Jets MVP and Awards Overview
Even smaller teams, ranging from three to thirteen members, can deliver impressive results, which, of course, applies to the Jets.
Recently, the players voted for Isiah Williams as their “Curtis Martin Team MVP.” Admittedly, it might not rank as the most distinguished honor in the team’s history.
However, it’s interesting to note that the 24-year-old kicker-returner/receiver was let go by the Jets after a disappointing outing in Week 4 against the Dolphins—where he fumbled a kickoff and, awkwardly, fair-caught a punt at the 3-yard line.
After being cut and later re-signed, Williams managed to return two punts for touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per return, alongside returning 23 kickoffs with an average of 30.2 yards per return.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn remarked, “I thought it was really special. Nobody expected him to snag the MVP title, not from the outside or inside the team. It’s fantastic that he maintained focus despite negativity. His going from a sidelined player to being the MVP of this team truly tells a remarkable story, and I’m proud of him.”
Williams’ journey has been marked by being undrafted and signed from the Bengals’ practice squad after the season kicked off. After facing ups and downs, he returned two punts for touchdowns, with the second one coming in their game against Miami.
“I think if someone had told me I’d be the team MVP by season’s end, I might’ve given them a bewildered look. After getting waived, I thought I’d end up on the practice squad for the rest of the year, just grinding away to improve,” Williams said, acknowledging that when opportunities arose, he seized them.
Jets special teams coach Chris Banjo called Williams’ season and achieving the MVP award “amazing.” He added, “It’s been incredible to witness his progress and commitment, not to mention his growth and development as a player.”
In other team news, DT Harrison Phillips clinched the “Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational” award and also received the Gerald Eskenazi Media Good Guy Award, which honors cooperative players, named after a long-time Jets beat writer.
Joe Tippman, who adapted from center to guard this year, received the “Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award.” Meanwhile, Olu Fashanu got the Ed Brock Courage Award for starting all 17 games at left tackle, and LB Marcelino McCrary Ball was recognized with the Marty Lyons Community Service Award for his philanthropic efforts. Rookie cornerback Azaleye Thomas was awarded the Bill Hampton Award for maintaining exemplary professional conduct.
Running back Breece Hall, who didn’t participate in practice on Friday, isn’t ruled out for Sunday’s game due to injury but isn’t expected to suit up either. Hall has been dealing with knee pain and rushed for over 1,000 yards last week; the situation appears to be more of a strategic decision.
Several players have been excluded, including TE Mason Taylor and RB Isaiah Davis, among others.
Kicker Nick Folk, who astonishingly missed out on Pro Bowl selection despite an impressive record of 28 out of 29 field goals and 22 PATs, shared with reporters that he “wants to keep playing” in 2026. He’s also considering the conversations he’ll have with his wife and kids about future plans.
Folk, now 41 and in his 18th season, will be a free agent after this year. He’s got twin sons who are promising young soccer players in the Dallas FC youth system; their careers, among other topics, will factor heavily into discussions with his wife going forward.
Interestingly, the Jets’ starting offensive line will line up together for their 17th consecutive game this Sunday, which is quite rare. This year, Fashanu, LG John Simpson, center Josh Myers, Tippman, and RT Armando Menbou have participated in nearly 99.2 percent of the offense’s snaps—playing in 4,958 out of 5,000 snaps.
This marks the first time since 2012 that the Jets have retained the same starting offensive line throughout an entire season. Head coach Glenn highlighted, “It’s not very common. To witness five players consistently improve week by week—none faltering—is a testament to their dedication to fitness and understanding what it takes to compete regularly.”
