Family first for Keith Fitzhugh
Most people will never get a chance to play the big leagues. Those who do will tell you stories of all the hard work and sacrifices they had to make to get the opportunity. They will tell you that playing for professional football
was their dream since they started dreaming of big things and everything else was secondary.
Keith Fitzhugh is not one of those men. He turned down an opportunity to play for the New York Jets for important things. His family. Fitzhugh was undrafted out following his stint at Mississippi State in 2009. He spent the summer
with the Jets practice squad before going off to Baltimore. He was back with the Jets in the off-season and this Tuesday he got a call from them again to join the Jets practice squad.
The Jets were looking to add depth after Jim Leonhard and James Ihedigbo suffered injuries. Fitzhugh however turned them down. He will instead continue his job at the railroad as a train conductor. He said he was flattered and
thankful for the opportunity but he could not risk a steady job for a chance to play in the NFL because he needed to support his family.
The 24-year old got a call few days ago from his agent who told him to hop on a plane and get to the New Meadowlands Stadium because the New York Jets wanted him back. The Jets are definitely into the playoffs and could very well
be playing the Super Bowl. Fitzhugh had the opportunity to be a part of it.
Fitzhugh said that the opportunity to play and win a Super Bowl was a once in a lifetime chance. “But you only get one mom and one dad. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I’d rather be there for my mom and dad than go for a Super
Bowl chance.” He said that the decision to turn down the Jets was one of the hardest he ever had to make.
His decision to support his family is all the more surprising because at the time he actually made the decision he was under the impression that he would join New York’s 53 man roster. Still he turned them down for the security
of having a steady job which could support his family. Fitzhugh’s father is disabled and cannot work. He relies on Fitzhugh for support.
Keith explained that he could not leave his father behind for 4 weeks because of his disabilities. Keith Fitzhugh Senior is unable to walk because of his knees and has also undergone hip replacement surgery. Fitzhugh has been very
close to both his parents ever since his sister died at the age of 14. “That’s why I’m so strong about being around family now,” Fitzhugh said adding that life was short and unpredictable. He said that when he was unemployed, his family was there to support
him and now he cannot risk being there for them to pursue an NFL dream.
In the short run, playing four weeks with the Jets would have paid Fitzhugh almost 10 times what he would have made in the same length of time working as a conductor. Had he been placed on the 53 man roster, he would have made
more money in two weeks than he would have in a year as a conductor. But after the four weeks there was no telling where Fitzhugh would end up. There was no security with the Jets and that was important for him.
“I'd just got this new job, and I don't want to let them down (so they think) every time I get a phone call, I'm going to run away,” Fitzhugh said as he explained his decision. Looking back on it, Fitzhugh has made a mistake. He
turned down the offer before consulting with his current employers. It turns out that he could have very well taken a leave of absence and played for the Jets, pursuing his dream one more time.
Oh well. It’s the thought that counts right?
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