For over a decade, the New York Jets have been the NFL’s punching bag.
Forget the playoff drought; the team has not won more than seven games since the 2015 season… 11 years ago.
First-year Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has a simple goal for the team this season: make the fans proud.
“I want Jets fans to be proud of the team,” Fitzpatrick said on Wednesday. “I want Jets fans to be proud of wearing Jets hats, Jets t-shirts, wearing the green and white. I grew up in Jersey; I know how Jets fans feel. But we haven’t had a lot of success in the last few years.”
The 2022 season was the most recent example of Gang Green putting out a team the fanbase could be momentarily proud of. While the ending was far from stellar, a 7-4 start had the fans bought in and excited for the remainder of the season. The squad was playing meaningful games in December, something that hasn’t happened since.
Gang Green’s fanbase can only endure so much losing. It’s been 15 years, making Fitzpatrick’s quote completely valid. If the Jets are a fun, fiery team that competes each week, that would be a massive win.
For the Jets to accomplish that, though, Fitzpatrick’s production is needed.
The 29-year-old remains one of the top safeties in football, playing in 14 games during the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins (all starts), recording 82 total tackles, one interception, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and six passes defended. Overall, he graded out as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best safety among 98 qualifiers (81.9).
If the Jets start winning again, the pride that Fitzpatrick spoke about will follow.
