Zach Wilson was drafted just a few weeks ago by the Jets, but the second overall pick is already connecting with fans. For example: The 21-year-old was sitting front and center at the Islanders' Game 4 win against the Penguins in the Stanley Cup playoff on Saturday.
But he wasn't decked out in an Islanders jersey by himself; he was at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, with members of his offensive line.
"It’s fun being out with the guys and the camaraderie of it,’’ tackle Conor McDermott, a Predators fan, told Newsday's Colin Stephenson. "I’m buddies with most of the guys on the (Predators) team, and Nashville’s turning into a hockey town, so I’m a big hockey guy, and I love it.’’
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While fans were happy to see the new Jets quarterback in attendance, it was his teammate Dan Feeney who stole the show. The offensive lineman, signed as a free agent in the offseason, not only chugged a beer and crunched the empty can over his head, but also sported a wicked mullet too.
Update: @nyjets guard Dan Feeney is still fired up 😂#ItsOn pic.twitter.com/21okBhBlwL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 22, 2021
The Jets and Islanders have a long-standing connection, as the former used to practice back in the day — including during the Bill Parcells Era — across the street from the Nassau Coliseum at Hofstra University. It's probably a connection that Jets guard Greg Van Roten, who grew up on Long Island, remembers. Stephenson reported that the Rockville Centre, N.Y., native was the one who coordinated things.
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Seeing members of Gang Green at the Old Barn isn't a new sight, nor is seeing a pro athlete chugging beer at a sporting event. After all, there was the Packers' David Bakhtiari showing up teammate Aaron Rodgers at a Bucks game. Christian Yelich and Patrick Mahomes also made appearances at a Bucks game and Game 3 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, respectively.