Sunday was a full-circle moment for Jets punter Thomas Morstead. The Jets found a way to win an ugly 13-10 game over the New York Giants. After the game, Morstead spoke to reporters and got emotional as he described how grateful he is to the Jets for giving him an opportunity three years ago and then being able to come back.
The Jets originally signed with the Jets in 2021 to fill in for the injured Braden Mann. This was after he was released earlier in the year after 12 seasons with the New Orleans Saints. After Mann came back, Morstead was released and later signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
After a season in Miami, Morstead returned to New York in 2023, again replacing Mann, but this time being the main punter. The Jets played some roster gymnastics at final cutdowns, but there was never any reason to believe Morstead was not going to be the punter this year. He has paid off in a big way.
Sunday against the Giants, Morstead was quite busy. He punted 11 times and still averaged 48.1 yards per punt. Four of his punts landed inside the 20. Morstead is able to flip the field incredibly well and keep the Jets in just about every game.
Morstead is truly grateful for his time with the Jets, even his original signing in 2021. “No one would sign me because I’m old,” Morstead said referring to that 2021 signing in New York.
Jets punter Thomas Morstead gets emotional talking about this win being a full-circle moment for him. Said the Jets were the only team that would give him a shot 3 years ago. “No one would sign me because I’m old.” pic.twitter.com/oTiKB0LXOI
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) October 29, 2023
The fans have also been incredibly supportive of Morstead this season and he has felt that love all season long. “It’s nice to be appreciated for what you’re doing,” Morstead recently told Jets Wire. “It’s nice for fans to appreciate what you bring.
Morstead also can feel like the rest of his team can count on him to make plays when needed, but it’s the fans that are showing just as much love to him.
“I certainly have felt very appreciated by the fan base,” Morstead said. “So thank you, everybody.”
Morstead also took to Twitter to thank the fans after the win Sunday.
Thank you #Jets Nation pic.twitter.com/TiMg6avU7n
— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) October 29, 2023
Jets fans certainly thank Morstead for his work as well, work that was very much needed and appreciated in the win Sunday.