<h1>With his family in mind, safety Keith Fitzhugh turns down Jets </h1>
<h5>Published: Tuesday, December 07, 2010, 3:45 PM Updated: Tuesday, December 07, 2010, 3:50 PM</h5>
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Earlier today, Jets coach Rex Ryan said there was a defensive back
they would "target," after Jim Leonhard was placed on injured reserve
this weekend and James Ihedigbo sustained a high ankle sprain and MCL
injury last night.</p>
That player was Keith Fitzhugh: a Mississippi State grad who was
added by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009, signed off their
practice squad by the Ravens before the playoffs and then brought back
by the Jets in training camp this summer.</p>
But when Jets director of pro personnel Brendan Prophett called this afternoon, Fitzhugh respectfully turned the team down.</p>
"I told them I'm very thankful for the opportunity," Fitzhugh said.
"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."</p>
Fitzhugh is a conductor for the Norfolk Southern railroad, a job he
has held since he was released by the Jets on Sept. 4. He said several
times he is thankful for his job and enjoys it.</p>
Steady employment, which is not the nature of the NFL, is important
to him because he helps support his parents. His father, Keith Fitzhugh,
Sr., is disabled and unable to work.</p>
"Being unemployed is not a good feeling," Fitzhugh said. "It's a
lonely feeling. I'd rather be somewhere safe and have a great
foundation."</p>
Fitzhugh's agent, Daniel Rose, said turning down the Jets was a tough
decision for his client, especially with the team in good position to
make the playoffs. But Rose said Fitzhugh puts his family first.</p>
"The kid has more heart than anybody I know," Rose said. "This is his
dream, to play. I don't think this is the last you've heard of Keith
Fitzhugh."</p>
The Jets will look elsewhere for a new safety. Other options are
Emanuel Cook and Don Warren, who were with the team in training camp.</p>
* * *</p>
<h5>Published: Tuesday, December 07, 2010, 3:45 PM Updated: Tuesday, December 07, 2010, 3:50 PM</h5>
<div id="asset-9104181" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large">
<div class="box_white_gray_ol" id="EntryStats">
</div></div>
Earlier today, Jets coach Rex Ryan said there was a defensive back
they would "target," after Jim Leonhard was placed on injured reserve
this weekend and James Ihedigbo sustained a high ankle sprain and MCL
injury last night.</p>
That player was Keith Fitzhugh: a Mississippi State grad who was
added by the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009, signed off their
practice squad by the Ravens before the playoffs and then brought back
by the Jets in training camp this summer.</p>
But when Jets director of pro personnel Brendan Prophett called this afternoon, Fitzhugh respectfully turned the team down.</p>
"I told them I'm very thankful for the opportunity," Fitzhugh said.
"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."</p>
Fitzhugh is a conductor for the Norfolk Southern railroad, a job he
has held since he was released by the Jets on Sept. 4. He said several
times he is thankful for his job and enjoys it.</p>
Steady employment, which is not the nature of the NFL, is important
to him because he helps support his parents. His father, Keith Fitzhugh,
Sr., is disabled and unable to work.</p>
"Being unemployed is not a good feeling," Fitzhugh said. "It's a
lonely feeling. I'd rather be somewhere safe and have a great
foundation."</p>
Fitzhugh's agent, Daniel Rose, said turning down the Jets was a tough
decision for his client, especially with the team in good position to
make the playoffs. But Rose said Fitzhugh puts his family first.</p>
"The kid has more heart than anybody I know," Rose said. "This is his
dream, to play. I don't think this is the last you've heard of Keith
Fitzhugh."</p>
The Jets will look elsewhere for a new safety. Other options are
Emanuel Cook and Don Warren, who were with the team in training camp.</p>
* * *</p>
