Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the often-overlooked world of NFL special teams, long snappers play a critical role in ensuring kicks and punts go off without a hitch—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ross Matiscik has been a model of consistency in that position since joining the team in 2022. As the Jaguars’ full-time long snapper, Matiscik is responsible for delivering precise snaps to punter Logan Cooke on punts and to holder Matt Haack on field goals and extra points—a job where even the smallest mistake (a high snap, a slow delivery) can turn a routine play into a turnover or missed score. Over the past three seasons, Matiscik has lived up to the challenge: he’s played in all 49 of the Jaguars’ games, recorded zero errant snaps, and helped the team’s special teams unit rank in the top 10 in the NFL in field goal success rate (86.7%) last season. For a Jaguars team aiming to rebound from a 4-13 campaign, Matiscik’s reliability is a quiet but essential building block. Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus shines a light on the unsung heroes of special teams, showing how a consistent long snapper can stabilize a unit and contribute to game-winning moments.

A closer look at Matiscik’s technical skill reveals why Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars is a role he’s mastered—and one that adds tangible value to the Jaguars’ special teams. What sets Matiscik apart is his precision: he consistently delivers snaps to Cooke’s hands in 0.7 to 0.8 seconds (the NFL average is 0.9 seconds), giving the punter more time to get the ball away before opposing rushers arrive. On field goals, his snaps are equally reliable—he hits Haack’s hands at a consistent height (waist-level) and speed, eliminating the need for the holder to adjust and slowing down the kick. Matiscik’s athleticism also stands out: at 6’2”, 245 lbs, he’s able to block opposing special teams players after snapping, a skill that helped the Jaguars allow just 1 blocked punt and 0 blocked field goals last season. Special teams coordinator Heath Farwell praised Matiscik’s work ethic, noting, “Ross treats every practice snap like it’s a game-winning field goal. He’s in the weight room early, he stays late to work on his technique, and he never takes a rep for granted. That kind of dedication is why he’s one of the best long snappers in the league.” Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about having a player who turns a “routine” job into a competitive advantage.

Matiscik’s journey to the NFL is a story of perseverance, a narrative that adds depth to Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars. Unlike most NFL players, Matiscik didn’t start playing football until high school, and he didn’t specialize in long snapping until his sophomore year at Baylor University. After walking on to the Baylor team, he spent two seasons as a backup before earning the starting job in 2019—a role he held for two seasons, recording zero errant snaps and helping the Bears win the Big 12 Championship in 2020. Despite his college success, Matiscik went undrafted in 2021, signing with the Chicago Bears as a free agent before being released at the end of training camp. He spent the 2021 season out of football, working as a strength and conditioning coach at a high school in Texas while continuing to practice his snapping daily. His break came in 2022, when the Jaguars signed him to a reserve/future contract—and he’s never looked back. “I’ve had to fight for every opportunity I’ve gotten,” Matiscik said in a recent interview. “Being undrafted and out of the league for a year taught me to appreciate every day in this league. I don’t take this job for granted, and I never will.” Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is more than a role description—it’s a testament to the grit and determination that define players who succeed in niche NFL positions.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams unit relies heavily on Matiscik’s consistency, making Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars a critical part of the team’s game plan. Farwell’s special teams scheme is built around quick, efficient plays—punts that pin opponents deep in their own territory, field goals that convert in high-pressure situations—and Matiscik’s snaps are the foundation of that strategy. For example, on punts, Matiscik’s fast delivery lets Cooke execute “pooch punts” (short, high punts) that land inside the opponent’s 20-yard line—a play the Jaguars used 18 times last season, ranking 7th in the NFL in net punting average (41.2 yards). On field goals, his reliable snaps have helped kicker Brandon McManus convert 9 of 10 attempts from 40+ yards this season, including a game-winning 52-yarder against the Tennessee Titans in Week 8. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office recognized Matiscik’s value in 2023, signing him to a three-year, $4.5 million contract extension—making him one of the highest-paid long snappers in the NFL. “Ross is irreplaceable to our special teams unit,” Farwell said. “You don’t realize how important a good long snapper is until you don’t have one. He’s the reason our kickers and punters can perform at a high level every week.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just paying for a long snapper—they’re investing in the stability of their entire special teams unit. Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects the team’s commitment to building a winning roster from every position, even the ones that don’t grab headlines.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ kickers and punters have developed a strong bond with Matiscik, highlighting the trust that’s essential to their success—and strengthening Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars as a story of teamwork. Cooke, who has worked with Matiscik for three seasons, described their relationship as “like a marriage—we spend so much time together, we know each other’s tendencies better than we know our own.” The pair practices together for 30 minutes every day after team workouts, focusing on different snap scenarios (high-pressure situations, wet weather, fast rushes) to ensure they’re prepared for anything. Haack, who joined the Jaguars in 2024, noted that Matiscik’s consistency made his transition to the team seamless: “I didn’t have to adjust my holding at all—Ross’s snaps are so consistent, I could just step in and focus on getting the ball down for Brandon. That kind of trust is rare, and it makes a huge difference on game day.” Even McManus, who prides himself on being self-sufficient, admitted that Matiscik’s work takes pressure off him: “When I line up for a field goal, I don’t worry about the snap—I know Ross is going to deliver it perfectly. That lets me focus on my kick, which is all you can ask for as a kicker.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ special teams unit’s success thus isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about the trust and chemistry between players. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus have built a special teams “family” where every member relies on the others, and Matiscik is the glue that holds it together. Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is a celebration of teamwork, showing how even niche positions are vital to a team’s success.

Looking ahead, Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars will continue to be a key part of the Jaguars’ plans as they push for a playoff spot in 2025. With a schedule that includes close divisional matchups against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars’ special teams unit could be the difference in wins and losses—and Matiscik’s consistency will be essential in those high-pressure moments. Beyond this season, Matiscik’s contract extension ensures he’ll be with the Jaguars through 2026, giving the team long-term stability at a position where turnover can be disruptive. For Matiscik himself, the goal remains simple: to keep delivering perfect snaps and helping the Jaguars win. “I don’t care about the recognition,” he said. “I just want to be the guy this team can count on every week. If I can help us win a few games with good snaps, that’s all that matters.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ fans have also started to recognize Matiscik’s value, with chants of “Ross!” breaking out at TIAA Bank Field when he makes a key block after a snap. Ross Matiscik Handles Long Snapping for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just a story about a long snapper—it’s about a player who has turned a niche role into a legacy of reliability. As the Jaguars continue their rebuild, Matiscik’s consistency serves as a reminder that success in the NFL comes from every position, not just the stars.