Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets

In a powerful display of loyalty to their former franchise, a group of New York Jets legends has launched a transformative "Charge"—a multifaceted initiative aimed at revitalizing the team’s connection to its history, supporting current players, and reigniting fan passion amid a rebuilding phase. Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets isn’t just a nostalgic effort; it’s a strategic movement that bridges the gap between the Jets’ glory days and its current journey, leveraging the credibility and influence of past greats to create tangible change both on and off the field. For a fanbase that has endured years of inconsistency, this Charge represents a beacon of unity, reminding everyone associated with the Jets that they’re part of a larger, enduring legacy.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets was spearheaded by a core circle of iconic players, each with deep roots in the franchise’s history. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, whose "Guarantee" and Super Bowl III victory defined the Jets’ most legendary moment, serves as the public face of the initiative, using his platform to advocate for the team and engage with fans. Joining him are other Jets greats: running back Curtis Martin, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher; defensive end John Abraham, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Jets; and wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, a fan favorite known for his gritty, underdog style. The group’s mission emerged from a 2024 reunion, where they discussed their shared desire to give back to the franchise that shaped their careers—and to help the current team navigate its rebuilding process with the wisdom of those who’ve walked the same path. “We didn’t just play for the Jets—we lived and breathed this team,” Martin said in a press conference announcing the Charge. “Now, we want to use our experience to lift up the current players and remind fans why they fell in love with this franchise in the first place.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets encompasses three key pillars, each designed to address a specific need within the Jets community. The first pillar, "Legacy Mentorship," pairs current Jets players with former stars for one-on-one guidance: Abraham works with rookie defensive end Jermaine Johnson II on pass-rushing techniques, sharing film of his own career highlights to break down moves; Chrebet meets regularly with wide receiver Xavier Gipson to discuss route-running and mental toughness in high-pressure situations; and Martin advises running backs breece Hall and Michael Carter on durability and navigating the physical demands of the NFL. The second pillar, "Fan Engagement Tours," brings former stars to Jets fan events across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—hosting Q&A sessions, autograph signings, and watch parties where legends and supporters can bond over shared memories. The third pillar, "History Preservation," involves curating a digital archive of Jets memorabilia—including game-worn jerseys, old playbooks, and behind-the-scenes footage—accessible for free on the team’s website, ensuring younger fans can learn about the franchise’s rich history. “This Charge is about more than just giving advice,” Namath explained. “It’s about building a bridge between generations—so the current players know where the Jets have been, and the fans know where we’re going.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets has already made a visible impact on the current team, with players citing the mentorship as a key factor in their late-season growth. Johnson II, who has recorded 3 sacks in his last four games, credits Abraham’s guidance for his improved technique: “John showed me how to read an offensive tackle’s stance—small things that make a big difference. He’s been there, so when he talks, I listen.” Gipson, meanwhile, has seen his catch rate climb from 58% to 67% since working with Chrebet, and he recently scored his first NFL touchdown on a route Chrebet helped him refine. Beyond on-field performance, the mentorship has also boosted team morale: Hall noted that Martin’s stories about perseverance during tough seasons have helped him stay motivated amid the Jets’ current struggles. For the New York Jets, this impact extends beyond individual players—it’s fostering a culture of respect for the franchise’s history, something head coach Robert Saleh says was missing before. “When our rookies sit down with Curtis or John, they don’t just hear about football—they hear about what it means to be a Jet,” Saleh said. “That pride is contagious, and it’s making our team stronger.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets has also reconnected disillusioned fans with the franchise, breathing new life into game days and community events. At a recent watch party in Manhattan, hundreds of fans turned out to meet Namath and Chrebet, sharing stories of watching the Jets in the 1990s and 2000s. One fan, who hadn’t attended a Jets game in five years, said the event inspired him to buy season tickets for 2025: “Seeing Joe and Wayne talk about their love for the Jets reminded me why I became a fan. This Charge isn’t just for the players—it’s for us, too.” The fan engagement tours have also helped the Jets reach younger audiences: at a school visit in Brooklyn, Abraham and Johnson II talked to students about perseverance, using football as a metaphor for life’s challenges. For the New York Jets, this renewed fan connection is invaluable—it’s translating to higher attendance at home games (up 12% since the Charge launched) and more engagement on social media, with the hashtag #JetsLegacyCharge generating over 50,000 posts. “Fans are the lifeblood of any franchise,” Martin said. “We wanted to give them something to believe in again—and it’s amazing to see how they’ve responded.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the New York Jets has big plans for the future, with the group announcing expansion of the initiative into the 2025 season and beyond. They’re partnering with the Jets’ front office to create a "Legacy Game"—a yearly matchup where former stars will be honored at halftime, and current players will wear throwback uniforms inspired by the franchise’s iconic eras. They’re also launching a scholarship program for local high school students who excel in both academics and community service, named after late Jets great Dennis Byrd, to honor his legacy of resilience. Additionally, the former stars plan to host a "Football Camp for Kids" in the summer of 2025, teaching young athletes not just football skills, but also the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. “This Charge isn’t a one-time thing,” Namath said. “It’s a commitment to the Jets—for the players, the fans, and the community. We want to be here for the long haul, helping this team get back to where it belongs.” For the New York Jets and their fans, this initiative is more than just a boost from former stars—it’s a reminder that the Jets’ story is still being written, and that everyone—past, present, and future—has a role to play in its next chapter. As Abraham put it: “We didn’t win a lot of Super Bowls during our time here, but we built something special. Now, we’re passing that torch on—and we can’t wait to see what this next generation does with it.”