Minkah Fitzpatrick knows how bad Jets fans want to win thanks to his upbringing

One of the most exciting parts of the early offseason for New York Jets fans was the trade for veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Jets only had to flip a late Day 3 pick for the former Miami Dolphins draft pick's services, and it was certainly worth their while.

The three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler may not be the same player he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers at his peak, but the 29-year-old still has plenty left in the tank to give, and the Jets are going to look to squeeze every last drop out.

Not only was it a meaningful addition for the Jets (Fitzpatrick figures to play a key leadership role for New York going forward), but it's also a homecoming for the New Jersey native.

The former first-round draft pick was born in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and played high school football at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City. After playing at MetLife Stadium every now and then for the last eight years of his career, Fitzpatrick is finally going to make it his home.

Minkah Fitzpatrick understands the plight of Jets fans... he grew up with them

Speaking with reporters after an OTA practice, Fitzpatrick was asked about what it's like returning to his home state and what it means to be playing for the Jets after all these years in the NFL.

"Jersey is always home to me. No matter where I've been or where I played at. This is where I was born and raised my first 18 years of my life. So it has a very special place in my heart. I'm really, really excited to come back and win games in the stadium that I played in in high school. I grew up a Philly fan, but most of the people I knew were Jets fans. I know how much they want to win. So it's really cool that I get to be a part of the program that starts winning again."

Minkah Fitzpatrick

Like most people from the Southern half of New Jersey, Fitzpatrick grew up a Philadelphia sports fan due to the close proximity of the city as opposed to New York.

Unlike some players who come to the Jets for the first time, the eight-year veteran is well aware of the shortcomings of the franchise over the last 15-plus years.

It remains to be seen if the Jets will be able to establish that winning program under Aaron Glenn and his new veteran additions, but it's hard not to feel at least positive when players of the caliber of Fitzpatrick are now manning the defense.

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