The NFL’s new league year has arrived, and teams can now officially process the agreements they made throughout the week. That includes free-agent contracts and trades.
One of those trades sent All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins to the New York Jets. As part of the deal, Fitzpatrick also received a new three-year, $40 million contract.
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Fitzpatrick met with the New York media for the first time on Thursday. The typically reserved safety quickly went viral following his press conference.
A reporter asked the New Jersey native about returning to the area. Fitzpatrick replied, “I’m excited to be here and I’m happy to be back home.” However, a freeze-frame from the moment told a slightly different story — at least on social media.
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An X user captured the frame and posted it alongside Fitzpatrick’s quote from the Jets’ official broadcast of the press conference.
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Many viewed the post as humorous. In reality, Fitzpatrick carries a calm, reserved demeanor off the field but competes with intensity on it.
Jul 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) speaks to reporters during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dolphins originally drafted Fitzpatrick in 2018. He later became a household name after a trade sent him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he anchored the secondary from 2019 through 2024.
During his time in Pittsburgh, the 29-year-old earned three Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors. The Steelers traded him back to Miami last season in a deal that sent Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh.
Fitzpatrick played high school football in Jersey City, New Jersey before committing to Alabama Crimson Tide football.
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