NFL quarterback Justin Fields earned much-deserved praise for his reaction to a disappointing benching after his New York Jets careened to a league-worst 0-7 start to the 2025 season. While many players would blame everyone but themselves, the fifth-year quarterback praised God for his gifts and vowed to use the chance to find new opportunities.
For context, Fields is in his first year with the winless Jets franchise. He replaced Aaron Rodgers after joining them from the Steelers in the previous season. Fields began his career in Chicago and played there for three difficult years. He has a losing record as a quarterback but has the record for most rushing yards by a QB, with 178 yards on the ground in a 2022 game. He was drafted in the first round in 2021 after vying for the Heisman and competing in the national championship game.
Fast forward to the NFL, and Fields has had his share of on-field issues. Nevertheless, he remains committed to his faith and got ‘real’ with a reporter when asked about his mid-game benching that saw Tyrod Taylor replace him after a tumultuous beginning to Week 7.
“I’m about to just be real right now. I’ve always asked God to give me an opportunity and a platform to spread His Word. And sometimes it doesn’t play out the way you always plan it. I think the position I’m in right now is a great opportunity to spread that message and really kind of get the world to know how I feel about Him and how great He is,” Fields stated.
“I’ve been through a lot in my career, especially my NFL career, you know, college career, through the ups and downs, and, no, I’m probably at a low right now, and I think the old me would, you know, feel some certain type of way, but it’s just now, like my faith is so rooted in Christ to where it’s like, like, I told you guys earlier this week, nothing can break me, you know, that’s just what it is,” he continued.
“And as far as my job goes here, I’m gonna be the same. I’m going to come to work the same, you know, I’m going to lead the same. And again, just try to continue to spread that message of, you know, how good God is, and no matter what I go through in life, I know I’m strong enough to handle it. I know he’s strong enough to help me handle it and stuff like that,” Fields went on.
“So yeah, sorry to you know, kind of get that, but I just felt like this thing that’s happening right now is a great opportunity for me to spread His word and spread His love,” the honest and reflective quarterback finished.
Watch the now-viral interview below:
ESPN noted that despite sitting on the pine, few need to feel bad for his predicament. “The Jets gave Fields a $30 million guarantee,” the sports outlet reported. “In six starts (he missed one game with a concussion), Fields is averaging only 141 passing yards per game, with four touchdown passes and no interceptions. It’s rare for a quarterback with no interceptions to get benched, but there has been no energy on offense.”