They’ll never make the trip to Nuovo Vesuvio like Eric Mangini, but Zach Wilson and Elijah Moore are nonetheless making their way through the renowned Italian cuisine that their new North Jersey settings have to offer.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, an East Hanover-based eatery a half-hour drive from MetLife Stadium, recently shared photos of the New York Jets‘ top draft picks dining at his establishments. A photo on their Instagram account depicts restaurant founder Luigi Viola posing with the pair.
“Awesome meeting these guys last night. Thanks for stopping by!” the accompanying caption reads. The post is filled with Jets fans not only looking forward to the on-field connection between Wilson and Moore but pleased to they’re supporting local business.
A night out in East Hanover is perhaps the culmination of Wilson and Moore’s first week in North Jersey. The two recently collaborated for the first time at the Jets’ rookie minicamp proceedings in Florham Park, shortly after each was chosen by the team during the NFL Draft proceedings in Cleveland.
Wilson was taken with the second overall choice, while Moore went 34th, the second pick of the second round. Those selections sandwiched the draft of blocker Alijah Vera-Tucker, who was taken in the 14th slot after a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
It’s no surprise to see Wilson and Moore further fostering their relationship off the field. The two were complementary toward each other after donning their green helmets for the first time on 1 Jets Drive.
“He’s like a general. … His passion comes out through the phone,” Moore said of his new quarterback, per Robby Sabo. “I’m ready to watch him look pretty throwing me balls.
“I just feel like that connection with your guys is super-important, and there are still more guys I want to reach out to and get to know,” Wilson said of his rookie camp goals, according to team writer Randy Lange. “Elijah’s a big one. Both Elijahs, actually, the offensive lineman (Vera-Tucker) and the receiver. That’s where that connection starts, making sure we’re on the same page, we become friends, and we get to know each other.”
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