---
title: 1JD Films / Origins Docuseries | 7th Hashtag Sports Awards
description: Global awards recognizing excellence in fan engagement and celebrating creativity across sports marketing, media & entertainment
image: https://www.hashtagsports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets-AF-2025/MYeReweM-pDzi965cTv-file.jpg
---

1JD Films / Origins Docuseries | 7th Hashtag Sports Awards

[The 7th Annual Awards](https://www.hashtagsports.com/awards/shortlist-2025?hsLang=en)

# 1JD Films / Origins Docuseries

[New York Jets](https://www.newyorkjets.com/)

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ABOUT THIS ENTRY

"Origins" is an episodic docuseries produced by the New York Jets’ in-house creative division, One Jets Drive Entertainment. The series offers an in-depth look at individual players' journeys to the NFL, exploring their personal histories and the moments that shaped them. Shot on location across the country, Origins captures the highs and lows, the sacrifices and triumphs, and provides an intimate glimpse into each player’s path to the New York Jets.

![Image](https://www.hashtagsports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets-AF-2025/MYeReweM-pDzi965cTv-file.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=MYeReweM-pDzi965cTv-file.jpg)

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

The "Origins" series exemplifies excellence in engagement by setting new standards for fan interaction and storytelling. With approximately 3 million aggregate views across our digital and social platforms, including over 100k video views on our website, the series has demonstrated its ability to captivate and connect with fans. The positive reception highlights the importance of humanizing athletes and celebrating their personal journeys. This series not only provides meaningful and relatable content but also inspires other organizations to adopt similar approaches to storytelling and fan engagement. By focusing on the personal stories of athletes, the "Origins" series has created a blueprint for how sports teams can foster a more profound and lasting relationship with their audience.

Objective

The objective of the "Origins" series is to celebrate the unique and challenging paths that athletes take to reach the NFL, where players represent the top 1% of athletes in the country. By showcasing these journeys, the Jets organization aims to honor its players' achievements and share their inspiring stories with the world, fostering a deeper connection between the players and their fans.

Strategy & Execution

The Origins series explores players' journeys from youth to adulthood, featuring interviews with family, friends, and coaches who share impactful stories. In collaboration with Caldwell University, the Emmy Award-winning Jets 1JD Films team produced and edited five episodes. These episodes premiered on the New York Jets YouTube channel, with trailers and synopses shared on Jets social media ahead of each release. Teasers and promotional material we’re shared with each subject who promoted their story to their social audience. This multi-platform strategy maximized reach and engagement with modern sports fans.

Summary of Episodes:

* Jermaine Johnson's journey began at Community College, featured on "Last Chance U," and continued with a standout performance at Florida State, leading to his first-round draft selection.

* Garrett Wilson, a reputation as a top recruit from Texas, excelled at Ohio State, becoming a top-10 draft pick.

* D.J. Reed overcame being all odds, relying on faith and family to become a top NFL corner.

* Jeremy Ruckert, from Long Island, fulfilled his dream of becoming a Jet after a standout high school and college career.

* Quincy Williams, after losing his mother, carved his own path to NFL, joining his brother, Quinnen, as a rising star.

** Nominations **

- Best Athlete Storytelling

**Organizations**

- New York Jets
- Caldwell University

**Links**

- [  Website ](https://www.newyorkjets.com/video/origins)

**Featured**

- New York Jets LB Quincy Williams
- TE Jeremy Ruckert
- CB D.J. Reed
- WR Garrett Wilson
- LB Jermaine Johnson

**Credits**

**[ Seth Bradley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-bradley-a116b910/) **  
 Director, Feature Productions and Original Programming  
New York Jets

**[ Dan Szpakowski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dszpakowski/) **  
 Senior Director, Content Strategy & Production  
New York Jets

**[ Eric Gelfand](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gelfand-971a552/) **  
 Senior Vice President, Communications & Content  
New York Jets

**[ Jared Winley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-winley-34b9b1/) **  
 Vice President, Communications  
New York Jets

**[ Austin Seabolt](https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-seabolt-36001714a/) **  
 Coordinator, Feature Programming & Cinematographer  
New York Jets

**[ Frank Lazar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-lazar-1381a256/) **  
 Coordinator, Creative Brand Producer and Cinematographer  
New York Jets

**[ Will Hahn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hahn-9442b0211/) **  
 Producer/Editor  
New York Jets

**[ Bobby Dougherty](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbydougherty/) **  
 Coordinator, Post Production  
New York Jets

#### INSPIRED TO ENTER WORK?

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