Justin Fields has faced significant challenges in his NFL career since being a top 10 pick in the 2021 draft. Now with the New York Jets, Fields continues to rely on his faith and mindset to maintain confidence amid ongoing uncertainty in his professional journey.
Fields’ path has included stints with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has yet to firmly establish himself as a franchise quarterback. Despite this, he showed promise, posting a 4-2 record as a starter and stepping up when the Jets’ Russell Wilson was sidelined due to injury.
How Justin Fields’ Faith Shapes His Confidence Amid Career Ups and Downs
In a recent conversation on David Carmi’s Instagram account @confidenceheist, Fields addressed what keeps his confidence steady despite the unpredictability of football and life. He pointed directly to his faith in God as the foundation for his resilience.
Q: “What makes you confident? What is it about God, personally that helped you in a certain situation, that you saw God?”
Fields: “The Lord. I think you just gotta find your confidence in him. And no matter what happens in life, you just gotta let him have control over it and just control what you can control. I think that goes with everything [in] life. Football taught me a lot of life lessons. Good times, bad times, adversity hits, but that adversity makes you the person who you are.” —Justin Fields, quarterback
Justin Fields’ New Contract Reflects Jets’ Willingness to Move Quickly
After joining his third team in five seasons, Fields faces a critical moment with the Jets, who signed him to a two-year, $40 million contract with limited long-term guarantees. The deal includes $22 million in dead cap space for 2026, allowing the team flexibility if his performance does not meet expectations.
The Jets enter the new coaching era under Aaron Glenn, who will have little patience for uncertainty at quarterback. Glenn’s challenge will be to maximize Fields’ potential while making decisive moves if needed.
This cautious approach follows the Jets’ recent history with first-round quarterback Zach Wilson, their 2021 second overall pick. Wilson was traded after three seasons without establishing himself, influencing the Jets’ strategy with Fields.
The Broader Implications for Fields and the Jets Moving Forward
Fields’ outlook offers a glimpse into how players cope with the pressures and volatility of an NFL career, especially for quarterbacks under intense scrutiny. His emphasis on faith and focusing on what is controllable demonstrates mental fortitude that may prove crucial for his development.
For the Jets, the next two seasons will be pivotal in determining whether Fields can overcome past inconsistencies to become the reliable leader they seek. His journey underscores the ongoing challenges NFL quarterbacks face, balancing performance expectations with personal growth and resilience.