All New York Jets fans have heard about is the history their team made in 2025—and not the good kind.

Whether it was becoming the first NFL team to record zero interceptions or posting the worst December point differential (-107) in history, the Jets etched their names in the wrong history books.

Except for one area, that is.

If there is one part of the roster that New York Jets fans can feel good about after going 3-14 in 2025, it is the team’s excellent special teams unit. In this area, at least, the Jets made the kind of history that fans can be proud of.

While the Jets were out-played and out-schemed in the other two phases, the special teams unit was dominant week in and week out. It was arguably the primary reason for two of the Jets’ three victories, and it was responsible for keeping the team even remotely competitive in many of its losses.

Chris Banjo’s unit not only led the NFL in special teams DVOA (+10.3%), but it will go down in history as one of the best groups to ever step on an NFL field. Based on DVOA, New York’s 2025 special teams unit ranks as the fifth-best in NFL history, dating back to 1978.

The kick and punt return teams stole the show. Kene Nwangwu was electric on kick returns, while Isaiah Williams made noise as both a kick and punt returner.

The duo combined for 31.3 yards per kick return, while Williams posted 14.1 yards per punt return. Combined, Nwangwu and Williams scored three return touchdowns (and they should have had four, if not for a phantom penalty in Jacksonville).

Of course, the returners deserve praise, but they didn’t do it alone. The blocking units were outstanding. All season, they consistently opened lanes that turned routine returns into explosive plays. Fullback Andrew Beck and tight end Stone Smartt were among the most impressive blockers for the return units.

The Jets were excellent in kickoff and punt coverage as well. They allowed the third-fewest yards per punt return (6.3), and on kick returns, they allowed only two returns all season for more than 35 yards, with their worst going for just 45 yards.

New York is hoping this success will carry over to 2026 and beyond, helping to give the team an edge in critical games as they ideally work toward competing for playoff position. If that carryover is to transpire, the Jets need these three stars to continue thriving.

Three players powered the Jets’ special teams to historic levels

Nothing short of dominant in recent seasons, Nick Folk is playing himself into true “folk hero” status.

In 2025, Folk led the NFL in field goal percentage for the third year in a row, knocking 96.6% of his attempts through the uprights. Folk missed just one of his 29 field goal attempts, and he also made all 22 of his extra point attempts.

Not only that, but Folk’s kicking power reached heights he had never touched before. Folk made a career-long 58-yard field goal and nailed a career-high seven field goals from 50-plus yards, going an impressive 7 of 8 on attempts from that distance.

Since 2023, Folk has missed just three field goals. Over this span, he’s made 96.3% of his attempts (78 of 81), including 90% from 50-plus yards (18 of 20). On extra points, he’s 75 of 77 (97.4%).

The 41-year-old Folk isn’t the only elite leg in New York’s special teams room. Second-year punter Austin McNamara enjoyed a breakout year in 2025, finishing third among punters in All-Pro voting.

The former undrafted free agent built a surprisingly strong claim as the Jets’ best player (at least relative to his position). These were McNamara’s ranks among 32 qualified punters in 2025:

  • 4.70s average hang time (2nd)
  • 43.1-yard net average (6th)
  • 90.3 PFF punting grade (2nd)
  • 15.6% punting DVOA (1st)
  • 18 punts downed (1st)
  • 25 fair catches (2nd)

His ability to flip the field was huge for a team that couldn’t move the ball or slow down its opponent.

The last major standout on New York’s special teams unit is the man voted by his teammates as the Curtis Martin Team MVP: Isaiah Williams.

His 2025 season personified Aaron Glenn’s messages about perseverance and self-confidence. Williams went from cut in Week 4 to team MVP after an electric season.

Despite primarily playing special teams, Williams’ 85 total touches (28 kick returns, 28 punt returns, 26 receptions, 3 rushes) were second-most on the team behind Breece Hall. Between offense and special teams, Williams racked up 1,460 all-purpose yards, two touchdowns, and 11 first downs.

While Williams was snubbed from league honors, Williams still stood out on the NFL leaderboards. Among qualifiers (min. 15 returns), Williams ranked sixth-best in both yards per punt return (14.1) and yards per kick return (29.9). His two punt return touchdowns tied him with four players for the league lead.

This doesn’t include a 49-yard punt return touchdown that was called back due to a penalty that Banjo believed was bogus.

In 2025, the Jets only looked like they belonged on an NFL field when their special teams unit was out there. Whether that is a good or bad thing for the franchise moving forward is debatable, but the unit’s accomplishments should not be overlooked.

We’ve already broken down why special teams success of this magnitude is difficult to replicate year to year, and how historically bad the 2025 Jets performed after removing their special teams. For the moment, though, Jets fans should enjoy the little good they have.