Jets fans flock to training camp to get their first look at Aaron Rodgers

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The loud “Aaron! Rodgers!” chants started almost as soon as the New York Jets quarterback stepped on the practice field.

The cheers turned near deafening Saturday when Rodgers acknowledged the fans with a quick wave.

“That’s my QB! Let’s go!” someone shouted.

“Surreal!” said another.

The Jets’ third practice of training camp marked the first session open to the public — giving about 2,000 ecstatic fans their first in-person glimpse of their team’s new quarterback.

“It’s exciting, you feel the energy from the fans,” said Claudio Juarez, a 43-year-old from the New York City borough of Queens. “It’s like, you wake up and you’re like, ‘Hello, Mr. Rodgers! Good morning!’ And everybody’s like, ‘Good morning!’ It’s hype, it’s exciting and it’s a lot of optimism that has been lacking in the past.”

Rodgers then put on a show with a terrific practice that included some precise passing and a few jaw-dropping throws.

“I’m just happy we have a competitive team,” said Phil DeMeo, a 30-year-old from the New York City borough of Staten Island. “I’m not looking for a Super Bowl or bust. I’m hoping for a playoff win. A home playoff win would be awesome.”

New York acquired Rodgers from Green Bay in April, and the four-time NFL MVP wants to help end the league’s longest playoff drought at 12 years.

And perhaps return the Jets to the Super Bowl, something they haven’t been able to do since the glory days of Joe Namath in 1969.

“Man, I’m pumped up,” said Greg Muscaro, a 30-year-old fan and eight-year season ticket holder from Staten Island. “We got this. We’re going all the way this year. Rodgers, Sauce (Gardner), Garrett (Wilson) — the boys are gonna cook. We’re in.”

The Jets have plenty of work to do before they can even think about the postseason. But this is the type of optimism having a quarterback with the credentials of Rodgers, even at 39, breeds among a fan base that’s hungry for a winner.

“I’m hoping we turn over a new leaf,” said Ira Max, a 72-year-old season ticket holder for 45 years from Wyckoff, New Jersey. “Everything we’ve done so far hasn’t quite worked, but I think this may be the time it’s all going to work out. The stars are aligning.

“If you keep coming back 45 years, you have to have hope, right?”

That’s what Rodgers represents to so many frustrated fans who have been patiently waiting for the Jets to be a true Super Bowl contender again.

“For a lot of the folks who have been through the roller coaster, it’s been rough, it’s been fun, but never consistent,” said Juarez, the founder of the Jets fan club Gotham City Crew. “The type of excitement, the long lines and how early folks have been here, you could feel it. You could see it — the hairs (on his arm) are sticking up because it’s a very strong chance we’re going to the Super Bowl.”

Tickets — which are free — for the first four training camp practices were distributed earlier this week in three minutes. Fans will have a chance to get tickets for the five other sessions later this summer.

“I love it when the fans come,” coach Robert Saleh said. “It’s easy for a coach because now those guys are excited to show out, but you try to keep them focused and level whether fans are there are not. … But I love when they get the chant going.”

With the cameras from the “Hard Knocks” crew rolling, several “J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!” cheers cropped up throughout practice.