In a new interview, one of the senior members of the New York Jets spoke about how the 2024 season transpired.
Speaking with Jets X-Factor’s Thomas Christopher on “The Jets Connection,” Thomas Morstead first spoke about his reaction when former head coach Robert Saleh was fired midseason. The punter said that “everyone was surprised” about the firing and that they “did not see it coming.” Morstead also spoke about how he handled losing this season.
“I’m not used to losing in that manner. I’ve never been through anything like this, whether it is having a head coach and GM fired in the season or not meeting big expectations. I am always looking to encourage guys and not focus too much on the results. I try to have a good process and show up to work every day,” said Morsetad.
“I try to model being as consistent as possible and mentor young guys in the locker room. I don’t think I did too much different than I would have done otherwise, but different guys spoke up about different things throughout the season. It was a really trying season. It was a tough year.”
Regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Morstead said he “absolutely” thinks the quarterback has more good football in him. The punter also noted that “it was very clear” that Rodgers looked healthier toward the end of the season.
“I don’t get too wrapped up in what is being said online. And medically, I am not going around asking what everyone is dealing with. Everybody is dealing with something during the season. It’s a tough deal. People are always looking to point the finger at why things did not work out. Everybody, to a degree, had a hand in it this year.
“From the standpoint of him (Rodgers) coming back from the Achilles and they way he was able to play all 17 games, I thought he played some really good football at the back half of the season. But it was a frustrating year all the way around.”
Additionally, Morstead spoke about the supposed rift between Rodgers and Garrett Wilson.
“I wouldn’t know what to believe. I know that competitors communicate at a high level, and that sometimes is confronting issues. A team that does not have that going on does not become the best version they could become. Things get heated during games; Brant Boyer and I get after it every now and then about something,” said the veteran punter.
“We are all trying to win and find the best way to do that. Those intricacies are going on at all levels of the team; you will see position coaches doing that with each player after each series. It is just a part of the game. We are under a microscope, and specifically players Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson. Anytime people can spin a narrative to fit what they think is going on, that will happen.”
Regarding his performance, Morstead said that it was “solid” in 2024.
“Our production was not nearly as good as last year. We had a really, really complimentary feel to defense and special teams last year. I do not feel like we had that this year. I also feel like we had a lot of backed-up punts where we were punting from our own 15, 20, or 25-yard line. The opportunity to pin them close to their end zone was not really there.”
The veteran also discussed his “Punt For ALS” campaign in the interview. Morstead said that this season’s goal was not numeric but rather focused on “doing his best and doing something nice for Steve Gleason.”
Morstead said the campaign will be giving away “a bunch” of jerseys this weekend and next weekend, and will soon give away his two 2025 Super Bowl tickets in the coming weeks. The punter also spoke about other players helping out with his campaign.
“When other players around the league donate their jerseys, it’s certainly appreciated. To feel supported with something that is really important to me is really cool. I just got a huge batch of jerseys in, so I owe a bunch of players around the league my jerseys to pay those guys back.”
When asked about the traits New York’s next head coach must have, Morstead said they need to be “authentic” and “consistent” in everything that they do. He also emphasized the need for the coach to understand that each player needs to be coached differently to reach their potential.
It is always fascinating to hear someone like Morstead talk about the inner workings of the Jets. The punter has seen plenty of football over his long career, including a Super Bowl win with the Saints, so his thoughts on the state of the team hold weight.
Additionally, it is interesting to hear the veteran talk about his own performance. Punting is not a widely discussed topic in football circles, and hearing one of the more decorated players at the position speak about his performances gives some valuable insight.
Furthermore, hearing about Morstead’s success in charity work is refreshing. The NFL’s brotherhood aspect, especially when it comes to charity work, does not always get the attention it deserves. Morstead shouting out his fellow players is a nice way to highlight the good players do off the field.
