New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is utilizing red contact lenses during training camp as part of an effort to improve his vision and performance. The veteran quarterback rejoined the team that originally drafted him in 2013 after concluding the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith, 35, explained after a recent practice that the lenses are designed to block out sunlight and reduce glare. "It's something that we've been doing," Smith stated. "It blocks out the sunlight and all that, so it's actually pretty cool. It keeps the glare from the sun out of your eyes."
He consulted with eye specialists who suggested the lenses. "As I got back here, I spoke to some eye specialists and they suggested it and then we started doing it," Smith said. When asked if he was experiencing eye issues or simply preferring the contacts to a tinted helmet visor, he indicated it was an experiment. "It's just something we're trying out, just to see what it was like. I like it, so we've been sticking with it."
This practice is not unique to Smith; several other NFL players have experimented with similar glare-reducing contacts, including Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert last summer. Smith noted he first encountered the lenses when former Jets teammate Santonio Holmes wore them during the 2013 season. "The entire room is yellow, so it's a yellow tint to everything," he shared. "But yeah, it's pretty cool. You guys should try it."
The early signs suggest the lenses may be benefiting Smith, who is reportedly having a solid start to training camp. The Jets acquired Smith and a seventh-round draft pick from Las Vegas in March for a sixth-round selection. He is expected to enter the season as the undisputed starting quarterback and has expressed confidence in the new offensive system under coordinator Frank Reich.
"I'm excited about the schematic advantages that he's able to create, but also the ways that he allows players to go out there and make plays and to have freedom to take ownership of the offense," Smith commented on Reich's approach. "I think there's a fine balance with X's and O's and also having great players and allowing those guys to be themselves. Coach Reich, he's played in the league, so he understands that dynamic and that balance."
The Jets are scheduled to play their first preseason game on Friday night at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It remains to be seen if head coach Aaron Glenn will play his starters, including Smith, in that exhibition matchup. Smith, however, indicated his willingness to participate. "I love playing football. Whenever coach tells me to go out there, I go play."