“Tough, athletic, and doesn’t care what anybody thinks.” No, this is not your typical offseason fluff. Especially not in New York, where QBs get picked apart every day—before they even take a snap. A familiar face stepped forward and issued a statement that may just change the tone inside the locker room and across the Jets Nation.

After a wild 2024 season that resulted in broken playoff dreams, the New York Jets have hit the reset button. New pieces, new plans, and a big question still looming around: who’s really leading this offence? But inside the huddle, one veteran made it clear that he’s got no doubts. Absolutely no hesitation. And depending on how you hear it? His words might stir the pot… or spark a fire.

When Jeremy Ruckert, whose current contract with the Jets is a 4-year, $5,044,908 deal signed in 2022, talks leadership, he’s not playing the guessing game; he’s remembering. He knows exactly what it’s like to have Justin Fields in the locker room. Yes, they go way back. Now with Justin Fields coming to the Jets to rewrite his NFL story? Ruckert isn’t staying quiet.

“The culture that we’re setting [with the Jets], Justin Fields is perfect for it,” Ruckert said. It’s a powerful endorsement. Because let’s be honest, this team has been searching for an identity ever since Aaron Rodgers went down in 2023. And offensively? It’s been more questions than answers. For a while now.

Remember when the Jets were juggling Zach Wilson, Trevor Siemian, and Tim Boyle? Meanwhile, Fields was putting on a serious show. Last four games of 2024? 65% completion, 10 touchdowns to just 2 turnovers. That’s not just “pretty good,” it’s a clear indication of Fields’s potential. And Ruckert? He recognises that potential. Better than anyone else does.

“He’s just gonna go out there and ball. He’s been like that his whole life,” he added. And who knows better? Ruckert and Fields weren’t just teammates—they were part of the octane Buckeyes squad that went 20-2. Yes, 20-2. Ruckert caught seven TDs, and he remembers it vividly. Big Ten titles. College Football Playoff runs. NFL spotlight games. Ruckert knows what he’s built for.

“We’re excited to rally behind him and get this thing rolling,” he remarked further. The roster isn’t waiting to be convinced. In a QB roster that keeps spinning, having this kind of backing is a nice, refreshing detail. It’s something we aren’t used to. And to think about it, this might be the first time (at least in a long time) where a QB is stepping into the huddle with some real belief behind him. Not in a complete sense, though. Aaron Glenn had some things to say—or some warnings.

Aaron Glenn issues stern warning to Fields

Amidst all that praise from Ruckert came a warning from HC Aaron Glenn. As good as he had been in the offseason for the Jets, Aaron Glenn is staying mindful of false hopes. Let’s be real, Justin Fields never had a consistent season. He has shown flashes of brilliance, more times than not. But he has never shown stability. Not enough for any team to label him as the franchise QB.

And with the Jets? This might be his last chance to prove himself. Aaron Glenn knows it. And the warning? “No negative plays.” That is not a compliment wrapped in a bow. It’s a boundary. A very clear boundary. As talked about, Fields has shown flashes—fumbles too. With three mediocre or let’s say, failed seasons in Chicago (30 INT and 135 sacks in 40 games) and a mid-season Kansas City benching? Maybe it is time for a coach to be straight with him.

He did improve on his negative plays last season in Pittsburgh, though, throwing one pick in 10 appearances. Consequently, he completed 65% of his passes for 1,106 yards and 10 total touchdowns. But Glenn knows it’s not enough. Not enough to be a franchise, QB. Fields probably knows it too.

And that is exactly why Glenn isn’t sugarcoating it. He knows reducing Fields’s negative plays is the key to unlocking his true potential, and he has made it clear. Well, look back at Fields’ college days. Back in 2019, he finished with 41 passing touchdowns and just three interceptions while also punching in 10 rushing scores. The potential is not in question. It never has been.

No one is asking him to replicate his college stats in the NFL. But he’ll cause havoc if he’s even remotely close to that level. And Aaron Glenn wants to make him do just that.