Jets Surprise: Secret Practice Led by Players

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The New York Jets held a closed-door practice on Sunday, without the presence of the media or assistant coaches. The session was led exclusively by the players and head coach Aaron Glenn.In this unusual practice, the players were in charge of doing the exercises and designing the plays. Quarterback Justin Fields led the offense, while middle linebacker Jamien Sherwood directed the defense.The news of this practice leaked on Wednesday, with several veterans expressing that they had never participated in a session of this type, where the players would take full control. Although the team technically classified it as a simple “walk-through”, the players highlighted its uniqueness.

“Personally, it was different for me because I had never experienced anything like that, without coaches present,” commented cornerback Brandon Stephens, who played four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Brandon StephensThe center Josh Myers, who joined the Jets after four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, also shared his impressions:

“It was something new for me. For all intents and purposes, it felt like a practice, but led by the players.”

Josh Myers

Glenn might have taken inspiration from his mentor, Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells. During his time as coach of the Jets in the late 1990s, Parcells, in a moment of frustration, abandoned the field with his coaches, leaving the players to their own devices, a motivational tactic. Glenn was part of that team.

Although Glenn was not satisfied with the Jets’ performance in the 31-12 defeat against the New York Giants on Saturday night, it seems that this “walk-through” the next day was already planned. It had a clear purpose.

“Glenn said this is something he envisions for his team, a team led by the players,” safety Andre Cisco explained.

Andre Cisco

Michael Carter II, the nickelback, added:

“Great teams are led by the players… We had the opportunity to prove it for the first time.”

Michael Carter II

Initially, the practice was scheduled to be open to the media, but it was removed from the calendar approximately a week before. According to the rules, preseason practices must be accessible to the media, but “walk-throughs” can be closed. Glenn made no mention of it on Tuesday, in his only appearance before the media after Saturday night’s game.The Jets preferred to keep the practice a secret, but wide receiver Garrett Wilson mentioned it on Tuesday in an interview with social media influencer Megan Patricia. Wilson revealed that they were on the practice field “for about an hour.”Players expressed their satisfaction with the experience, highlighting that it was an effective way to devise strategies on their own, adapt to the game’s circumstances, and foster a sense of belonging. They worked on specific situations, including advancement and distance.“It was like a normal day,” Cisco said. “Just without coaches.”