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Writer's pictureMegan Roche

Football in Florham Park

Late July and early August have always been some of my favorite times. Not only is my birthday in early August, but many times, it's also home to the kick off the NFL football season. I'm a proud New York Jets fan and you can always find me on the sidelines at their Florham Park training facility.


Born and raised on the green and white


You see, I was born and raised on the New York Jets. I've loved them, despite how many times they have broken my heart. It's a team and a game that this girl and her dad bonded over. Year after year, you'll find the two of us together, at the least, one Jets home game at MetLife Stadium.


Being a Jets fan is not an easy place to be. There have been many years that have truly ended in agony. We've been so close to heading to the postseason or even the Super Bowl, which have ended with both my dad and I staring dumbfounded at the television screen, wondering what on earth happened.


One of my favorite places to be come the start of football season is always the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park. The atmosphere is unbelievable. It's always filled with hope for a new season. The turf is freshly painted, and those boys who make up the New York Jets offense and defense are ready to work hard for a chance at the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.


New York Jets Training Camp, 2015


To me, the days I spent on the sidelines at the Florham Park facility are remembered with a smile. There is always so much to do at the training camp practices aside from just watching the boys in the green and white scrimmage. There is shopping, amazing food, raffles, fun inflatables for the kids, and of course my favorite, the post practice autograph session.


In 2011, I dragged my best friend to an open practice. It was an extremely hot day but I was decked out in my green and white. The practice was extremely crowded but we got a nice spot along the fence and started watching. While standing there, my friend got a phone call from the Jets organization that she had won the raffle she put in for. I had no clue she even entered a raffle.


I was ecstatic to say the least. The raffle she won included VIP on field tickets for that days training camp. We rushed back to the main area of the building and were given all access lanyards. We were escorted to an area with free food and drinks that was air conditioned. However, my eyes lit up when I sat down on the bleachers on the 50 yard line. I was in my glory.


After practice, many of the players ran to different parts of the sidelines to sign autographs for the countless fans in attendance. I was absolutely stoked when then quarterback Mark Sanchez came right toward me. I was wearing his jersey (#6) and he signed the front of it. I then asked him to sign my rally towel from the prior year. He was extremely kind and you can bet that I still have that jersey in my bedroom.


VIP Practice, 2011


Much like many of the repeat visitors to training camp will tell you, we love to bring the same item year after year to be autographed. I always bring my white Jets hat that my dad got for me during our first visit to New York Jets training camp. By now, that hat is filled with all different players who at one time took the field at MetLife Stadium. Many of those autographs are from now Hall of Fame legends.


While they may break my heart, there is always one game that I will remember more than anything in the world. As any Jets fan will tell you, our biggest rival is the New England Patriots. In 2011, I was going to college in New England. Not a fun place to be during football season, especially when it comes down to the Jets vs Patriots to decide who wins the AFC East division.


I was a nervous wreck all day of the game. I had high hopes but I was not naive. There was always a chance of injury or a blown pass. However, my Jets actually pulled it out and won the game. All those people who had nothing but trash to say when the Patriots beat the Jets in the regular season were suddenly very quiet. Boy did I have a blast that Monday morning in all my classes. I proudly repped my green and white!


MetLife Stadium NFL Draft Party, 2018


There have been so many football related memories when it comes to my Jets. From a snowy Thanksgiving night game with my friends to surprising my dad with tickets for Father's Day to stand on the sidelines at a preseason game. MetLife Stadium is home to both the New York Jets and to me. There is nothing I wouldn't do for a $12 hotdog and a $10 cup of Dippin' Dots in a New York Jets souvenir helmet.


Thank you New York Jets for giving me memories to last a lifetime. I've loved touring your locker room, meeting many of your players and coaches, but most of all, thank you for helping me truly bond with my dad.


J E T S, Jets Jets Jets forever.


Signing off,


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