The diner bore a resemblance to countless others scattered throughout New Jersey. As Garrett Wilson stepped out of his idling S.U.V., he couldn’t help but have high expectations. After all, this was Sopranos country, where copious menus and bustling service awaited every hungry lunchtime customer.
“You know it’s good if cops eat here,” Wilson remarked, gesturing towards a police vehicle parked outside the Hackensack restaurant. He made his way inside and instantly encountered a long sit-down counter, checkered floors, and the tantalizing sound and aroma of sizzling meat.
In his whirlwind rookie season the previous year, Wilson had proven himself to be a rarity – a young and dynamic wide receiver for the Jets who excelled at finding open space with sharp route-running. He possessed the sort of sticky hands not seen since the days of Keyshawn Johnson.
However, during that debut year, Wilson had never stopped by a signature New Jersey diner.
At 23, Wilson structured his life around football. He chose to live just a short drive away from the Jets’ facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, and made the unusual decision to live alone without any roommates who might distract him.
“The truth is, having others around is a distraction,” he explained. “I have a big family, so if they were in the house, suddenly there would be six different opinions on what to do each day.”
Unfortunately, that unpredictability also crept onto the field last year as the Jets cycled through quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White. Despite the inconsistencies, Garrett Wilson remained a reliable target for whoever was throwing him the ball. He listened to the guidance of veteran players, adapting his game as defenses focused on stopping him. Out of his 83 receptions, he managed to convert 56 of them into first downs. His 83 receptions and 1,103 yards earned him the honor of being named the Jets’ Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Jets had a turbulent season, experiencing both surges and stumbles that ultimately prevented them from making the playoffs. When the Sacramento Kings secured their spot in the N.B.A. playoffs, the Jets’ postseason drought stretched to 12 years, the longest across all major men’s professional sports in North America. It was this struggling team that caught the attention of Aaron Rodgers, who became dissatisfied with the Green Bay Packers’ failure to draft talented receivers like Wilson.
During his time in Green Bay, Rodgers had formed a formidable partnership with Davante Adams, a receiver who had been named an All-Pro in consecutive seasons when Rodgers won the Most Valuable Player award. Wilson and Adams not only shared the same jersey number but also exuded similar qualities.
“Davante is in a league of his own,” Rodgers commented. “But that number 17 reminds me of the other 17.”
Adams, now embarking on his second season with the Las Vegas Raiders, joined the conversation after Rodgers and Wilson connected on an impressive training camp reception. Rodgers, under pressure, found Wilson in the back of the end zone. With his back turned to Rodgers, Wilson leaped into the air and used his right hand to pluck the ball before gracefully falling to the ground. Adams reposted the video on social media, adding the comment, “These two are about to make some noise this year.”
A waitress approached Wilson’s booth as he perused the menu. He placed an order for a chicken wrap.
No one in the diner recognized the emerging star, the player who held the key to fulfilling the Jets’ lofty expectations. Clad in a Lifted Research Group T-shirt and Billionaire Boys Club shorts, Wilson had come to understand the nonchalant nature of New York fans. “They probably saw Leonardo DiCaprio walking by 30 minutes ago, so they’re not paying attention to me,” he mused.
Wilson had arrived at the diner after a visit to nearby Hackensack High School. There, he surprised the football team by donating equipment and assisting in designing an alternate jersey. The players initially believed they were in for another film session, but their excitement soared when their coach, Brett Ressler, summoned Wilson from backstage.
Wearing their jersey, Wilson mingled with the teenagers, who quickly surrounded him, asking about the Jets and Rodgers. Some even boasted about their ability to defend Wilson on the field. Smiling, he posed for pictures and agreed to attend one of the team’s games in the fall.
Despite growing up in a large family with three older brothers and a younger sister, Wilson felt most at ease in solitude, immersed in his thoughts and accompanied by his dog, Melo, a Shiba Inu named after the former Knicks star. On his way to training camp, he enjoyed listening to Sade and Marvin Gaye, easing into the day.
The waitress returned, placing Wilson’s chicken wrap in front of him. He expressed his gratitude for the prompt service but admitted that the meal didn’t meet his expectations, pushing the wrap aside.
Sometimes, expectations fall short, as the Jets know all too well. However, with Rodgers as his quarterback, Wilson hopes to change that narrative.
Reporting contributed by Santul Nerkar from Florham Park, New Jersey.
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