Jets’ Garrett Wilson and Aaron Glenn Learning From NBA Finals-Bound Knicks: “Gives Us a Taste of What it Might Look Like”

The New York Jets are not expected to fare much better this season, even though Garrett Wilson and Aaron Glenn might say otherwise.

Their roster build screams tanking, as they work towards landing a top pick in the 2027 draft. Many know that their efforts could land them a top quarterback prospect next year.

The need for an elite signal caller has plagued the franchise for quite a long time, and without one, they cannot hope to maximize their potential.

Since the times of Sam Darnold, Zach Wilson, and even Aaron Rodgers, the franchise has been left wanting. But now, the hope is that they will land a future franchise cornerstone next year.

With a box full of draft picks to lean on, the organization is aware that this year, its fans will not appreciate the losses. But as Garrett Wilson put it, they are hoping to hear those same fans cheer them when the winning starts.

It’s cool to see. I’m glad I’m up here, I’m rooting for the Knicks like hell. That gives us a taste of what it might look like when we figure this thing out. We are excited for that opportunity.

Garrett Wilson told reporters

"I'm rooting the @nyknicks on like hell" pic.twitter.com/ZIk13Obflx

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 28, 2026

The 25-year-old seemingly wants to taste the passion New York sports fans have brought for the NBA Finals-bound New York Knicks. It will not happen for Jets right away, but Wilson wants to embrace that when it is his team’s time to shine.

Aaron Glenn wants his Jets to embody the Knicks’ work ethic

Most football fans might laugh at Garrett Wilson’s ‘wish,’ as the New York Jets have been losing for decades. Sure, they have good building blocks for the future. But expecting to win as the Knicks have done this NBA season is foolhardy. Fans know that it took the basketball franchise two full years to maximize a roster made up of a handful of superstars.

The Jets do not have that now, but it seems head coach Aaron Glenn wants to instill a mindset and work ethic into them from the outset that can eventually help his players become what the basketball team is right now.

That is a gritty team. It’s hard to be a gritty team without gritty players, and it all starts with the point guard. You can tell the leadership, the fight, everybody follows that, and it’s easy to follow that… You really see the influence that he has… Pulling for those guys. I really am because they play their a** off. It’s fun to watch.

Aaron Glenn said

This was the 53-year-old’s response when reporters mentioned to him that New York has turned into a basketball city despite the presence of two football teams.

#Jets HC Aaron Glenn, wearing a shirt that says “GRIT,” was asked about the Knicks’ NBA Finals run:

“That’s a gritty team. It’s hard to be a gritty team without gritty players, and it all starts with the point guard (Jalen Brunson). You can tell the leadership, the fight —… pic.twitter.com/IzvKuZCYun

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 28, 2026

It seems Glenn is not just admiring what Jalen Brunson and his teammates are doing, but also subtly sending his team a message that he wants them to play like the ‘gritty’ Knicks.

Jets could start winning as early as next season

As much as Wilson and Glenn want, they also know that they have to ride out the 2026 season. They are obviously targeting a shot at an elite QB prospect, while also looking to nab other prospects who can become the core of this team.

Once a core is set, they could start winning regularly. It could happen as soon as next season if they can nail down their offensive and defensive schemes with the current squad.

The Kansas City Chiefs have executed that method to perfection, where once a baseline is set, anyone coming in can just add on and build from there. Then, once the grit and motivation come into the picture, the Jets can also have passionate New Yorkers cheering for them.

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