The latest New York Jets player diary sees offensive lineman Joe Tippmann discuss playing the Broncos in London, overcoming jet lag and blocking for Justin Fields compared to Aaron Rodgers
Joe Tippmann believes the Jets can turnaround the 2025 NFL season with a win against the Broncos
Joe Tippmann believes the Jets can turnaround the 2025 NFL season with a win against the Broncos
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The New York Jets have endured a difficult start to the 2025 season.
Five games into head coach Aaron Glenn's reign and the franchise remains winless. Perhaps a change of setting via a trip to the United Kingdom will lead to a change in fortunes as the Jets eye a first victory that could launch the franchise forward.
Rome wasn't built in a day, as Justin Fields alluded to when the quarterback acknowledged the turnaround may take time. The Jets will hope the first brick is laid against the Denver Broncos on Sunday in London, where the AFC East franchise will be the home team.
In the latest edition of The Mirror Sport's New York Jets player diary, get to know offensive lineman Joe Tippmann as he talks facing the Broncos in Week 6, everything London, and the difference between blocking for Aaron Rodgers and Previous editions have featured running back Isaiah Davis, safety Andre Cisco and linebacker Quincy Williams.
On the flight to London...
It was good. We went through the night and I don't sleep very well on airplanes, so I didn't sleep at all. I was up at night crawling around the plane, but couldn't complain about my seat. I had a great seat and the right plan, but just didn't actually sleep.
We flew out at around 10:30, then landed around 10 a.m. here. They say there's this whole thing that you're supposed to follow. I didn't follow it. I got here, went to the hotel, slept from like 2:30 until seven or eight. I went back to bed until the following morning, so it worked out for me. I'm feeling good, so it hasn't been weighing on me too much. The coffee out here is definitely helping me. I'm kind of a stranger to it, but it's delicious and getting me through the day. I really like how we're doing it this year, and it sets up for success in the game way better.
On experiencing London...
Last year, I didn't get an opportunity to go into London besides for when we were at the game in Tottenham. We're going into the city for dinner as an offensive line, and I'm going to go in a few hours earlier and see the sights and just walk around, really take it in. I had the opportunity to do it when we arrived on Tuesday, but I was not doing that. I was ready for bed, I went right down.
But I'm excited to actually experience London. I've only ever been outside the country to Mexico or the Dominican Republic. This will be my first time actually exploring a European city, and with the leaves turning orange in fall, it's really beautiful.
Joe Tippmann arrived as a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
Joe Tippmann arrived as a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
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On the Jets being the home team...
I'm definitely looking forward to actually having home field advantage and seeing the Jets fans. Last year playing Minnesota, their fans traveled well. I mean, the whole stadium was purple. So to be able to flip the script and feel the love of being the home team, I'm excited.
On what playing in the NFL in London means to an Indiana man...
It's a surreal experience just knowing that this is definitely something that I'll be telling my kids and grandkids someday. Maybe there's a overseas game going on or something, and I'll be able to say, "Hey, I actually played in two of those" - and hopefully more in the future. But it's just a cool thing to be a part of.
I think what the NFL is doing is awesome. Getting the league to expand and bring the NFL around the world to Europe and South America. It's a really cool thing to be a part of.
On blocking for Justin Fields compared to Aaron Rodgers...
It's night and day difference. I mean, even with the rushes that we faced with Aaron, people were able to take their shots across the gaps but with Justin, they can't do that. If they end up with two guys in one gap, Justin has the opportunity to take the ball and speed off. When he's got the ball in his hand, he's about to make ---- happen.
Aaron, not as mobile. He was kind of stuck back there so they could tee off on the rush. Justin is able to get out of the pocket and run or extend the play and make it happen. There's a big aspect of the play is never over until the ball has gone past you. Then, it's about staying on your guys, looking for work, looking to see how you can help out. If you're not on anybody, then turn around and see how you can him advance the ball forward. There's definitely a whole different aspect of the game, but it's been something I've been excited to learn. I've really looked forward to playing with someone who can move the way Justin can.
On the offensive line room...
It's good. We have a young group, but in a way, it's a great thing because we have lots of guys with a lot of energy. We have been able to build such a close relationship across the whole room, not just the starting five. Olu's here, Membou just go drafted here, so I'm just excited about we can take this. We got at least three guys in the room who are going to be here for a multiple years.
Joe Tippmann has protected two very different quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields during his time with the Jets
Joe Tippmann has protected two very different quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields during his time with the Jets
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We just want to keep growing and see what steps we can take. It almost makes me want to work harder and do more because these are going to be the guys I line up with for the next few years. It's a good feeling to know we have the opportunity to not just be great now, but to continue to grow and hopefully become elite o-line that I believe is in our future.
On getting picked by the Jets in the second round in 2023...
Just hearing my name called on draft day was just such a surreal experience. To be picked by the New York Jets was amazing; my high school coach, Jason Fabini, he played for the Jets, so I grew up a Jets fan. For him to be there on my draft day when I'm getting picked by the Jets was amazing.
As I've been with the team, going out in New York and New Jersey and just seeing how loyal the Jets fans are is inspiring. The atmosphere at MetLife on game day is unbeatable. I love being a Jet.
On getting starstruck in the league...
My second start, I was up against Chris Jones. That was one where I was like, "Holy ----." That was crazy. Definitely playing with Aaron was nuts, too. To be honest, there are guys I face every Sunday who I'm just amazed and honored to be sharing the field with.
On facing the Denver Broncos defense...
It's definitely something that excites me, as an o-lineman, getting to see what we can do, how we can match up against a great defense. We expect a lot of pressure whereby they drop one guy and bring a back end or something. I'm definitely looking forward to facing that and executing our plan on how to attack that.
We can try and take advantage and get on the right track. But in the run game, that's where we need to make our hay and make them pay. We've got a great plan and we're confident, but that's nothing against their defense because they have a great unit who's been doing really well. I'm excited for the matchup.