As most football enthusiasts gear up for the highly anticipated clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, there’s a segment of fans who view this matchup quite differently. For many New York Jets supporters, it’s a painful reminder, especially since their team hasn’t made the playoffs in 15 years—the longest drought in any professional sports league in the U.S. It doesn’t help that head coach Aaron Glenn had a tough debut season, finishing with a 3-14 record.
The Patriots, on the other hand, have enjoyed a resurgence, having won four consecutive seasons under coach Mike Vrabel. Pittsburgh’s Drake Maye is now also making headlines as a potential MVP candidate after just his second season.
Jets fans have had a tough go of it, often overshadowed by Tom Brady and his exploits with the Patriots. And now, seeing New England back in the Super Bowl isn’t really what they wanted to witness. Across the field from the Patriots will be the Seahawks, who are led by quarterback Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft originally selected by the Jets.
Darnold is indeed the first quarterback from that draft class to reach the Super Bowl, which included other notable names like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Baker Mayfield. Jets fans might have once pictured Darnold in their green and white uniform, taking down the Patriots en route to victory.
However, things didn’t quite pan out that way for the Jets. Former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, reflecting on Darnold’s journey, feels there’s still something for Jets fans to celebrate at this Super Bowl. He expressed, “I think a lot of people are still rooting for Sam. Sure, he would admit he didn’t perform to the best of his ability, but without the right support system, succeeding as a quarterback is really tough.”
Fitzpatrick also remarked that Jets fans should feel a sense of pride in Darnold’s success, highlighting the struggles he faced and overcame. After a brief and tumultuous period in New York, Darnold’s career took a different turn with the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers, ultimately landing him with the Minnesota Vikings. There, he thrived, leading the team to a remarkable 14-win season, which eventually led to his choice in free agency to join the Seahawks.
Interestingly, if Fitzpatrick were still rooting for the Jets, he’d find it easy to support Darnold now. Yet, he admitted that he finds himself somewhat reluctantly cheering for the Patriots, a team he battled against during his career. “It’s complicated,” he shared. “I can’t help but still harbor dislike for the Patriots. While I was at Harvard, they were on the rise. Then I spent so many years in the AFC East—just getting beaten by them.”
He also noted how the new coaching and player dynamics with Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye rejuvenated the Patriots and led them back to the Super Bowl.
On a lighter note, Fitzpatrick and his wife recently enjoyed a getaway to Aruba after the long football season, taking some much-needed time to relax before the Super Bowl. He has partnered with the Aruba Tourism Board, aiming to promote responsible tourism on the island, which places emphasis on protecting its environment and celebrating local culture.
Fitzpatrick shared that their trip was refreshing, invigorating, and just what they needed. He reminisced about experiences like hiking, swimming in natural pools, and exploring caves. “We rarely get to leave home, especially with seven kids, so this little adventure was crucial,” he explained. “They really do have it all—beautiful beaches, resorts, and tons of adventure. And we came back feeling completely rejuvenated, which is priceless.”
