When the New York Jets signed John Simpson in free agency, it barely registered across the league. No splashy headlines.
No viral buzz. Just a quiet addition of a 28-year-old guard who had something to prove.
But here we are in December, and Simpson has become more than just another name on the roster - he’s become a steadying force on a team trying to find its footing.
Let’s rewind. Simpson came into the league as a third-round pick with the Raiders, where his early years were marked by inconsistency and penalties.
Pass protection was a glaring issue, and discipline wasn’t exactly a strong suit. He looked like another lineman who might bounce around the league before fading out.
Then came a brief career revival in Baltimore, and now, a new chapter in Florham Park - one that’s turning out to be a lot more meaningful than anyone expected.
A Stabilizing Presence on and off the Field
Since joining the Jets, Simpson has done more than hold his own at left guard. He’s brought a level of professionalism and leadership that this young, struggling roster desperately needs. His play has been solid, but it’s his presence in the locker room that’s really stood out.
For a franchise that’s been mired in disappointment for most of the past 15 years, the 2025 season has felt like more of the same. Sitting at 3-10, the Jets are once again staring down a long offseason. But amid the frustration, Simpson has been one of the few voices keeping things grounded.
After a humbling 34-10 loss to division rival Miami, Simpson spoke to reporters and delivered a message that was less about damage control and more about perspective.
“I don’t want to say forget about it, but just turn the page,” Simpson said. “That’s not really going to help us prepare for this week coming up.
So, in a sense, you’ve just got to wipe the slate clean and start over, start over brand new. That’s kind of how I look at it.
And obviously, you do want to use that as fuel for the next week, but I feel like if you look too deep into that, you get lost in the sauce.”
That’s the kind of mindset that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet, but it matters - especially for a team filled with young players trying to navigate the grind of an NFL season.
Echoing the Coach’s Vision
Simpson’s approach echoes the message head coach Aaron Glenn has been preaching all season. Stay the course.
Trust the process. Don’t let the losses define you.
It’s one thing for a coach to say it. It’s another for a veteran in the trenches to live it. Simpson has taken that role seriously, becoming a bridge between the coaching staff and the younger players who are still learning what it means to be a pro.
That kind of leadership might not change the outcome of this season, but it’s the kind of culture-building piece that can shape a locker room for years to come.
Looking Ahead
At 3-10, the Jets aren’t playing for a playoff spot. But they are playing for pride, for development, and for the kind of foundational growth that could set the tone for 2026 and beyond. In that context, Simpson’s value is hard to overstate.
He’s not just a reclamation project who’s found his footing - he’s a veteran who’s helping a young team find its voice. And in a season where wins have been hard to come by, that leadership might be one of the few victories that actually matters.