Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets

In the high-intensity, win-focused world of the NFL, it’s easy to overlook the "thankful side" of a team—the moments of gratitude, connection, and service that extend beyond the field. For the New York Jets, however, this side isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a core part of their identity, celebrated annually through community initiatives, player tributes, and reflections on the people who make their success possible. From Thanksgiving turkey drives to honoring military veterans, from acknowledging fan loyalty to celebrating teammate growth, the Jets use the year to pause, give back, and express thanks. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets shines a light on these meaningful moments, exploring how gratitude shapes the team’s culture, strengthens its bond with the New York community, and reminds everyone involved that football is about more than touchdowns and trophies.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets begins with the team’s beloved annual Thanksgiving tradition: the Jets Turkey Drive, a decades-old event that brings players, coaches, and staff together to provide meals for families in need. Each November, dozens of Jets players—from superstars like Zach Wilson and Breece Hall to rookies like Jalen Wayne—spend a morning at a local community center, packing turkeys, stuffing, and canned goods into boxes and handing them out to families. In 2024, the drive served over 2,500 families across Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey, with players taking time to chat, pose for photos, and listen to stories from those they were helping. Hall, who grew up in a working-class family in Wisconsin, shared why the event matters to him: “Thanksgiving is about being together, but not everyone has that luxury. If we can help make someone’s holiday a little brighter, that’s the best win we can get all season.” The drive isn’t just about giving food—it’s about building connection, and it’s become a highlight for players and fans alike, embodying the Jets’ commitment to lifting up their community.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets also spotlights the team’s annual Military Appreciation Day, held each December to honor active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. The event includes a pre-game ceremony where veterans are recognized on the field, free tickets for military families, and a halftime show featuring a military band. In 2024, the Jets invited 500 veterans from the New York National Guard to attend their Week 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with players wearing special camouflage-themed cleats and wristbands emblazoned with “Thank You For Your Service.” After the game, Wilson and defensive captain C.J. Mosley spent an hour signing autographs and taking photos with veterans, many of whom shared stories of how Jets games had helped them stay connected to home while deployed. “Military members sacrifice so much for our country, and we wanted to show them we see that,” Mosley said. “This day isn’t just a tribute—it’s our way of saying, ‘We’re grateful for you, and you’re part of our Jets family.’” The event has become a fan favorite, with attendees often noting that it’s the most emotional and meaningful part of the season.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets delves into how the New York Jets express gratitude to their fans, whose unwavering support—even during tough seasons—keeps the team motivated. Each year, the Jets host a “Fan Appreciation Game” in their final home contest, featuring giveaways, player meet-and-greets, and a post-game ceremony where players thank fans directly. In 2024, the game included a special tribute to long-time season-ticket holders, with 10 fans who had held tickets for 40+ years invited onto the field to receive personalized jerseys. The New York Jets also launched a “Thank You, Jets Nation” social media campaign, sharing videos of players reading fan letters and recounting moments when fan support had lifted them up—like when fans cheered Wilson on after a tough interception or chanted “JA-LEN!” when Wayne scored his first NFL touchdown. Team president Hymie Elhai explained the campaign’s goal: “Our fans stick with us through the highs and the lows, and we never take that for granted. This is our way of saying, ‘We see your passion, and we’re grateful for it.’” For fans, the recognition feels personal, reinforcing their love for a team that values them as more than just ticket buyers.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets explores the team’s tradition of celebrating player growth and resilience, a quiet form of gratitude that happens behind the scenes. Each year, the coaching staff hosts a “Growth Dinner” for rookies and second-year players, where they acknowledge the progress each player has made and thank them for their hard work. In 2024, the dinner featured speeches from veterans like Mosley and offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, who shared their own rookie struggles and praised the new class for their dedication. Wayne, who went from a practice squad hopeful to a key receiver, was one of the players honored, with wide receivers coach Miles Austin saying, “Jalen, we’re grateful for how you never gave up—for showing up early, asking questions, and turning every opportunity into a chance to get better.” The New York Jets also use team meetings to highlight small, grateful moments: after a win, Saleh often asks a player to share something they’re thankful for, whether it’s a teammate’s help in practice or a family member’s support. These moments foster a culture of gratitude within the locker room, reminding players to appreciate the people and opportunities around them.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets concludes with the team’s annual “Year of Gratitude” recap, a video released each January that compiles all the year’s thankful moments—from the Turkey Drive to Military Appreciation Day, from fan tributes to locker room speeches. The 2024 video ended with Saleh addressing the camera: “Football is a game of wins and losses, but the things we’re most grateful for—our community, our fans, our teammates—are the things that last. This year, we didn’t just play football; we built connections, lifted people up, and remembered what matters most.” For the New York Jets, these annual highlights aren’t just PR events—they’re a reflection of who they are: a team that believes success is measured not just by how many games they win, but by how much they give back and how deeply they appreciate the people who support them. In a league often defined by rivalry and ego, the Jets’ thankful side is a refreshing reminder that sports can be a force for good. And as the team looks ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: their commitment to gratitude will remain as strong as their commitment to winning. In the end, Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the New York Jets is a story about heart—a team that knows how to say “thank you,” and in doing so, becomes more than just a football team: it becomes a part of the community it serves.