Justin Fields and Garrett Wilson, former teammates at Ohio State, are reuniting again as members of the New York Jets. Wheeler and Tomlinson are convinced that this partnership is key for each of their developing journeys in the NFL. At the beginning of 2019, their friendship blossomed into something more. Fields, a five-star transfer from Georgia, stepped on Ohio State’s campus prepared to take command of the Buckeye offense and replace Dwayne Haskins after he left.
Fields and Wilson were utterly unstoppable over their two seasons in Columbus. They compiled an extraordinary 20-2 record, both losses occurring within the College Football Playoff. They’ll be reunited with remarkable teammates such as Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jameson Williams. After nearly four years in North Carolina, Williams made the transition to Alabama. The chemistry they developed on the field during practices was evident, highlighted by a memorable pass play that showcased their potential.
In high school, Garrett Wilson made the decision to graduate early on his own terms. This ruling allowed him to participate in spring ball with Ohio State, where he famously developed a ton of chemistry with Fields in short order. Gradually, through the rigors of many high-pressure games, their relationship became more profound. Fields showed exceptional physical resilience when he played through fractured ribs in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship vs. Alabama.
As the two players head into their respective fourth years in the NFL, Wilson has a clear advantage, and yet the two host different challenges. Or that Garrett Wilson just signed a sweet four-year, $130 million extension. This new deal only adds to his drive to create a winning legacy in the league. “We all come into the NFL to create a legacy and mine’s going to be right here,” he explained. His ambition is what makes him such a fierce competitor on the field, though sometimes that ambition leads to a diva-like demeanor when he feels slighted.
At the same time, Justin Fields is doing his best to launch his career while the chaos swirls around him. He has played under five head coaches and four different offensive systems in just five years, which has made his journey particularly tumultuous. That is the message he received recently from Glenn, the Jets’ new head coach. He emphasized that major changes are in store for the team. This new environment brings with it a clean slate and a chance to develop.
Garrett Wilson has expressed his confidence in Fields, noting that he understands precisely what his former teammate can do on the field. Josh Myers might think they’ve picked up on a chip on their shoulder. Having played with him at Ohio State, he knows the attitude inside and out. Wilson is a true believer in Fields’ extraordinary potential. He agrees with the general sentiment that given the right environment, Fields can be great.
Fields himself has made personal strides in recent months, making a profound spiritual commitment that he believes will provide him with resilience against criticism. I am low-key obsessed with getting into my Bible every single day,” Fields said. I get to learn things every day and I take that unique knowledge and I get to live it out in my daily life. Perhaps this newfound perspective will allow him to better handle the unique pressures of being a starting QB.
Aside from the mental side of work, Fields needs to do more to address technical concerns. Scouts have noticed he can lay in some dimes when his feet are set and weight is distributed. Yet, when his action, intention and projection fall out of alignment with one another, he fails to be as precise. When he doesn’t have that, he’s inconsistent. When he doesn’t have that, he’s just all over the place,” one scout noted. In spite of all these headwinds, many analysts remain convinced that Justin Fields can be a star quarterback in this league. Former NFL player Brandon Marshall compared him to Cam Newton, asserting that Fields should aim to become “Cam Newton 2.0.”
The Jets’ coaching staff is betting on the fact that this reunion will produce positive results for both players. Now they’re continuing to innovate off the strong relationship they forged in college. Collectively, they have the unique opportunity to start on the next exciting chapter of their professional lives in New York. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, who blocked with them while playing alongside them at Ohio State, raved about their synergy. It’s almost like he’s floating in the air for as long as he needs to be,” commented Greg Olsen, emphasizing Wilson’s spectacular chemistry with Fields.
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