Nick Folk Rejoins the New York Jets at 40
Nick Folk, the Jets’ old “Folk Hero,” is back! Yes, you read that right. The man who once carried the Jets through intense playoff moments in 2010 is now, at the ripe age of 40, re-donning the green and white jersey in his second stint with the team.
But before you roll your eyes at the Jets for signing “another” veteran, this move might be just what the team needs after a less-than-impressive kicking performance last season. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good “old guy proves everyone wrong” story?
Why the Jets Need a Hero
Last season, the Jets’ field goal game was, well, shambolic. They hit a dismal 71.4% of their field goal attempts, which was the NFL’s third-worst rate. That level of mediocrity wasn’t cutting it, especially for a team trying to emerge from the league’s metaphorical basement.
Enter Nick Folk. Over the past two seasons, Folk’s accuracy was nothing short of astonishing. Boasting a league-leading 96.2% success rate, he missed only two attempts in the same period. Not to mention, he was perfect from beyond 50 yards.
Out With the New, In With the… Older?
Jets’ training camp initially featured a battle between rookie Kicker Caden Davis and UFL standout Harrison Mevis. Davis wasted no time in losing the job. Mevis is still hanging around for now, but with Folk’s arrival and Head Coach Aaron Glenn gushing over the veteran’s reliability, his time on the team seems tenuous at best. Coach Glenn summed it up nicely, saying, “He’s a very established kicker in this league… anyone who can help us win games, we’re going to take a look at that.”
Not Just a Veteran. A Legend In Jets History
Some of you may be wondering why the Jets turned to Folk of all people. It’s not just sentimentality, though. Sure, Jets fans fondly remember his game-winning 32-yarder against Peyton Manning’s Colts in the 2011 playoffs. That kick helped send the Jets to their last AFC Championship appearance. Folk is also second in franchise history for career points with 729. For a franchise still daydreaming about the glory days, bringing back the kicker carries nostalgic weight.
What’s Next for Folk and the Jets?
Even as Folk prepares to take on the Jets’ kicking duties, the NFL’s second-oldest active player has competition of his own. Free agents like Mercedes Lewis and Matt Prater may pop up in rosters soon and potentially alter Folk’s “oldest player” ranking. Still, he has shown no signs of slowing down. The Jets seem committed to letting him lead the way, paired alongside Mevis for the remainder of training camp, likely to preserve Folk’s 40-year-old leg for actual games.
Folk’s Return Feels Like a Win Already
Look, maybe it’s not the flashiest move. But if you’re the Jets and you’re hoping to build a playoff-capable roster, nailing down a vital (albeit often overlooked) position like kicker is an unsexy necessity. Folk provides something this team desperately lacked last season: consistency, reliability, and accuracy.
Now, Jets fans, take a moment. In the chaos of new coaching schemes, roster changes, and the never-ending rollercoaster that is the New York Jets experience, there’s one thing to take comfort in. The veteran kicker is here, and if his track record tells us anything, there is a good chance he will deliver when it matters most.
