Keith Fitzhugh, Former NFL Safety, Turns Down Jets for Conductor Job

Filed under: Jets

It's all about job security these days.

And for one, the glitz and glamor of the NFL won't change that sentiment.

Former Mississippi State safety Keith Fitzhugh turned down a job offer from the, um, New York Jets of the National Football League for his Norfolk Southern railroad job as a conductor, according to a story in the New Jersey Star Ledger.

Fitzhugh was added by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009, then signed off their practice squad by the Ravens before the playoffs and then brought back by the Jets in training camp this summer. Fitzhugh was released by the Jets on Sept. 4.

The temptation of donning the green and white can't compare to Fitzhugh's current stable job situation.

"I told them I'm very thankful for the opportunity," Fitzhugh told Jenny Vrentas of the Newark Star-Ledger. "But right now, being that it would be for just a couple weeks, I feel that I'd rather stay with a secure company and job, somewhere I know I could have long-term employment."

Fitzhugh, 24, is responsible for supporting his parents. His father is disabled and can't work.

Safe to say, this is not an easy situation for Fitzhugh.

Fitzhugh's agent, Daniel Rose, said turning down the Jets was an extremely tough decision for his client.

"The kid has more heart than anybody I know," Rose told the Star Ledger. "This is his dream, to play. I don't think this is the last you've heard of Keith Fitzhugh."

The Jets plan to release receiver Laveranues Coles and are in need of a safety reserve after James Ihedigbo suffered a high ankle sprain.

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