Nick Folk Remembers His Time with the Jets
Nick Folk has fond memories of Mason Taylor from his days with the Jets. Taylor, a rookie tight end, was seen running on the practice field during summer camp at SUNY Cortland. Interesting enough, his father, Jason, was on the team. Falk also mentioned that he played with Taylor’s uncle, Zack Thomas, a couple of years before he joined the Jets.
On Friday, Falk, who is now 40, asked Taylor if he recalls living in New York while his dad was with the Jets. Taylor replied, “A little.” This exchange led Falk to share his own thoughts on wanting to continue playing. He seems pretty enthusiastic about it, saying, “There’s nothing better than kicking a field goal on a Sunday or Monday. I really enjoy it and want to keep doing it as long as I can compete at a high level.”
It’s been quite a journey for Folk, especially as he returns to the Jets for his 18th NFL season after a lengthy absence. The Jets welcomed him back after he last suited up for the team. He humorously acknowledged some familiar faces among the media during his recent appearance.
This doesn’t imply that the Jets are giving any special treatment to past players, though. Folk has led the league in field goal percentages over the past couple of seasons and had a perfect record on extra points last year. Remarkably, since missing the entire 2018 season—after being cut by the Buccaneers—he hasn’t missed a field goal from under 40 yards. He is seen as a frontrunner for the kicking job against Harrison Mevis.
Folk’s return is especially significant after he missed the last three games of the previous season due to injuries, which prompted the Jets to bring him back at the end of July. Both sides seem pleased with this reunion.
Last season, the Jets went through five kickers, and they’re looking for some consistency in that position. Folk is determined to have another productive year. “It’s great to be back in this area,” Falk expressed. “I love the Northeast. New Jersey has been wonderful for my family. Three of my kids were born here.” He also mentioned that he has since welcomed a fourth child after leaving the Jets in 2016, during which the franchise updated its logo and uniform.
Jets’ first-year coach Aaron Glenn briefly crossed paths with Folk while he was finishing his time with the Cowboys, where Folk began his career. Interestingly, Folk is five years older than the special teams coordinator, Chris Banjo. “It’s not the first time that’s happened to me,” Falk said, reflecting on the rarity of being the same age as his head coach last year.
Ultimately, age seems irrelevant as long as he keeps kicking. If he builds a strong rapport with the Jets this season, there’s a chance he might reclaim his folk hero status in New York. “I’m excited to be back,” Falk concluded. “This organization is fun and great. I had a remarkable seven-year stint here and hope to extend it into an eighth—and beyond.”
