, but I think this may be the time it's all going to work out. The stars are aligning.

"If you keep coming back 45 years, you have to have hope, right?”

That's what Rodgers represents to so many frustrated fans who have been patiently waiting for the Jets to be a true Super Bowl contender again.

“For a lot of the folks who have been through the roller coaster, it's been rough, it's been fun, but never consistent,” said Juarez, the founder of the popular Jets fan club Gotham City Crew. “The type of excitement, the long lines and how early folks have been here, you could feel it. You could see it — the hairs (on his arm) are sticking up because it's a very strong chance we're going to the Super Bowl.”

Tickets — which are free — for the first four training camp practices were handed out earlier this week in three minutes. Fans will have a chance to get tickets to attend the five other sessions later this summer.

“I love it when the fans come,” coach Robert Saleh said. “It’s easy for a coach because now those guys are excited to show out, but you try to keep them focused and level whether fans are there are not. ... But I love when they get the chant going.”

With the cameras from the “Hard Knocks” crew rolling, several “J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!” cheers cropped up throughout practice.

While the capacity hasn’t changed from previous years, the Jets made some adjustments to the fan experience. They include improving sightlines as well as providing additional sun protection and shade. That has helped with the high demand this summer from people who particularly want to watch Rodgers practice.

The main viewing area for fans includes stadium-style seating and an overhang. There are several other viewing areas for fans, including a two-level structure, with a total of 1,500 seats available. Fans can also stand along the outskirts of the fields during practices.

Rodgers got the fans fired up when he threaded a touchdown pass to Tyler Conklin in red zone team drills, and then zipped a throw to Corey Davis for a 2-point conversion. He ended practice with a toss on which Mecole Hardman made a pretty leaping grab for a TD.

“I'm just really excited to have a really good team,” DeMeo said, adding general manager Joe Douglas greatly improved the roster in the offseason. “Rodgers just kind of parachuted in, so hopefully he's the guy because he's been the guy his whole career.

"We've needed a quarterback, and hopefully we have one right here.”

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Related Articles

Halt in U.S. aid cripples global efforts to relieve hunger Countries staying committed to climate plans after US Paris pact exit, UN climate chief says Column-US risks losing long game in China LNG spat: Bousso Telescopes spy a monster radio jet streaming from a bright and early object in the universe

Related

Africa|Economy|Health|Political|World

South African president alludes to Trump's threat in speech to the nation: 'We will not be bullied'

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to respond to threats from U_S_ counterpart Donald Trump by saying in his annual speech to the nation that his country would “not be bullied.”

South African president alludes to Trump's threat in speech to the nation: 'We will not be bullied'
Asia|Political|US|World

US-contracted surveillance plane crashes in Philippines, killing four

US-contracted surveillance plane crashes in Philippines, killing four

US-contracted surveillance plane crashes in Philippines, killing four
Americas|MidEast|Political|US|World

Rubio says people will have to relocate in "interim" while Gaza is rebuilt

U.S.

Rubio says people will have to relocate in "interim" while Gaza is rebuilt
Africa|Health|Science|World

US CDC sends health alert on Uganda's Ebola outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday warned doctors and other healthcare workers about an outbreak of Ebola cases in Uganda.

US CDC sends health alert on Uganda's Ebola outbreak
Share This

Popular

Political|Science|Technology|US|World

Trump's Paris AI summit delegation to not include AI Safety Institute staff, sources say

Trump's Paris AI summit delegation to not include AI Safety Institute staff, sources say
Crime|Europe|World

Sweden reels from worst mass-shooting as it mourns the dead

Sweden reels from worst mass-shooting as it mourns the dead
Americas|Political|US|World

How Rubio’s trip abroad was overshadowed by foreign policy at home, from USAID to Trump's Gaza plan

How Rubio’s trip abroad was overshadowed by foreign policy at home, from USAID to Trump's Gaza plan
Environment|Europe|Political|Travel|World

King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Pope Francis

King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Pope Francis