Last November, Justin Fields quietly walked off the field at Acrisure Stadium after another frustrating sideline stint. No outburst, no media jabs—just the lingering sting of being benched for Russell Wilson—signed after the ink on his own papers had dried. It wasn’t just a game lost. It was a warning: the clock might be ticking on his shot as a starter. Fast forward to 2025, and Fields is no longer the forgotten QB in Pittsburgh. He’s leading the New York Jets. And in Week 1, he gets the rarest gift in football—a chance at revenge.

The New York Jets, under new head coach Aaron Glenn and a rebuilt roster, are marching into a new era. With Justin Fields named the team’s starting quarterback and GM Darren Mougey backing the decision, the franchise feels more energized than it has in years. Fields, finally handed the reins after years of inconsistency and backup duty in Chicago and Pittsburgh, has quickly become the centerpiece of the Jets’ new direction. But despite the buzz surrounding their reset, the NFL seems less than sold.

Last Wednesday, the league officially released its 2025 schedule, and the drop in national spotlight was impossible to ignore. The Jets, who were granted six primetime games in 2024 thanks to Aaron Rodgers‘ presence, have only two this time around. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the scheduling downgrade says it all. “The Jets are amazing because last year with Aaron Rodgers, six primetime games. This year, two primetime games. So the league is telling us, don’t believe that much in the Jets.” 

It’s a fair point. The Jets are stepping into a new era with first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, a brand-new GM in Darren Mougey, and a completely rebuilt roster. As Schefter added, “Understandably right now, we’ll see how it goes with the new first-year head coach. And essentially a new remade roster.”

Regardless of how many national time slots the New York Jets are handed, their opening matchup will grab attention. Fields is set to start against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium. The league may not have featured the Jets in primetime, but they’ve still baked in plenty of drama.

From Rodgers to Justin Fields: Steelers’ QB saga meets new challenges

The twist? This could be a two-sided revenge game—depending on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers. Rumors continue to swirl about Rodgers’ next move, and Pittsburgh is increasingly mentioned as the top landing spot. If the deal goes through, it would mean two quarterbacks—Fields and Rodgers—squaring off against their former teams in Week 1.

While Rodgers’ future remains uncertain, Fields has nothing left to prove about his desire to lead. After signing a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets in March, he’s been publicly named the starter. HC Aaron Glenn has already praised his leadership: “There’s a quiet confidence about that man that’s unshakable… Even though he’s not the most vocal person, he’s active with his body language,” Glenn said. “If he has to stand in front of the guys and say something, he will.”

Fields was demoted in Pittsburgh last season after starting in the absence of Russell Wilson, despite solid performances and momentum. Many around the league questioned the decision to bench him once Wilson returned, especially given the veteran QB’s continued struggles that saw him shipped this offseason as well. That frustration adds weight to Week 1.

As for Rodgers, the former MVP is once again holding the league hostage with uncertainty. While no official decision has been made, many insiders believe Pittsburgh is the most likely destination. “I just can’t see him not playing football this year, and (signing with the Steelers) obviously makes the most sense,” said Packers HC Matt LaFleur. “I just know in our discussions over the years, he’s a guy that’s had as much respect for as anybody, a guy like Mike Tomlin.” Until ink hits paper, though, it remains speculation.

For the Jets and Fields, the season opener is more than just a football game. It’s a referendum—on Fields’ starting legitimacy, on Glenn’s new system, and on whether the Jets can finally shake off their reputation as perennial underachievers. Even if Rodgers doesn’t sign with Pittsburgh, Week 1 is still a storyline-heavy showdown: a new QB facing the franchise that gave up on him, on a national stage, in a prove-it year.

The NFL may not believe in the Jets just yet. But Justin Fields certainly believes in himself—and that might be all the motivation he needs.