Free agent safety Keith Fitzhugh turned down an opportunity to join the New York Jets, Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger reports.

Since being released by the Jets in September, Fitzhugh has been working as a conductor for Norfolk Southern railroad. The steady employment is necessary, as Fitzhugh helps care for his parents, as his father is disabled and unable to work.

"I told them I'm very thankful for the opportunity," Fitzhugh said of the Jets' offer. "But right now, being that it would be for just a couple weeks, I feel that I'd rather stay with a secure company and job, somewhere I know I could have long-term employment.

"Being unemployed is not a good feeling," Fitzhugh said. "It's a lonely feeling. I'd rather be somewhere safe and have a great foundation."