The NY Jets, led by Coach Aaron Glenn & QB Justin Fields, embrace full-contact drills in July 2025 training camp to build a new physical identity for the season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The sounds of pads cracking echoed through Florham Park on Monday as the New York Jets kicked off their second week of training camp with a jolt. In a departure from modern NFL norms, Head Coach Aaron Glenn had his team in full pads for live-tackling drills, sending a clear message that the disappointment of 2024 is in the rearview mirror. With quarterback Justin Fields back to full participation after a minor injury scare, the team began the process of building the tougher, more physical identity Glenn believes is necessary to win.
You start to figure out who’s going to be a part of that identity, and that’s what the evaluation process is now.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn isn't waiting for the preseason to see who has grit. By implementing full-contact drills so early, he's forcing an immediate evaluation of his roster's toughness. 'They know it’s going to help them, and they know it’s going to help us as a team and as an organization, get to where we want to go,' Glenn told reporters. This aggressive approach is a direct response to last season's shortcomings, signaling a cultural reset. The coaching staff wants to see who thrives when the hitting is real, separating the contenders from the pretenders long before the games count.
While the focus was on physicality, the team's stars still found ways to shine. Garrett Wilson made the play of the day with a spectacular basket catch over a defender's shoulder, a reminder of his elite talent. Meanwhile, second-year running back Braelon Allen looked right at home with the increased contact. 'That’s part of my game already,' Allen said, embracing the chance to run through tackles. Perhaps most importantly, QB Justin Fields was back leading the offense without limitations, showing no ill effects from the injury scare that sidelined him on Friday. His presence provided a steady hand amidst the controlled chaos of the live drills.
While the battles raged on the field, the front office was busy addressing a different kind of weakness. The Jets hosted veteran kicker Nick Folk for a workout, signaling a serious effort to solve the team's kicking woes. Folk, who previously played for the Jets from 2010-2016, could provide a reliable leg and veteran competition for a crucial roster spot. This move demonstrates that the organization is focused on improving every facet of the team, not just the marquee positions.
The message from Florham Park is clear: this is a new era under Aaron Glenn. The pads are on, the intensity is high, and the evaluation process is ruthless. While it's only July, the foundation for a tougher, more resilient team is being laid. The first real test of this new identity will come on August 9th, when the Jets travel to Green Bay for their preseason opener. For now, fans can be encouraged by a coach who is demanding more and players who seem eager to deliver.
