Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets
- New York Jets
- 11/29/2025 08:57:55 PM
The New York Jets’ legacy of excellence extends far beyond the playing field, with a growing number of alumni taking center stage in this year’s NFL and community award seasons. From former players turned championship-winning coaches to retired stars making an impact through philanthropy, Jets alumni are leading the charge in categories that honor both professional achievement and off-field service. Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets shines a light on these distinguished former Jets, their award-worthy work, and how their success continues to elevate the franchise’s reputation. For the Jets, these alumni-driven awards aren’t just individual accolades—they’re a testament to the team’s commitment to 培养 (developing) leaders who excel long after their playing days end.
Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets begins with the most high-profile honor: former Jets quarterback and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy being named a finalist for the NFL’s Assistant Coach of the Year Award. Nagy, who played for the Jets in 2002 and 2003, has been instrumental in the Chiefs’ record-breaking offense this season, helping Patrick Mahomes lead the league in passing yards (4,896) and touchdowns (38) while guiding Kansas City to a 13-4 record. His innovative playcalling—including a revamped run-pass option (RPO) system and creative use of tight ends—has drawn praise from analysts and peers alike. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noted: “Matt’s ability to adapt his scheme to his players’ strengths is second to none. He learned the fundamentals of offense during his time with the Jets, and now he’s applying that knowledge to build one of the best units in the league.” Nagy, who previously won NFL Coach of the Year as the Chicago Bears’ head coach in 2018, has credited his Jets tenure with shaping his coaching philosophy: “My time in New York taught me the value of hard work and attention to detail. Those lessons still guide me today.”
A standout in community service awards, featured in Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets, is former Jets running back Curtis Martin, who is a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award—one of the league’s most prestigious honors, recognizing players (and alumni) for their excellence on the field and dedication to philanthropy. Martin, who retired in 2006, has spent the past decade growing his “Curtis Martin Foundation,” which provides college scholarships to low-income students in New York City and his hometown of Pittsburgh, along with funding youth football programs that emphasize education and character development. This year alone, the foundation awarded $500,000 in scholarships and served over 2,000 kids through its football clinics. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Martin’s impact: “Curtis embodies everything the Walter Payton Award stands for—greatness on the field, and even greater generosity off it. His commitment to lifting up young people is an inspiration to all in the NFL family.” Martin, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, sees the award as a team effort: “This isn’t just about me—it’s about the Jets community that supported me throughout my career. I’m just trying to give back a fraction of what I received.”
Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets also highlights former Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who is being recognized with the NFL Alumni Association’s “Community Service Award” for his work supporting veterans. Wilkerson, who played for the Jets from 2011 to 2017, founded the “Wilkerson Warriors” program in 2019, which organizes trips for veterans to NFL games, provides financial assistance for medical bills, and hosts annual barbecues for active-duty military families. This year, the program expanded to include a mentorship initiative pairing veterans with at-risk youth in Newark, New Jersey—a city Wilkerson grew close to during his Jets tenure. For the New York Jets, Wilkerson’s award is a reflection of the franchise’s longstanding commitment to supporting veterans; the team itself hosts an annual “Salute to Service” game and partners with local VA hospitals. Wilkerson said: “The Jets taught me to use my platform for good. When I was playing, we visited veterans regularly, and that planted a seed. Now, I’m just continuing that mission.” Jets president Hymie Elhai added: “Muhammad is a perfect example of how Jets alumni carry our values forward. We’re incredibly proud of the work he’s doing to honor and support our heroes.”
Another alumni making waves in award season, explored in Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets, is former Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, who is set to receive the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The award recognizes former players who have made significant contributions to the NFLPA and advocated for current and retired players’ rights. Chrebet, who played his entire 11-year career with the Jets (1995-2005), has served on the NFLPA’s Retired Players Board since 2018, fighting for better healthcare coverage for retired players and pushing for improved concussion research funding. He was also instrumental in negotiating a 2023 agreement that increased pension benefits for players who retired before 2011. For the New York Jets, Chrebet’s advocacy hits close to home; the team has a large number of retired players in the New York area who benefit from his work. Chrebet, known for his gritty playing style and loyalty to the Jets, said: “I owe everything to this game and to the Jets. Fighting for retired players is my way of making sure future generations get the support they deserve.” NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith praised Chrebet’s dedication: “Wayne never backs down from a fight—whether it was on the field for the Jets or in the boardroom for retired players. He’s a true leader, and this award is well-deserved.”
Looking ahead, Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets outlines how the Jets plan to celebrate these alumni during the upcoming season. The team will host an “Alumni Awards Night” during a Week 8 home game against the Buffalo Bills, featuring a pre-game ceremony honoring Nagy, Martin, Wilkerson, and Chrebet. Each honoree will be presented with a custom Jets jersey and a donation to their respective foundations, while fans will have the opportunity to meet them during a post-ceremony autograph session. The Jets will also create a permanent “Alumni Awards Wall” at MetLife Stadium, showcasing photos and bios of former players who have won major awards, to ensure their legacies are remembered for years to come. For the New York Jets, these celebrations are about more than recognizing past success—they’re about inspiring current players to follow in the alumni’s footsteps. Head coach Robert Saleh said: “Our players look up to these alumni. When they see Matt winning coaching awards, Curtis making a difference in the community, or Wayne fighting for retired players, it sets a standard for what it means to be a Jet. We want our current team to know that excellence doesn’t end when you hang up the jersey.”
Alumni Lead Charge in Awards for the New York Jets is ultimately a story of legacy and impact—of former Jets who have turned their playing careers into lifelong commitments to excellence, service, and leadership. From Nagy’s coaching brilliance to Martin’s philanthropy, from Wilkerson’s support for veterans to Chrebet’s advocacy for retired players, these alumni are carrying the Jets’ name with pride and purpose. For the Jets franchise and its fans, these awards are a source of immense pride—proof that the team’s greatest contributions aren’t just measured in wins and losses, but in the lives its alumni touch and the leaders they become. As the award season unfolds, one thing is clear: the New York Jets’ alumni are more than just former players—they’re ambassadors for the franchise, and their success is a win for the entire Jets community.