In a season where the New York Jets are leaning heavily into youth and player development, it was the oldest guy on the roster who delivered the biggest moment. On a cold, rainy afternoon against the Atlanta Falcons, 41-year-old kicker Nick Folk reminded everyone that age is just a number-especially when you’ve still got a leg like his.
After missing his first field goal of the season earlier in the game, Folk stepped up with just seconds left and drilled a 56-yard game-winner that barely cleared the crossbar. It wasn’t just clutch-it was vintage Folk. That kick sealed a 27-24 win and pushed the Jets to 3-9 on the year, but more than that, it gave this young team a moment to rally around.
Head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t hesitate when it came time to hand out the game ball. It went straight to Folk-a nod not only to his heroics in Week 13 but to the remarkable longevity he’s shown throughout his career.
Glenn, who was actually a teammate of Folk’s back in Dallas during the 2007 offseason, has now come full circle as his head coach in New York. Think about that: Folk’s career has lasted so long that his old teammate is now coaching him.
That’s rare air.
And make no mistake-Folk isn’t just hanging around for nostalgia’s sake. He’s still producing at an elite level.
After leading the NFL in field goal percentage the past two seasons with the Titans, he’s brought that same consistency to the Jets. In a year where the team has struggled to find its footing, Folk has been one of the few constants.
Rain, wind, pressure-none of it seems to faze him.
That reliability has helped the Jets quietly build one of the better special teams units in the league. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo has a solid group to work with, and it starts with Folk.
But he’s not alone. Rookie punter Austin McNamara has been a clear upgrade, showing off a booming leg and impressive control.
Kene Nwangwu continues to be a threat every time he touches the ball on kick returns, and Isaiah Williams has emerged as a dependable option in the punt return game.
The Jets have now won three of their last five, and while those wins have come against teams starting backup quarterbacks-Kirk Cousins, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel-the progress is tangible. Glenn’s squad has also held its own in recent road games against playoff-caliber teams like the Patriots and Ravens, showing signs that this rebuild is starting to take shape.
As for Folk, the end of the road may be approaching, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him. If he keeps drilling kicks like the one he hit against Atlanta, he might just hang onto that starting job until he decides it’s time to walk away. For now, though, the Jets will gladly ride with the 41-year-old who just keeps delivering.