From Detroit to New York: How Fowling is Taking Over NFL Training Camps
Last week, the New York Jets added something unexpected—and unforgettable—to their training camp schedule: Fowling.
On August 14th, players and coaches stepped off the field and into a new kind of arena, trading helmets for footballs and pins. What followed was a spirited, high-energy night that blended competition, chemistry, and a whole lot of laughter.
But for Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, this wasn’t just a team-building event. It was personal.

A Detroit Legacy, Reimagined in New York
Before becoming the Jets’ head coach, Aaron Glenn served as Defensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where Fowling had become an essential part of the preseason rhythm. For the last three years, Fowling Warehouse was invited to Lions Training Camp to host a Fowling tournament for the team.
Glenn saw firsthand what Fowling could do. Not just as a fun night out, but as a catalyst—a tool for helping guys gel, break down barriers, and build trust in a way that few traditional activities could match.
Now, as he embarks on his first season as head coach in New York, Glenn has brought that same idea to the Jets.
“He saw what it did in Detroit,” says Chris Hutt, founder of Fowling. “It helped build a brotherhood. He wanted to give his new team that same spark—so we brought the game to them.”
The NFL Is Catching On
The Jets aren’t alone. Following the buzz around this week’s event, multiple NFL teams have already inquired about bringing Fowling into their own camps next week.
And it’s no surprise. What started as a fluke—Chris Hutt accidentally throwing a football at bowling pins during a tailgate at the Indy 500—has grown into a full-fledged movement. From Detroit’s Hamtramck neighborhood to cities across the country, Fowling is becoming the go-to activity for team building at the highest levels.
What makes it work?
It’s simple: anyone can play, no one knows who’s going to win, and the moment the first pin falls, egos are left at the door. It’s a level playing field—where linemen, rookies, and coaches are all in it together.

Inside Jets Fowling Night
The Jets’ event featured head-to-head matchups, unexpected strikes, and no shortage of smack talk. Players leaned into the competitive chaos with all the energy of game day—yet the vibe stayed light, loose, and full of momentum.
Whether it was a perfectly timed BONK (when the middle pin is knocked down and only the middle pin on the first throw), a rookie surprising a veteran, or a coach stepping in for a game-winning throw, Fowling gave the Jets a night to remember—and a foundation to build on.
Why Fowling Works for Teams
At its core, Fowling is about more than pins and footballs. It’s about creating shared moments, the kind that turn teammates into brothers and rookies into part of the family. There’s strategy, sure. But there’s also silliness, surprise, and an immediate breaking down of hierarchies.
That’s why teams like the Lions—and now the Jets—are leaning into it. It’s not forced. It’s not staged. It’s a night where everyone is seen, where walls come down, and where relationships are strengthened through laughter and healthy competition.
“We built Fowling to bring people together,” says Hutt. “It’s never been about perfect throws—it’s about what happens between them. Whether it’s a community league, a family party, or an NFL training camp, the energy is the same. And that’s what makes it so special.”

What’s Next for Fowling?
With more NFL teams expressing interest, Fowling is on the cusp of becoming an off-field tradition across the league. But it’s not just for the pros. Fowling remains true to its roots—open to anyone, built on community, and designed for connection.
As the sport continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see how something so simple—just a football and ten pins—can leave such a lasting impression on some of the most elite athletes in the world.
See the Power of Fowling in Action
Don’t take our word for it. Scroll through the photos, relive the moments, and feel the energy for yourself. From sideline veterans to first-year players, the Jets proved once again: Fowling brings teams together.
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