Author behind 'Game of Thrones' visits New York Jets' training camp

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- George R.R. Martin, who wrote the series of books that spawned the popular HBO series "A Game of Thrones," took a break from science fiction Wednesday to visit the real world of an NFL training camp.

Martin is a New York Jets fan, and he spent several hours at the team's facility, watching practice under a hot sun, talking with general manager Mike Maccagnan on the players' sideline and meeting with a couple of big fans, tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and nose tackle Damon Harrison.

"I'm a big fan of Mr. Martin as a writer, and I love the series, so it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with him and his wife," Maccagnan said. "It was great to talk Jets history with them and hear how closely they have always followed the team."

Martin, a New Jersey native, wore a black Jets cap, a black T-shirt and black pants -- and, oh, yes, black suspenders covered with skull-and-crossbones images:

"We had a good time," said Ferguson, who interviewed Martin for the team's official web site. "His mind ... to create all that we've seen with the books, it's just amazing. He has created this whole world, this fantasy, with dragons and wolves and kingdoms.

"It's just amazing that he's been able to put pen to pad and make that happen."

Martin, 66, didn't stop to talk to reporters after practice, but he offered one comment as he was escorted inside the Jets' facility.

Asked about a published report that described how players across the league are upset because they're encountering "Game of Thrones" spoilers among teammates in training camp, Martin laughed.

"I think all the players should read the books," he said.

Martin professes to be a Jets fan, but that hasn't stopped him from criticizing them on his personal blog.

When the Jets traded Darrelle Revis in April 2013, he wrote, "It's hard to be a fan of the New York Jets," adding they "got rooked" by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

When they traded for Tim Tebow in 2012, Martin wrote, "What the hell are they thinking over there at Gang Green Central?"