Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets

In a season that has had its share of ups and downs for the New York Jets, a recent honor for their kicker has emerged as a bright spot—one that’s breathing new life into the team’s special teams unit and sparking momentum as they head into the final stretch of the year. Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets shines a light on Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein, who was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November 2024—a recognition that comes after a flawless month of performance. This honor isn’t just a personal milestone for Zuerlein; it’s a validation for the entire special teams group, which has worked tirelessly to improve after a rocky start to the season. For a Jets team still fighting to build consistency, the award has become a rallying point, reminding players and fans alike of the impact special teams can have on wins and losses.

Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets begins with the standout performance that earned Zuerlein the award. During November, the 36-year-old kicker was perfect in every aspect of his role: he made all 11 of his field goal attempts (including four from 50+ yards, with a long of 58 yards) and converted all 14 of his extra point tries. What made his performance even more impressive was the pressure of the moments—three of his field goals came in the final two minutes of games, including a 52-yard game-winner against the New England Patriots in Week 10 that gave the Jets a 23-20 victory. Zuerlein also showed remarkable consistency in challenging conditions, making two long field goals in rainy weather at MetLife Stadium during the Jets’ Week 11 win over the Miami Dolphins. “Greg was the difference in so many games this month,” said Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. “He’s calm under pressure, he prepares like a pro, and he delivers when we need him most. This award is a testament to his work ethic—and to the entire special teams unit that sets him up for success.”

Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets delves into how Zuerlein’s honor has lifted the morale of the Jets’ special teams unit, which often flies under the radar compared to offense and defense. Special teams players—from long snapper Thomas Hennessy to holder Braden Mann to the coverage unit—have spoken openly about how the award feels like a team win, not just an individual one. Hennessy, who has been Zuerlein’s long snapper since 2023, noted that the kicker’s success is a result of countless hours of practice together. “We spend extra time every day working on timing and precision,” Hennessy said. “When Greg makes a big kick, it’s a win for all of us because we know how much work goes into it behind the scenes. This award is a reminder that every role on special teams matters.” The boost in morale has translated to on-field performance, too: in the two games since Zuerlein won the award, the Jets’ special teams unit has not allowed a single return longer than 20 yards, and punt returner Xavier Gipson has added a 35-yard return that set up a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 12.

Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets highlights how the New York Jets’ coaching staff has used Zuerlein’s honor to reinforce the importance of special teams across the entire organization. Head coach Robert Saleh dedicated a portion of a team meeting to celebrating Zuerlein and the special teams unit, framing their success as an example of what the Jets can achieve when everyone commits to “doing their job.” Saleh also took the opportunity to acknowledge the unit’s growth, noting that after allowing two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the first four weeks of the season, the special teams group has not surrendered a score since Week 5. “Special teams is often the forgotten third of the game, but Greg’s award is a reminder that it can be the difference between winning and losing,” Saleh said. “The New York Jets are building a culture where every player, no matter their role, feels valued—and this honor is a step in that direction.” The recognition has also resonated with the offense and defense, with quarterback Zach Wilson saying, “Having a kicker you can trust like Greg gives us so much confidence. We know if we can get into field goal range, we have a great chance to score. That changes how we approach late-game situations.”

Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets explores the impact of Zuerlein’s award on the team’s fan base, which has embraced the kicker as a new fan favorite. Jets fans have taken to social media to celebrate the honor, sharing highlights of Zuerlein’s game-winning kicks and using the hashtag #ZuerleinTime to show their support. At MetLife Stadium during the Jets’ Week 12 game, fans held up signs that read “Greg the Leg” and cheered loudly every time Zuerlein took the field—even for practice kicks before the game. The fan support has not gone unnoticed by Zuerlein, who has been with the Jets since 2023 after stints with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens. “It means a lot to feel this kind of support from the fans,” Zuerlein said after the Week 12 win. “They’ve been with us through the tough times, so to share this award with them is special. The New York Jets have some of the most passionate fans in the NFL, and I’m proud to play for them.”

Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets wraps up with the long-term implications of Zuerlein’s honor for the Jets. Beyond the immediate morale boost, the award has highlighted the importance of investing in reliable special teams talent—a lesson the Jets have learned after years of inconsistency at the kicker position. Zuerlein’s performance and the subsequent recognition have also given the team a much-needed positive narrative in a season that has had its share of challenges. As the Jets look ahead to the 2025 offseason, Zuerlein’s success could influence their roster decisions, with the team likely to prioritize retaining key special teams players to build on this momentum. For now, though, the focus is on leveraging the boost from the award to finish the season strong. “This honor is great, but we’re not done yet,” Zuerlein said. “We have more games to win, and the special teams unit is going to keep working hard to help this team succeed.” Kicker Honors Boost Special Teams for the New York Jets isn’t just a story about a kicker winning an award; it’s a story about how one player’s success can unite a team, energize a fan base, and remind everyone of the power of teamwork—even in the often-overlooked corners of the football field.