One-time Jets hero now fighting for his job after surprise minicamp breakout

Two years ago, Xavier Gipson delivered one of the most memorable moments in recent New York Jets history. A walk-off punt return touchdown in overtime against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football turned the undrafted rookie into an overnight sensation.

Gipson was quickly established as a fan favorite and looked well on his way to solidifying his place as a core special-teamer. But the NFL moves fast, and Gipson’s grip on a roster spot is slipping with each passing day.

Since that unforgettable return, Gipson has failed to recapture the spark. His production as both a returner and wide receiver dipped in 2024, and now, entering his third season, he’s officially on the roster bubble. Even more concerning? He’s being pushed by a player with an eerily similar story.

Jamaal Pritchett, a speedy undrafted rookie from South Alabama, has turned heads at OTAs and minicamp. Like Gipson, he’s an undersized playmaker from a small school who offers value in the return game.

And according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, Pritchett has been one of the standouts of the spring. The rookie receiver seems to be pushing Gipson for a roster spot.

Jamaal Pritchett could push Xavier Gipson for a NY Jets roster spot

Pritchett has quickly caught the attention of the Jets' coaching staff with his performance at OTAs and minicamp this spring. The undrafted rookie caught a deep touchdown from Adrian Martinez during team drills last week, showing his potential as more than just a return option.

Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo called Pritchett “dynamic,” praising his decision-making and willingness to compete. It’s this kind of spring performance that could see him push for a roster spot come training camp.

Pritchett’s background mirrors Gipson’s in many ways. After transferring from Division II Tuskegee, he spent three seasons at South Alabama and emerged as one of the most productive receivers in the Sun Belt.

In 2024, he led the conference with 1,126 receiving yards and tied his school’s single-season record with nine touchdown catches. Though he wasn’t a full-time returner due to his role in South Alabama's offense, he has experience in the role, and his 4.42 speed makes him an intriguing option.

If Pritchett can continue flashing in the return game, he could carve out a similar role to the one Gipson held when he first arrived in New York. That role is far from secure, too.

Gipson followed up his electric rookie moment with a lackluster second season, averaging just 8.1 yards per punt return despite leading the league in total punt return attempts (33).

Offensively, Gipson offered next to nothing, hauling in just six catches for 39 yards across 17 games. It’s been nearly two years since that walk-off return, and the luster has worn off.

Gipson enters training camp as the tentative favorite to handle punt return duties, but he’ll have real competition. Pritchett has thrown his name into the ring, and there are others in the mix.

The Jets brought back former All-Pro return man Kene Nwangwu, who housed a kickoff in one of his two games with the team last season. Fourth-round rookie Arian Smith and second-year WR Malachi Corley could also factor in.

And with the wide receiver depth chart already shaky behind Garrett Wilson, the ability to contribute on special teams could determine who sticks around. For Gipson, that means the pressure is on, and the margin for error is thinner than ever.

As for Pritchett, it wouldn’t be the first time the Jets took a chance on a speedy, undersized, small-school return man — it just might be the second.

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