Fields and Jets HC Aaron Glenn got reacquainted this spring after facing off several times in the NFC North. In five games against the Lions from 2021-23, Fields ran for more than 100 yards in three contests.
"I've known him since my rookie year and his kind of mindset, his defense," Fields said. "I played against him a couple of times a year. But my time here, I've really gotten to know him as a person, as a coach and really just get to see his side of things, really get to know how he is as a coach and as a leader of men. It's been great so far, getting to know him and really getting that firsthand and first row seat seeing how he operates."
Fields, 26, who is the only quarterback since 1950 to improve in completion percentage, interception percentage and passer rating in each of his first four seasons, is continuing to grow as a player.
"We're going to let him play quarterback," Glenn said after he joined the Jets. "That's what he's always wanted to do. I'm not saying he hasn't had a chance to play that, do that in other places. That's not my issue. I know what I want to do with that player. Obviously want to utilize his legs but want to give him a chance to go out there and play quarterback."
In a short time, Fields has endeared himself to his teammates. In addition to his playmaking ability on the field, Fields has extended himself off it.
"It's been good to get to know him get to hang out with him, getting a really great relationship with him outside of football so far," said RB Breece Hall. "All we're going to do is keep getting closer and keep challenging each other to get better."
With the down time prior to training camp, Fields has work on his mind. Capable of explosive plays in the pass and run games, Fields is intent on getting off to a fast start with the Jets.
"Always improving on my mechanics but the biggest thing is it's a new offense and a new offense for everybody, so really when we come back from training camp really not having to learn everything," he said. "My time off, I'm going to be in that playbook studying a lot and when I come back really just going to know it like the back of my hand. So, I think that's the biggest thing for me."