Geno Smith Sporting Red Contact Lenses to Combat Sun Glare at Jets Training Camp

Geno Smith has adopted an unconventional visual aid as he prepares for the upcoming season with the New York Jets. The 35-year-old quarterback is sporting red contact lenses during summer training camp at the team’s New Jersey facility, a choice designed to enhance his performance in bright outdoor conditions rather than purely aesthetic purposes.

The UV-protective lenses filter sunlight and eliminate glare, according to Smith, who consulted with eye specialists before implementing the strategy. Rather than relying on a tinted visor attached to his helmet, Smith determined the contacts offered superior results with minimal squinting, allowing him to maintain clearer sight lines downfield during practice sessions.

Smith, who was acquired from Las Vegas in March for a sixth-round draft pick plus a seventh-rounder, observed that the yellow-tinted vision the lenses create throughout his field of view has not hindered his performance. The practice has gained traction across the National Football League in recent years, with Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert adopting similar lenses last summer.

The veteran signal caller’s early camp performance has been solid as he settles into offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s system. Smith emphasized his appreciation for Reich’s approach, which balances strategic design with player autonomy, allowing athletes to leverage their individual strengths within the offensive framework.

The Jets will face Tampa Bay in their first preseason game next Friday at home, with former Jets coach Todd Bowles now leading the Buccaneers. Head coach Aaron Glenn has not yet determined whether to deploy his starting lineup, including Smith, during that exhibition matchup, though Smith expressed openness to playing if called upon.