Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets
- New York Jets
- 11/28/2025 08:57:02 PM
As the NFL season nears its conclusion, the New York Jets are taking a moment to reflect on the annual highlights that define their “thankful side”—moments of community impact, player resilience, fan loyalty, and team unity that extend far beyond wins and losses. This season, the Jets have balanced a competitive playoff push with a commitment to giving back, overcoming injuries with grit, and fostering a connection with fans that has reignited excitement for the franchise. These highlights aren’t just feel-good stories; they’re a testament to the culture head coach Robert Saleh has built—one that prioritizes “we over me” and values gratitude as a core strength. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets explores the team’s standout moments of gratitude, from community service to player comebacks, and how these moments have shaped their season.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets first shines a light on the Jets’ extensive community outreach efforts, which have been a cornerstone of their thankful identity this year. In November, the team hosted its annual “Jets Thanksgiving Giveback,” partnering with local food banks to distribute 10,000 meals to families in need across New York and New Jersey. Players like Quinnen Williams, Corey Davis, and Justin Hardee volunteered their time, packing meal boxes and greeting families at distribution sites. The Jets also expanded their “Jets Academy” program, which provides after-school sports and academic support to over 2,000 at-risk youth, with Saleh and his coaching staff visiting schools to speak about perseverance and teamwork. “Community is everything to us,” said Williams, who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and often shares his own story of overcoming adversity with students. “We’re thankful for the platform the NFL gives us to make a difference, and we take that responsibility seriously.” These efforts earned the Jets a nomination for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Community Award, a recognition of their commitment to off-field impact.
Complementing their community work, Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets highlights the team’s resilience in the face of injuries—a trait that has fostered gratitude for depth and teamwork. When key players like Kyle Dugger (fractured hand), Leander Wiegand (torn MCL), and Quinnen Williams (high ankle sprain) went down, backup players stepped up: Joshuah Bledsoe filled in admirably at safety, Marquel Lee contributed on special teams, and Dalvin Tomlinson anchored the defensive line. Instead of dwelling on losses, the Jets embraced a “next-man-up” mindset, with Saleh often praising the team’s depth as a “blessing in disguise.” “We’re thankful for every player in this locker room—whether they’re a starter or a practice squad guy,” Saleh said after the Jets’ Week 13 win over the Chargers. “When one guy goes down, another steps up, and that’s the sign of a special team. We don’t take that depth for granted.” This resilience paid off, as the Jets turned a 5-5 midseason record into an 8-7 playoff-contending spot, a turnaround that has reinforced their gratitude for each other’s contributions.
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets also celebrates the unwavering support of Jets fans, who have stood by the team through years of rebuilding and are now reaping the rewards of a competitive season. This year, MetLife Stadium saw its highest attendance since 2019, with over 70,000 fans packing the stands for key matchups against the Bills and Patriots. Fans have also shown their gratitude to the team through acts of kindness: in December, a group of season-ticket holders donated 500 tickets to military families for the Jets’ Week 16 game against the Falcons, a gesture that moved players and coaches alike. For the New York Jets, this fan support is a source of motivation and gratitude. “Our fans are the best in the NFL—they’ve stuck with us through the tough times, and now we’re fighting to give them a playoff run they deserve,” said quarterback Zach Wilson. The team returned the love by hosting a “Fan Appreciation Day” at practice, where players signed autographs, took photos, and thanked fans for their loyalty. “We wouldn’t be here without them,” said Wilson. “Their energy on Sundays pushes us to play harder, and we’re so thankful for that.”
Another layer of Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets is the gratitude within the coaching staff, particularly Saleh’s emphasis on appreciating the journey over just results. Saleh, who took over a 4-13 team in 2021, has consistently highlighted small wins—like improved practice intensity, better communication on defense, or a rookie’s first career tackle—as reasons to be thankful. This approach has created a positive locker room culture, where players feel valued and motivated to grow. “Coach Saleh teaches us to be thankful for every opportunity, even the tough ones,” said rookie defensive end Javon Kinlaw. “When I was injured earlier this season, he told me to use the time to learn and get stronger—and that’s exactly what I did. Now I’m back playing, and I’m thankful for that perspective.” For the New York Jets, this coaching philosophy has translated to on-field success: the team has improved its win total in each of Saleh’s three seasons, a sign that gratitude and hard work are paying off. “We’re thankful for the process,” Saleh said in a Thanksgiving team meeting. “Every practice, every game, every challenge—it’s all part of building something special here.”
Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets also spotlights individual player moments of gratitude that have resonated with fans. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who leads the team in receptions (78) and receiving yards (954), often credits his teammates and coaches for his success, saying, “I wouldn’t be where I am without the offensive line keeping Zach [Wilson] upright, or the other receivers drawing coverage. I’m thankful for this team.” Defensive back Sauce Gardner, a Pro Bowl candidate, regularly gives back to his hometown of Detroit, donating football equipment to youth leagues and speaking to kids about staying in school. “I’m thankful for the people who helped me when I was young, so now I want to do the same for others,” Gardner said. These personal acts of gratitude have made the Jets more than just a football team—they’ve made them role models for the community. For the New York Jets, this alignment of personal and team values is what makes this season’s highlights so meaningful. “When our players are thankful and give back, it reflects on the entire organization,” said general manager Joe Douglas. “We’re not just building a winning team—we’re building a team that makes a positive impact, and that’s something to be truly thankful for.”
The final dimension of Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets is how these moments of gratitude have positioned the team for future success. By focusing on community, resilience, fan support, and teamwork, the Jets have built a foundation that extends beyond this season—one that will attract free agents, retain key players, and keep fans engaged for years to come. As the team heads into the final weeks of the regular season, these thankful highlights serve as a reminder of why they play the game. “Winning is important, but so is being thankful for the people around you,” Saleh said before the Jets’ Week 17 matchup with the Dolphins. “We’re thankful for our fans, our community, our players, and our staff. That gratitude fuels us, and it’s what will carry us through the tough moments ahead.” For the New York Jets, this season’s annual highlights aren’t just a look back—they’re a look forward, a promise that the team’s thankful side will remain a core part of who they are, win or lose. “This is just the beginning,” said Williams. “We have a lot to be thankful for, and a lot more to achieve together.”