ASHWAUBENON (NBC 26) — Jets quarterback James Morgan was one of many throwing footballs at Ray Nitschke field on Wednesday.
Morgan is actually a Green Bay area native and in high school he was the quarterback of the Ashwaubenon Jaguars.
As the Jets prepare to take on the Packers this Saturday for the second pre-season game, both teams had the chance to practice with each other.
The homegrown Jets player grew up idolizing Aaron Rodgers and today he wears jersey number four, Brett Favre’s number.
It's a full circle moment as he is now playing alongside his idol, Aaron Rodgers.
The two quarterbacks were seen in close proximity during some moments in the practice.
Packers fans who watched the training said while Morgan may be playing for the opposing team, they’re still happy to welcome him back home.
“You know growing up, a lot of these people going into football, how many of these kids actually make it into the pros, so it’s pretty pretty cool that some kids are from here locally. I like that,” said Steve Bassetto, Neenah.
NBC 26 caught up with Jets fans who say while they’re excited for Morgan to be playing back home, they say they really don’t know too much about the player.
“I don’t know too much about that to be honest, if he’s never been a starter for the Jets then us Jets fans aren’t going to know too much about him. If you followed him during the off season, that’s great but no offense to James Morgan,” said Wil Adamy, New York.
Other Jets fans said they believe Morgan has the potential to make an impact for the team, but believe he’s just not getting the chance.
“I think he’s pretty good but he’s not getting the opportunity right now because I think he’s third string behind Mike White. But I think he’s alright, he’s got a good arm. I know he can throw the ball really good,” said Carson Trinrud.
Adamy who traveled from New York to see his hometown team play in Green Bay said he’s optimistic for what this season will bring to the Jets.
“We unfortunately have only hope mostly in the off season, so it’s nice to try and ride that wave of momentum with a new coach, a new quarterback and really happy to see what this brings,” Adamy said.
The Packers will take on the Jets this Saturday. Kick off time is at 3:25 p.m.
