Keith Fitzhugh always wanted to play in the NFL. He’s had a taste – spending parts of two training camps with the New York Jets and time with the Baltimore Ravens – but he’s never been able to stick around.
So when the former team called on Tuesday to ask if the safety would join their roster for Sunday’s game to help replace injured Jim Leonhard and James Ihedigbo, he had a decision to make.
He turned them down.
Fitzhugh, who landed a full-time job as a train conductor in Norfolk Southern railroad, told the team thanks but no thanks.
The 24 year old is living at home, helping his parents pay their bills because his father can’t work and his mom can’t bring in enough money.
“I know the Jets have a great opportunity of making the Super Bowl, and that’s one dream that every child has is to play sports and make it to the Super Bowl or get to the World Series,” he said. “But, there’s a time when you have to think, ‘Hey, you’ve only got one Mom and Dad.’ They won’t be here forever, and while they’re here, you’ve got to cherish that time.”
If that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will.