Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets

In the NFL, roster spots are never guaranteed. Every season, hundreds of players face cuts, trades, or free agency limbo—making the opportunity to stay with a team a gift many don’t take for granted. For the New York Jets, this Thanksgiving season, five players stand out as particularly grateful to remain on the roster: each has navigated adversity—from injuries to inconsistent play to off-field doubts—to carve out a role in 2024. Their stories aren’t just about survival; they’re about resilience, growth, and the quiet gratitude that comes with proving you belong. Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets isn’t just a list of names; it’s a celebration of the underdogs and comeback stories that make football more than a game.

Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets begins with quarterback Zach Wilson, whose journey from uncertainty to stability has defined his 2024 season. Just one year ago, Wilson was on the brink of being benched, criticized for inconsistent decision-making and struggles to lead the offense. Entering training camp, he faced competition from veteran backup Tim Boyle, and many analysts predicted the Jets would move on from the 2021 No. 2 overall pick. But Wilson turned the tide, spending the offseason refining his mechanics and studying film with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. This season, he’s thrown for 2,100 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions, leading the Jets to a 5-6 record and keeping their playoff hopes alive. “A year ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d get another chance here,” Wilson admitted in a recent interview. “This team stuck with me when a lot of people wouldn’t have, and that means everything. I’m thankful every day to put on this Jets uniform and show what I can do.” His gratitude shines through in his play—teammates note he’s more focused, more vocal, and more committed to lifting the team up.

A critical addition to Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets is running back Ty Johnson, who overcame a preseason injury scare to secure a spot in the Jets’ backfield. Johnson, a six-year veteran, joined the Jets in 2022 as a depth piece but faced an uphill battle in 2024 after suffering a hamstring strain in the first preseason game. With rookie Breece Hall emerging as the starter and veteran Dalvin Cook signed in free agency, Johnson’s roster spot seemed in jeopardy. But he rehabbed aggressively, returning in time for the final preseason game and impressing coaches with his special teams contributions—including a 22-yard punt return against the Giants—and his reliability as a third-down back. This season, he’s rushed for 180 yards, caught 12 passes for 95 yards, and become a key part of the Jets’ kickoff coverage unit. “When I got hurt, I thought, ‘This is it,’” Johnson said. “But the trainers worked with me every day, and the coaches gave me a shot to prove I could contribute. I’m thankful for that trust—special teams and third downs might not be the flashiest roles, but I take pride in them, and I’m glad I get to do it here.”

Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets is particularly meaningful for defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, whose return to the New York Jets this season marked a comeback from a career-threatening injury. In 2023, Thomas tore his ACL in Week 8, ending his season prematurely and raising questions about his ability to return to form. The Jets faced a tough choice: re-sign a player coming off a major injury or pursue healthier options in free agency. They chose loyalty, inking Thomas to a one-year deal in March. This season, Thomas has rewarded that faith, recording 2 sacks, 18 tackles, and 4 quarterback pressures—proving he’s regained his speed and strength. “The Jets didn’t have to bring me back,” Thomas said, his voice softening. “After the ACL tear, I had moments where I doubted if I’d play again. But this organization believed in me, gave me the resources to rehab, and let me compete. Every time I step on the field, I’m thankful for that second chance.” For the New York Jets, Thomas’s story is a reminder of why loyalty matters—he’s not just a productive player; he’s a leader in the locker room, mentoring younger defensive linemen like Jermaine Johnson II.

Another key player in Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets is wide receiver Allen Lazard, who bounced back from a disappointing 2023 to become a reliable target for the New York Jets. When Lazard signed a four-year deal with the Jets in 2023, expectations were high—he’d been a productive starter for the Green Bay Packers, catching 60 passes for 788 yards in 2022. But his first season in New York was derailed by a shoulder injury and poor chemistry with Wilson, leading to just 23 catches for 241 yards. Entering 2024, Lazard faced pressure to perform or risk being a cap casualty. He responded by working with Wilson every week during the offseason, refining their timing, and focusing on being a consistent presence. This season, he’s caught 38 passes for 450 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a game-winning 15-yard reception against the Patriots in Week 10. “Last year was humbling,” Lazard said. “I didn’t live up to my own standards, and I know I let the team down. The Jets could’ve moved on, but they gave me another shot to prove I belong. I’m thankful for that—this team, this city, means a lot to me, and I’m glad I get to contribute again.” For the New York Jets, Lazard’s resurgence has added depth to a receiving corps that already includes Garrett Wilson, making the offense more dynamic.

Finally, Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets wraps up with tight end Jeremy Ruckert, a third-year player who went from practice squad candidate to key contributor for the New York Jets. Ruckert, a 2022 third-round pick, spent most of his first two seasons on the bench or practice squad, overshadowed by veterans like Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah. Entering 2024, many expected him to be cut—especially after the Jets signed free agent tight end Jonnu Smith. But Ruckert refused to quit, impressing coaches in training camp with his improved blocking and reliable hands. When Conklin suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7, Ruckert stepped up, catching 8 passes for 92 yards in the last five games and becoming a trusted red-zone target for Wilson. “There were days in training camp where I thought, ‘Am I ever going to get a chance?’” Ruckert said, smiling. “But my mom always told me to keep working, and the Jets kept giving me reps. Now, getting to play every week, help the team win—this is a dream come true. I’m so thankful I didn’t give up, and so thankful this organization didn’t give up on me.” Five Players Thankful to Still Be on Roster for the New York Jets ultimately reveals this truth: in the NFL, gratitude isn’t just about being thankful for success—it’s about being thankful for second chances. For Wilson, Johnson, Thomas, Lazard, and Ruckert, staying with the Jets is more than a roster spot; it’s a validation of their hard work, and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest gifts are the ones you have to fight for.