The player expected to be the New York Jets starting quarterback this season was the centre of attention in Bermuda this weekend.

Justin Fields, who has signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets, is on island for four days as a result of a partnership between himself and the Bermuda Tourism Authority and he took the opportunity to meet some fans and work out with local flag football players on Sunday morning.

Despite the holiday weekend and Father’s Day, NFL fans of all ages were in attendance for the coaching session at the National Sports Centre, and Fields had time for everybody, shaking hands and signing autographs.

“It’s my first time in Bermuda and so far it’s been really great,” Fields said.

“I’ve enjoyed my time to explore around the island and it was cool to throw the ball around with a few of the local guys yesterday, so I’m having fun.”

It’s questionable as to whether Fields will be having fun when his season starts against his former team Pittsburgh on September 7, with the Jets not making an appearance in the play-offs since 2010.

“I think everybody’s goal in the NFL is just to win and go to the Super Bowl,” Fields said. “I know that doesn’t come easy but I’m just trying to get better day by day and when the season rolls around we’ll just try to win each and every game.”

Fields was accompanied on the trip by fellow Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor and quarterback coach Quincy Avery, who has helped progress the careers of some of the biggest names in the game such as Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and CJ Stroud.

Avery was the subject of recent documentary The Quincy Avery Effect, which aired on Hulu and outlined his journey from homelessness to coaching the world’s best quarterbacks. Now more high profile than ever, he appreciates the spotlight.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the centre of attention as much as the guys I work with but it has been really cool to have the documentary come out and dive into my life, the things I’ve been able to do and how I’ve managed to be successful,” Avery said.

“I was coaching football at UCLA and I noticed a space to dive into quarterback development. I took that opportunity and I ran with it.

“I genuinely care about each and every one of the guys I work with. It’s not just about football and we have a lot of conversations and share a lot of stuff.”

Among the spectators to get up close and personal was Jets superfan Terrence Smart, who turned up wearing the team’s colours.

Smart has been a fan of the Jets for more than five decades and was thrilled to witness his team’s new quarterback going through his paces.

“I’ve been a Jets fan since I was 7 years old and I’ve loved the team through its ups and downs,” Smart said

“My friends have already accused me of being a stalker since I learnt Justin was coming out here but we’re on a tiny little island in the middle of nowhere, so it’s huge to see my quarterback here.

“He was drafted by the Chicago Bears and some of my best friends are Bears fans so I’ve followed his career a little and for him to come to my team and add a whole new element is really exciting.

“Not only can he throw but he has timing with our top receiver because they both played for Ohio State and the dude has wheels. He can fly so he adds that to the team and it’s going to be exciting to see what he can do.”

Some of Bermuda’s flag footballers got the chance to work out with Fields and Kenton Swan, one of the local players, got the chance to relive some of his glory days.

“For me, who played football at St Mary’s University, it’s amazing to catch a professional-level ball again and see if I’ve still got it,” Swan said.

“I don’t think people appreciate how hard these balls are to throw and catch at this level.

“A couple of our guys who are running backs and wide receivers got a chance to work with them in a closed session yesterday and the rest of us get our chance today.

“Our league has been going for nearly 15 years and if anybody wants to join a team you can reach out to us at Bermuda Flag Football.”

Chris Crumpler, from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, is excited at the opportunities the link-up can bring to the island.

“We’re excited about the possibilities and there are a number of projects that we’re working on for 2026 around football and flag football,” Crumpler said.

“This is one of those things that we’re doing not just as a new business vertical in tourism but also to help build local connections. The fans are here, the children are here and there are some huge NFL fans here in Bermuda.

“We gave people just one day’s notice, on a holiday weekend, on Father’s Day, and it is nice to see the turnout.

“I’m grateful for the connections and contacts we have with Gold Links and we’ve been able to talk about multiple things about how we can leverage things to boost tourism and help Bermuda.”

Justin Fields workout session photo gallery