Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets

As the 2025 NFL regular season enters its final stretch, the New York Jets have reason to celebrate beyond on-field results: three of their key defensive players have earned prestigious midseason award nominations, shining a light on the team’s biggest bright spot amid a rebuilding year. Defensive end Quinnen Williams has been named a candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, cornerback Sauce Gardner is in the running for the Defensive Back of the Year, and linebacker C.J. Mosley has received a nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year—an honor that recognizes both on-field excellence and off-field community impact. These nominations aren’t just individual accolades; they’re a validation of the Jets’ defensive dominance this season and a reminder of the talent the franchise has built around its core players. Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets breaks down each nomination, the performances that earned them, and what they mean for the Jets’ future.

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets first focuses on Quinnen Williams’ Defensive Player of the Year nomination, a recognition of his breakout season as one of the league’s most disruptive defensive linemen. Through 13 weeks, Williams has tallied 12 sacks (tied for fifth in the NFL), 52 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 18 quarterback hits—career highs in nearly every category. What sets his performance apart is consistency: he’s recorded at least one sack in seven games this season, including a two-sack outing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10 that helped the Jets secure a critical upset. Williams’ ability to dominate both as a pass rusher and run stopper (he has 10 run stops in the red zone) has made him the anchor of the Jets’ defense, which ranks 12th in total yards allowed. “Quinnen has been unstoppable this year,” said Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. “He’s not just getting sacks—he’s changing the outcome of plays, forcing quarterbacks to rush decisions, and setting the tone for our entire unit. This nomination is well-deserved, and he’s only getting better.”

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets next delves into Sauce Gardner’s Defensive Back of the Year nomination, a return to form for the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year. After a slow start to the season, Gardner has rebounded to become one of the league’s top shutdown corners, recording 4 interceptions, 15 pass breakups, and allowing just 45% of passes thrown his way to be completed. His most memorable play came in Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins, when he picked off Tua Tagovailoa in the end zone with 30 seconds left to seal a one-point win. Gardner’s ability to neutralize opposing No. 1 wide receivers—he’s held players like Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs to under 50 yards in matchups—has been a game-changer for the Jets’ secondary. “Sauce is back to being the player we know he can be,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “He takes pride in shutting down the best receivers in the league, and he’s done it with a level of focus and intensity that’s contagious. This nomination is a testament to his work ethic and his commitment to improving every week.”

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets also highlights C.J. Mosley’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination, an honor that reflects his dual impact on and off the field. On the gridiron, Mosley has been the Jets’ defensive leader, tallying 132 tackles (seventh in the NFL), 2 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups—proving he’s still one of the league’s most reliable linebackers at 31. Off the field, he’s made community service a priority: he launched a “Mosley’s Mentors” program this season, which pairs Jets players with at-risk youth in the New York City area for weekly tutoring and football clinics, and donated $100,000 to local food banks to support families affected by inflation. For the New York Jets, Mosley’s nomination embodies the franchise’s values of leadership and giving back. “C.J. is more than a player—he’s a role model for this team and this community,” said Jets team president Hymie Elhai. “He leads by example every day, both on the field and when he’s working with kids or supporting local charities. This nomination is a reflection of who he is as a person, and we’re proud to have him represent the Jets.”

Another layer of Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets is the impact these nominations have on team morale, especially during a season where the Jets sit at 6-7 and are on the fringe of playoff contention. For a team that’s endured years of rebuilding, seeing three players recognized at the league level has boosted confidence and reinforced the idea that the franchise is moving in the right direction. Younger players like rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter have cited Williams and Gardner as mentors, while veterans have praised the nominations as a “team win.” “When your leaders get recognized like this, it makes everyone want to work harder,” said Jets safety Jordan Whitehead. “Quinnen, Sauce, and C.J. set the standard for us every day, and seeing them get nominated motivates the rest of us to step up our game. It’s a reminder that even if we’re not winning every week, we have elite talent here.” For the New York Jets, these nominations are a building block—proof that the team’s focus on drafting and retaining top defensive talent is paying off, even as the offense continues to develop.

Award Nominations Spotlight Stars of the New York Jets closes with the reaction from fans and the potential long-term implications for the franchise. Jets fans have taken to social media to campaign for their players, with hashtags like #QuinnForDPOY and #SauceForDBOTY trending locally. The team has also embraced the moment, hosting a “Nomination Night” at MetLife Stadium during their Week 14 game against the New England Patriots, where Williams, Gardner, and Mosley were honored on the field during halftime. Beyond fan support, the nominations could help the Jets retain their star players long-term: Williams is in the first year of a four-year extension, and Gardner is set to enter contract negotiations next offseason. For the New York Jets, keeping these players happy and motivated is key to building a sustainable winner. “These nominations show that our players can compete at the highest level, and that the Jets are a place where elite talent can thrive,” said general manager Joe Douglas. “We’re committed to building around Quinnen, Sauce, C.J., and the rest of our core, and these nominations are a step in the right direction. Our fans deserve to see this team succeed, and with players like these leading the way, we’re closer than ever.” As the season winds down, the Jets’ focus remains on securing a playoff spot—but these award nominations have already given the team and its fans a reason to celebrate, no matter the final record.