A native of Long Island, Greg Van Roten grew up a Jets fan.
So when the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for arose for the lineman, it was too good to pass up. Now, the 30-year-old is living out a childhood fantasy.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Van Roten recently said. “To get to come to the Jets, walk around the hallways and see the posters of all the guys I watched has been just so incredible so far. Putting on the jersey, it’ weird to see myself in a Jets uniform.”
Delayed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Van Roten has finally been able to take in the halls of the Jets’ facility. Walking through the corridors, he’s been granted the chance to embrace the history that was part of his New York upbringing.
Come Week 1, when Van Roten puts on his Jets uniform for his first official game, he will likely be the team’s starting right guard. The release of Brian Winters has paved a way for Van Roten, who signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract this offseason, to start.
Van Roten joined the Jets after making 27 starts over the past two seasons in Carolina. Before that, he spent time in Jacksonville, Green Bay, Seattle and with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Now, Van Roten’s career has come full circle, returning where it all began as a kid. In high school, Van Roten was an All-State left tackle at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York from 2005-08.
Now that Van Roten is back home, he’ll have a crucial role in protecting Sam Darnold and creating running holes for Le’Veon Bell. Van Roten has the flexibility to play each position on the offensive line, something New York will surely take advantage of if necessary.