Tough Goodbye
While the Jets won't leave Florham Park for training camp, the players will be sequestered at a local hotel for the next few weeks. Center Nick Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler, said his son, Matthew, had a difficult time with his dad's departure.
"It's good to be back — excited," he said. "It's 11 years. This year was probably the toughest because I think my son finally gets it, so he was crying this morning. That made it a little tricky, but as soon as I got in the building you feel the sense of urgency to get this thing going."
History LessonErin Henderson might be stepping into a starting role on the inside at the "Mo" linebacker position, but he is an accomplished veteran who posted 357 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles in three seasons as a starter for the Vikings (2011-13).
"Coming into the league as an undrafted free agent, I've always kind of felt like I had something to prove," Henderson said. "I think right now it's kind of getting lost in the shuffle that I was a three-year starter in Minnesota. It's not unfamiliar territory for me, it's not something that's new for me. In fact, I'm very comfortable in the role as a starter."
Star PotentialLast season, Calvin Pryor started 12 games while registering 71 tackles and he also recorded the first three takeaways of his career. His safety partner, Marcus Gilchrist, believes the best is yet to come.
"The sky is the limit for him, he has all the tools in order to be a great safety," Gilchrist said. "I look forward to seeing him take a huge step this year."
Slimmed-Down StarReunited with Brandon Marshall, new Jets RB Matt Forte praised the veteran wideout for his recent weight loss. Marshall, who established franchise marks for receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,502) and tied the mark for most receiving TDs (14), weighed in today at a slender 224.8 pounds.
"He usually runs in the 30s, but for him going to be that light — he's going to be faster," Forté said. "As you get older, the veterans that are smart get lighter."
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The FocusWhile the players were asked about free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, **they deflected those questions to Todd Bowles, Mike Maccagnan and the front office.
"Between Fitz and the organization, they'll figure it out. That's on them," Mangold said. "Right now we're here to win football games. That's going to take what we just did — conditioning test, having our guys ready to go, which was good and then meetings tonight and practice tomorrow and rolling into the season. And I think that's where our focus should be."
Report Day: Players Arrive to Check In to Camp