NY Jets news: Jon Gruden as HC, Jets players have given up, Thomas Morstead award

The NY Jets will be in the market for a new head coach this offseason. The organization has already begun the preliminary stages of its search, with names such as Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, and even Rex Ryan being floated around as potential options.

One new name that has entered the conversation is longtime NFL coach Jon Gruden. During a recent appearance on the “Up and Adams Show” with Kay Adams, former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski pitched Gruden as a possible target for the Jets.

Gronkowski believes Gruden could allow the Jets to retain Aaron Rodgers, which he seems to think is the team's best route. Of course, reports suggest both the Jets and Rodgers would prefer a split at this stage — a scenario that is likely in the best interest of everyone involved.

Gruden is currently suing the NFL for leaking emails that led to his forced resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, which would probably make it difficult for him to return to the league as a coach. The Jets would be wise to ignore Gronkowski's advice.

Other NY Jets news:

Jets players are 'checked out'

There is a growing sense of apathy lining the walls of Florham Park. Many within the Jets fan base may have already reached a similar point, and it seems those in the locker room may feel the same way.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported on Tuesday that Jets players are "checked out" following the team's 3-8 start to the season. One source insisted most players are "just ready for it to be over."

Jets owner Woody Johnson fired then-head coach Robert Saleh in Week 6 with the goal of creating a spark. Instead, Saleh's premature ousting tanked the Jets' defense and sunk morale in the locker room.

Jets players and Jets fans are both just eager for the offseason to arrive. Unfortunately, we will all have to sit through another seven weeks of this slop first.

Thomas Morstead receives Lou Gehrig Sports Award

Jets punter Thomas Morstead is finding ways to make an impact on and off the field in what has been a difficult season for his team. Morstead was honored earlier this month at the ALS United Greater New York Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, receiving the Lou Gehrig Sports Award.

The 16-year NFL veteran was honored alongside New York Yankees radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling and New York Rangers legend Adam Graves, who each received the award for their continued efforts in the fight against ALS.

Morstead launched the "Punt for ALS" campaign prior to the 2024 season to help raise awareness for the disease. Morstead has a personal connection to the cause, as his close friend and former teammate in New Orleans, Steve Gleason, was diagnosed with the disease in 2011.

Morstead has committed to donating $1,000 to The Team Gleason Foundation for every punt he lands inside the opponent’s 20-yard-line. 15 of his punts have landed inside the 20-yard line, while the campaign itself has raised nearly $24,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Throughout the rest of the season, donors to Morstead's "Punt for ALS" campaign have an opportunity to win special incentives each game, including game-worn signed jerseys by Morstead himself and/or opposing team players. In addition to game-day incentives, every "Punt for ALS" donor will enter a chance to win two tickets to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February.

Click this link to donate and help Morstead reach his goal.