Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets

The NFL’s official transaction and honor wire has been buzzing with good news for the New York Jets this week, as three separate reports confirmed team-related recognitions: special teams ace Justin Hardee named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams tabbed as a Pro Bowl alternate, and head coach Robert Saleh receiving an NFL Coach of the Year nomination. These honors, which follow the Jets’ recent 4-2 stretch and climb into the AFC wild-card race, mark a significant turnaround for a franchise that has gone years without consistent league recognition. For the Jets, the wire reports aren’t just formalities—they’re public validation of the team’s hard work, resilience, and growth under Saleh’s leadership. Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets breaks down each honor, the recipients’ impact on the team, the Jets’ reactions, and how these recognitions fuel momentum for the final stretch of the season.

Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets first highlights Justin Hardee’s AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award, confirmed in a wire report dated December 11. The report details Hardee’s standout performance in the Jets’ 24-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 14: he recorded three special teams tackles (including two that prevented Chargers returners from gaining more than 5 yards), forced a fumble on a punt return that the Jets recovered, and blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter—all critical plays that swung momentum in New York’s favor. The wire report notes that Hardee is the first Jets special teams player to win the award since 2021, and his 15 special teams tackles this season rank 8th in the AFC. “Justin is the heart and soul of our special teams unit,” said Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, quoted in the wire report. “He’s the kind of player who makes the tough plays when no one is watching, and this honor is well-deserved.” Hardee, a 7-year veteran, has been a steadying force for the Jets’ special teams, which have improved from 25th to 12th in the NFL in special teams DVOA since Week 8.

Complementing Hardee’s honor, Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets details Quinnen Williams’ Pro Bowl alternate selection, announced in a league-wide wire report on December 12. The report emphasizes Williams’ dominance on the interior line this season: 5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles, and a 86.2 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus—ranking 4th among all defensive tackles. Though Williams missed two games with a high ankle sprain, his impact before and after the injury was enough to earn him a spot as the first alternate for the AFC Pro Bowl roster, meaning he’ll likely participate if any selected player drops out. The wire report includes quotes from Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who called Williams “the engine of our defense.” “Quinnen doesn’t just make plays—he makes everyone around him better,” Whitecotton said. “He draws double teams on every snap, freeing up his teammates to get to the quarterback or stop the run. This alternate spot is a step toward the Pro Bowl recognition he’s been due for years.” Williams, a first-round pick in 2020, has emerged as a leader on the Jets’ defense, which has climbed from 28th to 11th in run defense since his return from injury.

Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets also spotlights Robert Saleh’s NFL Coach of the Year nomination, included in a wire report from the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) on December 13. The report highlights Saleh’s role in turning around a Jets team that finished 7-10 in 2023 to an 8-7 record this season, with a chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010. It notes Saleh’s ability to keep the team focused amid key injuries (Leander Wiegand, Kyle Dugger) and his role in developing young talent like quarterback Zach Wilson and rookie defensive end Javon Kinlaw. The wire report also mentions the Jets’ improved culture under Saleh—with players citing his “accountability first” mindset as a key reason for their success. For the New York Jets, Saleh’s nomination is a reflection of the franchise’s broader progress, from a rebuilding team to a legitimate playoff contender. “Coach Saleh has changed the culture here,” said Jets general manager Joe Douglas, quoted in the report. “He’s built a team that plays hard, plays together, and never quits—no matter the circumstances. This nomination is a testament to his leadership and the work of our entire staff.”

Another layer of Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets is how the team celebrated these honors internally and with fans. The Jets shared each wire report on their official website and social media channels, pairing them with highlight videos and player interviews. During a Friday practice, Saleh presented Hardee with a custom AFC Special Teams Player of the Week trophy, and the team’s offensive and defensive units took turns cheering for Williams and Saleh. A video of the celebration, posted to the Jets’ X account, garnered over 100,000 views in 24 hours, with fans praising the team’s unity. For the New York Jets, these celebrations weren’t just about recognizing individual achievements—they were about reinforcing the team’s “we over me” culture. “These honors aren’t just for Justin, Quinnen, or me—they’re for the entire team,” Saleh said in a post-practice press conference. “Every player, every coach, every staff member contributes to this success. We’re celebrating together because we win together.” The Jets also invited local media to a “Honor Day” press conference, where Hardee, Williams, and Saleh answered questions about their respective recognitions, further amplifying the positive momentum around the team.

Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets also explores the impact of these recognitions on the Jets’ playoff push. Entering Week 16 with an 8-7 record, the Jets are tied for the final AFC wild-card spot, and the recent honors have provided a timely morale boost. Hardee noted that the recognition has motivated the special teams unit to “keep raising the bar,” while Williams said his Pro Bowl alternate selection has “fueled me to play even harder” in the final two games. Saleh, meanwhile, has used the Coach of the Year nomination as a teaching tool, reminding the team that “external recognition is nice, but our goal is internal success—making the playoffs and winning championships.” For the New York Jets, the honors have also helped attract positive attention from national media, which had been critical of the team earlier in the season. “It’s good to see the league recognize what we’ve been building here,” said Wilson. “But we’re not done yet. These honors are just a step—we want to make sure we’re remembered for what we do in the playoffs, not just regular-season awards.”

The final dimension of Honor Reports Circulate on Wire for the New York Jets is what these recognitions mean for the franchise’s long-term future. For years, the Jets struggled to retain top talent and attract free agents, in part due to their lack of success and league recognition. Now, with Hardee, Williams, and Saleh earning honors, the Jets are positioning themselves as a destination for players who want to win and be recognized for their work. The wire reports, which are distributed to all 32 teams and NFL partners, also send a message to other franchises: the Jets are no longer a rebuilding team—they’re a competitive force in the AFC. For the New York Jets, this shift in perception is almost as valuable as the honors themselves. “When you have players and coaches earning league-wide recognition, it changes how people view your team,” Douglas said. “It makes free agents want to come here, it makes draft prospects excited to join us, and it makes our fans even more passionate. These honors are a sign that we’re on the right track.” As the Jets prepare for their Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons, they carry with them not just the momentum of recent wins, but the confidence that comes from being recognized as one of the NFL’s most improved teams—all thanks to the honor reports circulating on the league wire.