NY Jets punter Thomas Morstead isn't just changing field position with his punts this season — he's changing lives.
The 15-year NFL veteran is teaming up with his close friend and former teammate, Steve Gleason, and the Team Gleason Foundation to launch the "Punt For ALS" campaign. Morstead will donate $1,000 for every punt he downs inside his opponent's 20-yard line this season.
The campaign is in honor of Gleason, a former NFL safety who was diagnosed with ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2011. Morstead has also promised to dedicate the 2024 season to his close friend.
Morstead recently caught up with Justin Fried of The Jet Press to discuss his new "Punt for ALS" campaign, the upcoming 2024 season, and a variety of Jets topics.
Below is only a partial transcription of our interview. To watch the interview in its entirety, be sure to click here and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss out on any additional content.
Thomas Morstead on going into his 16th NFL season
Justin Fried: "We’re a few weeks away from the start of the season. This will be Year 16 for you in the NFL. What does it feel like to be going into your 16th season?"
Thomas Morstead: "Surreal to be honest. You set goals along the way. Getting into [the NFL] was a goal. Then getting a second contract was a goal. You keep setting goals. I didn't think I'd be 38 years old and still playing, that's for sure. It's been an amazing experience. The good, the bad, all of it — it's been great. In some ways, it gets easier because you learn to simplify as you get older. In some ways, it gets harder. You don't keep getting more explosive as you get older, so you have to find other ways to get better. But that's the fun in it. It's fun competing with all these young guys."
Thomas Morstead on his 'Punt for ALS' campaign
JF: "Let's talk about your 'Punt for ALS' campaign. What is it that inspired you to launch this campaign, specifically this year?"
TM: "A lot of factors. I just wanted to say thank you to Steve for all he's done for so many people and for continuing to choose to live an extraordinarily difficult life. He's inspired and encouraged so many different people, and that's something I wanted to do for him. It's really to bring awareness to what all Team Gleason does. Obviously, we're going to raise some money. Financially I think it's important that fans know I have skin in the game. This is important to me. It's not just a PR stunt. I think they do amazing, valuable work and they're helping change people's lives for the better. I'm really excited to do it, and hopefully this thing can snowball throughout the season. Team Gleason is based in New Orleans, which is where the Super Bowl is [this season], so it would be cool to be down there the week of the Super Bowl, present the check, and highlight all of the work they're doing."
Thomas Morstead on the different attitude with the 2024 NY Jets
JF: "Let's talk some Jets now. Obviously last year there was a lot of offseason hype and attention. Unfortunately, things didn’t really go as you guys planned. I imagine it’s probably a little less hectic this summer with no “Hard Knocks” camera crew following you around. What’s the vibe or attitude like in that Jets locker room right now? How does it differ from last year?"
TM: "Every year is different. There's a strong cast of characters that are back from last year, but there are always new faces. Every team takes on a different identity. It's important that everyone realizes we have to bond together as a new team. We're not the same team as last year. Obviously the defense was highlighted last year and was a big reason we were in a lot of those games. I think those guys need to know you don't just pick up where you left off. It's a new team. Teams may play us differently if we're scoring considerably more points. Everything is different. Every year is a new year. As long as we're aware of that and that it's not going to be easy this year, we'll have a chance to do something special."
Thomas Morstead on under-the-radar NY Jets summer standouts
JF: "Who are some of the under-the-radar guys who have stood out to you in Jets camp this summer?"
TM: "One guy that I'm excited to see is [Qwan'Tez] Stiggers. Really unique story how he's gotten into the NFL. He's had to go through some really dark times. He understands how awesome of an opportunity this is. I think he's got a little bit of an old soul. I'm really excited to see what he does for this team this year."
Thomas Morstead on the NFL's new kickoff rules
JF: "I’m sure you’ve gotten this question already, probably from multiple people, but I selfishly want to hear what you have to say, so I’m going to ask it anyway. What are your thoughts on the NFL's new kickoff rules?"
TM: "I think it's obviously going to be very different. If the touchback rate [on kickoffs] is considerably lower and the injury rate is unchanged or significantly lower then it's a huge success. I think having meaningless plays where they give TV time to a play where the ball gets kicked through the end zone and nothing happens is not great for the game. I don't love that you can't surprise a team with an onside kick. But I do think if there's more excitement, more plays happening, and fewer injuries, that is exciting and that would be a big success for the league."
Thomas Morstead on calling Aaron Rodgers after his injury
JF: "The great Ian O’Connor wrote in his new book — “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” — that you actually called Aaron [Rodgers] that night following his injury and you spoke and cried together on the phone. Can you talk a little bit about that phone call?"
TM: "Obviously we were all shellshocked, and then we came back and had this electric finish to end the game. I was just on my way home after all of that and my first thought was to reach out. Second thought was 'Well he's probably had so many people reach out to him. He's got so many friends and relationships. I don't want to bother him.' But then I thought 'That's stupid. He's your teammate. Maybe nobody's called him.' So I remember looking at the clock and it was 12:04, a little past midnight. I called and he picked up immediately and we chatted for a while. I don't really remember what I said, I just thought it was important that I called to check on him. It was a devastating thing for him personally and for the team. I'm glad I called."
