Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets

The New York Jets have long viewed community engagement as more than just a side initiative—it’s a core part of the franchise’s identity, with a year-round calendar of events designed to lift up local neighborhoods, support youth development, and connect players with fans beyond the gridiron. From youth football clinics to food drives, holiday toy donations to partnerships with local schools, the Jets’ community events prioritize impact over visibility, focusing on issues that matter most to New York and New Jersey residents. This season, the team has expanded its efforts, launching two new programs and doubling participation in existing ones—all with the goal of building stronger, more connected communities. Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets breaks down the team’s key community initiatives, how players and staff contribute, and the difference these events make for local residents.

Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets first focuses on the Jets’ flagship youth program: the “Jets Football Academy,” which hosts free clinics for kids ages 8-14 across the tri-state area. This season, the academy expanded from 12 to 20 clinics, drawing over 3,000 participants—many of whom get to learn from current and former Jets players. In October, linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive end Quinnen Williams led a clinic in Brooklyn, teaching drills on passing, tackling, and teamwork, while emphasizing the importance of education and sportsmanship. Each participant received a free Jets jersey, a football, and a workbook with academic tips. “These kids look up to NFL players, so we have a responsibility to set a good example,” Mosley said after the clinic. “It’s not just about football—we want to show them that hard work and respect can take them anywhere, on or off the field.” The academy also partners with local schools to identify kids from low-income families, covering transportation costs and providing snacks to ensure no child is left out.

Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets next delves into the team’s holiday giving events, which have become a beloved tradition for both the Jets and local families. In November, the Jets hosted their annual “Thanksgiving Food Drive” in collaboration with the Food Bank for New York City, collecting over 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food and distributing 2,000 meal kits to families in need. Players like wide receiver Garrett Wilson and safety Jordan Whitehead volunteered their time, helping pack bags and load cars, while the Jets’ cheerleading squad greeted families and handed out festive decorations. In December, the team shifted to holiday toys, hosting a “Toys for Tots” drive at MetLife Stadium that collected over 10,000 toys for children in foster care and homeless shelters. Quarterback Zach Wilson even dressed as Santa Claus for a surprise visit to a Newark shelter, where he handed out toys and took photos with kids. “The holidays can be a tough time for a lot of families, so being able to bring a little joy means everything,” Wilson said. “These events remind us why we do what we do—football is great, but making a difference in someone’s life is even better.”

Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets also explores the Jets’ new “Schools That Score” program, launched this season to support local education. The initiative partners with 50 elementary schools in underserved areas, providing funding for classroom supplies, after-school programs, and sports equipment. Each month, a Jets player visits a partner school to read to students, lead a fitness activity, or talk about their own educational journey. In September, cornerback Sauce Gardner visited a Bronx school, where he read a book about perseverance to a group of third-graders and donated $5,000 worth of math and science kits. For the New York Jets, “Schools That Score” is about investing in the future of the community. “Education is the foundation of any strong community, and we wanted to step up to fill gaps that schools can’t,” said Jets team president Hymie Elhai. “When a kid gets a new science kit or hears a player talk about staying in school, it can change their outlook. That’s the kind of long-term impact we’re aiming for.”

Another layer of Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets is the role of fan participation in these initiatives, which has helped amplify their reach. The Jets encourage fans to join in by hosting “Community Game Days” at MetLife Stadium, where attendees can bring non-perishable food, toys, or school supplies to donate in exchange for a free Jets branded item. This season, over 12,000 fans contributed to these drives, doubling last year’s participation. The team also uses social media to highlight fan-led community efforts, sharing stories of fans who organize their own food drives or volunteer at Jets-supported events. For the New York Jets, fan involvement turns individual events into a collective movement. “Our fans are the heart of this team, and seeing them join us in giving back is incredible,” said Jets community relations director Sarah Thomas. “It’s not just the Jets doing these events—it’s the entire Jets family. That’s what makes the impact so much bigger.”

Community Engagement in Events for the New York Jets closes with the long-term vision behind the team’s community work and the lasting relationships it has built. The Jets track the impact of each event, from the number of meals distributed to the number of kids who join after-school programs because of “Schools That Score,” and use that data to refine their efforts each year. Beyond metrics, the team has formed deep partnerships with local organizations—like the Food Bank for New York City and Big Brothers Big Sisters—that extend beyond single events. For the New York Jets, community engagement isn’t a seasonal trend; it’s a promise to the cities that support them. “We’re not just a football team that plays in New York—we’re part of this community,” said general manager Joe Douglas. “These events are our way of saying thank you, and of showing that we care about the same things our fans care about. Whether it’s a kid learning to catch a football or a family having a Thanksgiving meal, every small moment adds up to something bigger. That’s the legacy we want to leave.” As the season continues, the Jets’ community events will keep rolling—proof that football is about more than wins and losses, but about lifting up the people who make the game possible.