It’s rare for players to get second chances in the NFL. For New York Jets return specialist Isaiah Williams, though, a second chance may have saved his career.

Originally signed by the Jets off the Bengals’ practice squad in Week 2, Williams played himself off the Jets’ roster with a string of costly mistakes in key moments over the following weeks.

On Oct. 4, New York released Williams after he fumbled a kick return and mishandled a punt in a Monday night loss to the Miami Dolphins. Two weeks later, on Oct. 18, the Jets brought him back.

In Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Williams rewarded the Jets for their faith, recording 132 yards on five kickoff returns and 38 yards on three punt returns. His 21-yard punt return in the fourth quarter set up the game-winning score.

For his efforts, Williams was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

As the team heads into its bye week, Williams’ resurgence could reshape how the Jets look heading into the second half of the season — and he’s eager to keep rewarding the organization’s belief in him.

Williams rewards Jets’ faith

As strong a performance as Williams delivered on Sunday, there was a time when it looked like he might never get another opportunity.

That’s what he thought back in early October, when he was released. But after his breakout performance against the Bengals, Williams said he’s simply grateful to have made the most of his second chance.

“I didn’t think I was going to get another opportunity this year, if I’m being honest,” Williams said this week ahead of the Jets’ bye. “My biggest thing was, I’m going to come back to the practice squad, work my tail off, get better every single day, make my teammates better in every aspect.

“When I do get my opportunity — if I do get another opportunity — I’m going to make the most of it.”

Earlier this season, New York’s return game was considered one of its biggest weaknesses. Kene Nwangwu, an All-Pro returner, has dealt with a series of injuries that have kept him sidelined for much of the 2025 season.

In his absence, Williams has stepped up and shown the skill set to be a dependable playmaker. If he can build on his performance in Cincinnati, the sky may be the limit for the Jets’ return game.

And it all started with a second chance.