After three seasons with the Chicago Bears and one with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields now finds himself in New York.
He signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets this past offseason, in what could be his final shot as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Ahead of a crucial season for him, here’s all you need to know about his parents.
Who are Justin Fields’ Parents? Meet Gina Tobey and Ivant Fields
Fields was born on March 5, 1999, in Kennesaw, Ga., to Gina Tobey and Ivant Fields. He attended Harrison High School, where he totaled 6,283 yards and 69 touchdowns in two seasons.
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His parents divorced when he was younger, but both remained active in his upbringing. He has two sisters, Jaiden and Jessica, as well.
Gina, Fields’ mother, is who advised Fields to choose the University of Georgia coming out of high school. His father, Ivant, used to play linebacker for Eastern Kentucky. His father also served as an officer in the Atlanta Police Department from 1990 to 2012.
Since his parents’ divorce, Ivant has since married Jo Ann Claudrik Fields, a lawyer. His mother has not re-married. Jo Ann is the mother of Fields’ sisters.
Following his high school career, Fields was a five-star prospect according to 247Sports. He committed to the University of Georgia, where he spent one year. He wound up transferring to Ohio State, where he created his legacy.
In two years with the Buckeyes, Fields passed for 5,373 yards, 63 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 867 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019. Additionally, he won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in both 2019 and 2020.
Fields played for the College Football National Championship in 2020, where Ohio State fell to Alabama. He would then declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Fields with the 11th overall pick. They traded up with the New York Giants in exchange for the 20th overall pick, their fifth-round pick in 2021, and their first- and fourth-round picks in 2022.
Previewing Jets vs. Packers Week 1 Preseason Game
The Jets will take on the Green Bay Packers in their first game under new head coach Aaron Glenn. The former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator is familiar with Matt LaFleur’s team, so the Jets’ defense could have an advantage in this matchup.
It is also a great opportunity for all Jets players to impress their new head coach ahead of what is a crucial season for their starting quarterback.
If Justin Fields doesn’t play well, the Jets could be in a position to draft a quarterback early next year, which might jeopardize the Ohio State product’s chances of becoming a starting NFL quarterback for a long time.
As for the Packers, it’s time for Jordan Love to be consistent and have an MVP-caliber season. Green Bay has a roster ready to make a deep playoff run, but everything depends on their quarterback, who has proven to be elite at times.