New York Jets fans bring the noise at team’s first open training camp practice
On Saturday, the New York Jets welcomed fans into Florham Park for the first open practice of training camp, marking the first time that Jets fans have been able to watch their team in person since Joe Douglas‘s critically-acclaimed offseason.
The energy was palpable. Fans were extremely vocal and supportive, translating the excitement that we have seen online into real life.
Jetman getting us ready to go !! ✈️✈️🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jQWhX23geb
— 𝙅𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼🛫 (@NYJets_Media) July 30, 2022
Rookie offensive tackle Max Mitchell ran over to the bleachers and got the fans hyped prior to practice.
ROOKIE HYPE MACHINE: @MaxMitch09 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/ysM2VDH4C3
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 30, 2022
Rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner has already emerged as a fan favorite. Gardner signed autographs for young fans after practice while dozens of fans yelled his name.
.@iamSauceGardner is for the children. pic.twitter.com/XbqPFNHnkA
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 30, 2022
On the field, Gardner had a good day in team drills, recording tight coverage on multiple throws in his direction.
Fellow rookie Garrett Wilson gushed about Gardner, calling him a “dog”.
“That boy’s a dog. He’s really a dog. He’s really handsy, good with his hands. Puts himself in the right scenario a lot of the time,” Wilson said.
“Going up against Sauce, you got to really have a plan. You got to make sure you have a plan going into your route, how you want to win. You still might not win against that boy. He’s a great player, and it’s just building. Keep building. We’re making each other better. He’s making all of the receiver room better. It’s just awesome to see.”
"He's really a dog… going up against Sauce, you gotta really have a plan"
Garrett Wilson was asked about what it's like to go against Sauce Gardner in practice: pic.twitter.com/BgwiXkGcRI
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 30, 2022
Another rookie who is quickly emerging as a fan favorite is Breece Hall. The second-round running back got loose for some big plays on Saturday and would consistently hear “Breeeeece!” chants from the crowd when he touched the ball. Make sure to add this chant to your Sunday repertoire at MetLife Stadium this fall.
"It felt good to get it from a new fanbase"
Breece Hall enjoyed the "BREEEEECE" chants at Jets practice: pic.twitter.com/VWOrkQcWLC
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 30, 2022
Newly signed linebacker Kwon Alexander also appeared at practice, wearing a No. 9 jersey, although he did not participate in practice. Head coach Robert Saleh said Alexander will spend the next two days working out as he prepares to join the team for practice.
.@kwon SIGHTING
More #BackTogetherSaturday on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/BQqP5ggjep
— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 30, 2022
In other news, wide receiver Braxton Berrios returned to practice after missing the first few days. Left tackle George Fant remains sidelined. Conor McDermott took his place today after Chuma Edoga filled in the previous day.
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Thoughts on Zach’s first day in front of fans?
Great time of the year. Love it.