It only took one game for Kene Nwangwu to become a NY Jets legend

The NY Jets' season has already spiraled out of control, as everyone is already looking forward to the 2025 campaign. Things deteriorated to the point where former Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu was elevated to the active roster in a move that was meant to spice up a lackluster special teams unit.

Nwangwu, who spent three years with the Minnesota Vikings as a backup running back and kick returner, did not take very long to introduce himself to Jets fans. In his first game, Nwangu did something that quality returners can go the entire season without pulling off.

Nwangwu, another Iowa State product on this roster, canceled out a Geno Smith touchdown pass by running the next kickoff 99 yards back to the end zone for a touchdown that put New York up 21-7. The Jets special teams also forced a fumble on the next return in what has become a banner day for them.

Kene Nwangwu becomes Jets legend with kickoff return TD

Nwangwu has already run four kickoffs back for touchdowns in his short NFL career, which has helped him earn an All-Pro nomination. After generally lackluster return stats in 2024 showed a noticeable regression, the addition of Nwangwu seems to have kicked things up a notch.

Aaron Rodgers seemed to start off this game with one of his best halves in a Jets uniform, as he threw two touchdown passes and was moving around quite well before a Leonard Williams pick-six. The Jets may not win this game yet, but they are certainly playing better than they were in past weeks.

The Jets are still mathematically alive for the postseason, and they should be credited for continuing to fight despite the poor start to the season. While not an ideal game, Jeff Ulbrich's team looks much more prepared than they did early in his interim tenure.

If the rest of the 2024 season is all about evaluating which players will end up on this team long-term, Nwangwu is making a very convincing case to be the team's top returner. With one touch, Nwangwu has become an instant fan favorite in New York.