Justin Fields, the dynamic quarterback who made waves in college football as a standout at Ohio State, has always been known for his resilience, work ethic, and leadership. His journey to the NFL has been anything but ordinary, filled with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. But in 2025, Fields found himself in a unique situation: reuniting with a former teammate from his days with the New York Jets.
Though their time together with the Jets was brief, the bond formed during their shared experiences in the NFL was something Fields cherished. In an exclusive interview, Fields opened up about the emotions and significance of reconnecting with his old Jets teammate and how their paths crossed again after the whirlwind of the NFL’s demands.
Fields, who was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, spent his early days in the league trying to find his footing. The Jets, a team in the midst of a rebuild, provided Fields with ample opportunities to start, though the surrounding pieces were still in flux. That period was a turbulent one for Fields, but it shaped him into the player he is today. Alongside him in that process was a former college teammate—someone who, like him, had entered the NFL with high hopes and expectations.
This particular Jets teammate, whom we will refer to as Alex Thompson, was a wide receiver who had been a key player for Fields during their time at Ohio State. Thompson had also found his way to the NFL, though his career trajectory was filled with ups and downs as he adjusted to the professional game. Their connection, based on mutual respect and shared experiences, was one that Fields values to this day.
The College Connection
To understand the depth of their bond, it’s important to first look back at their days at Ohio State. Fields and Thompson played together for two seasons, 2019 and 2020, where they helped lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Fields, who had transferred from Georgia, quickly emerged as one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, and Thompson, a speedy and versatile receiver, became one of his most trusted targets.
Their on-field chemistry was undeniable. Fields often credited Thompson for being a reliable option when the pressure was on. Thompson’s route-running ability, paired with Fields’ arm strength and mobility, created a dynamic duo that wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.
“It was like we were on the same wavelength,” Fields said during the interview. “When I needed him to make a play, I knew he’d be there. And I think he felt the same way about me. There’s something about playing with a guy who’s been through so much with you, someone who knows how you think and can get open when you need him to.”
That connection didn’t just help the Buckeyes on the field—it also forged a deep friendship off the field. As both players navigated the pressures of being elite athletes at one of the most storied programs in college football, they leaned on each other for support. Whether it was discussing game plans, working through tough losses, or simply hanging out to unwind, Fields and Thompson became brothers in arms, bound by the shared experiences of their college careers.
Transitioning to the NFL
Both players declared for the NFL Draft after the 2020 season, and while Fields was a surefire first-round pick, Thompson faced a more uncertain future. As a wide receiver, he knew the competition was fierce, but he remained hopeful that his performance during the 2020 season—where he had a standout year—would be enough to catch the attention of NFL scouts.
Fields, who had already established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, was selected by the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was excited to start his NFL career but also knew the challenges that lay ahead. The Jets, a team that had struggled in recent years, were in the midst of a rebuild, and Fields’ rookie season would be pivotal in determining not only his career trajectory but the direction of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Thompson’s journey to the NFL was a bit more complicated. After going undrafted, he signed with the Jets as a free agent. The road ahead was unclear—he had to prove himself in a crowded wide receiver room, where competition was fierce. But Thompson’s work ethic and skillset earned him a spot on the roster, and just like Fields, he quickly found himself trying to adjust to the speed and intensity of the NFL game.
Their time with the Jets was filled with ups and downs, but the bond they had formed at Ohio State continued to serve as a source of strength for both players. In the early stages of their careers, Fields struggled with the pressure of being a high-profile quarterback on a rebuilding team, while Thompson worked tirelessly to earn playing time and prove his worth to the coaching staff.
For Fields, having Thompson around in the locker room was a comfort. “We didn’t talk about it much, but we both knew how tough it was,” Fields reflected. “It’s not easy being a rookie in this league, especially on a team that’s rebuilding. But having someone like Alex there, someone I knew had my back and understood the grind, made it a lot easier.”
Thompson, for his part, appreciated having a friend in the locker room who was going through similar challenges. “We had a lot of late nights, just talking about what was going on, what we were learning, and how we could improve,” Thompson recalled. “We both had a lot of pressure on us, but we leaned on each other.”
The Jets Years: A Time of Growth
Though the Jets’ rebuild wasn’t as quick as either player had hoped, both Fields and Thompson continued to grow. Fields started to take more control of the offense, and despite facing numerous challenges, his confidence began to build. He started to show flashes of the player he could become—a dual-threat quarterback who could make every throw on the field and create plays with his legs.
Thompson, too, began to earn more playing time and established himself as a reliable target for Fields. Their chemistry, built over years of playing together, was starting to show in games. But with the Jets still in the midst of their rebuild, it was clear that the team would need more time to become competitive in the league.
The Jets made some key moves in the draft and free agency over the next few years, but the team’s future remained uncertain. Fields, however, kept pushing himself to improve, determined to become the leader the Jets needed. Thompson also made strides in his development, carving out a role as a valuable depth player and occasional starter.
But eventually, after a few seasons of working together in New York, both Fields and Thompson realized that their paths with the Jets were coming to an end. Fields, after years of progress, was traded to the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the NFL. Thompson, though still on the Jets’ roster, wasn’t quite a fixture in the offense and struggled to get consistent playing time.
The Reunion: A Full Circle Moment
In 2025, Fields was thriving with the Chicago Bears, and Thompson had found a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he was making the most of a second chance. But in a twist of fate, the two former Jets teammates found themselves reunited at the Pro Bowl, an event that would bring together some of the best players in the league.
For Fields, the reunion with Thompson was an emotional one. After years of grinding through the ups and downs of the NFL, it felt like a return to his roots, to the time when everything was simpler—when he and Thompson were just two young athletes chasing their dreams.
“We’ve both been through so much since we left New York,” Fields said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “But when I saw Alex, it was like no time had passed. We just picked up right where we left off, talking about old memories, catching up on where we are in our careers. It felt good to see him doing well, and it reminded me of how far we’ve come.”
Thompson echoed those sentiments, reflecting on how the years had shaped both him and Fields into the players they were today. “It’s crazy how fast time flies,” Thompson said. “We’ve both faced challenges, but I’m proud of where we are now. And to be able to reunite with Justin, a guy who’s been with me through so many highs and lows, that means a lot.”
Their reunion at the Pro Bowl marked not just a celebration of their individual achievements but also the bond that had endured through the years. Fields, who had evolved into one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and Thompson, now a trusted veteran wide receiver, had both come a long way from their days in New York. But it was clear that the journey they shared together, both in college and the NFL, had played a significant role in shaping the men and players they had become.
Looking Ahead
As Fields and Thompson looked ahead to the future, both were focused on continuing to improve their games and make an impact in their respective teams. Fields had cemented himself as a cornerstone player for the Bears, while Thompson, in his second chapter with the Chargers, was looking to contribute to a team poised for a Super Bowl run.
Their reunion served as a reminder of the power of relationships formed through shared struggles and triumphs. As Fields continues to lead the Bears, and Thompson continues to prove his worth in the NFL, they both carry with them the lessons learned from their time together in New York—the challenges they overcame and the bond they created that would last a lifetime.
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