Earlier this week, I caught up with New Orleans Saints legend and present New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead. We mentioned the success of the “Punt for ALS” marketing campaign and its significance, his ideas on the 2024 season, together with whether or not he’s obtained sufficient left within the tank for a seventeenth season, and what he recollects from his time with two of the highest head coach candidates on the Saints’ radar.

Final time we spoke, Morstead was prepping for New York’s season opener towards the San Francisco 49ers and had just lately partnered with the Workforce Gleason Basis to launch the “Punt for ALS” marketing campaign in dedication to his expensive buddy and former teammate, Steve Gleason, who was identified with the merciless illness in 2011. For each punt he landed contained in the 20-yard line, Morstead donated $1,000 to “Punt for ALS,” with a minimal pledge of $10,000 for the season. Finally, the marketing campaign was extremely profitable, accumulating over $20K towards their $100K purpose with the assist of athletes throughout the league.

Picture by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Photographs

NJ: What sort of impression do you hope the marketing campaign’s success can have in elevating consciousness and supporting these affected by such a devastating illness? Is that this one thing you’d prefer to proceed or increase into a bigger initiative?

TM: “Yeah, I’ve been actually proud of it. I’ve had numerous teammates which were supporting. I’ve had guys that I’ve competed towards which have donated their jerseys in assist of it as effectively all through the season. And that was the most important factor, you recognize. Cash is nice. You wish to elevate cash, completely. However simply protecting the notice on what they do, all of the various things that Workforce Gleason does and why it’s impactful, why it’s vital, that’s been the most important factor.

So, I’ve been proud of it. Clearly, I feel if we had gone 12-5 versus 5-12 as a crew this yr, we might have most likely made fairly a bit extra of a dent within the marketing campaign, however that’s simply the best way it goes within the NFL. So, yeah, I’ve been thrilled with it.”

NJ: In mid-November, you have been named the recipient of the 2024 Lou Gehrig Sports activities Award in recognition of the “Punt for ALS” marketing campaign. On condition that this award is yearly introduced to athletes who embody the resilience, power, and management that exemplify Gehrig’s legacy each on and off the sphere, how a lot did it imply to you to be chosen for such a prestigious honor?

TM: “Yeah, I imply, I used to be shocked to get a name on that. There’s lots of people which are doing numerous good on this world, particularly for ALS, so I used to be blown away by it.

It was a cool expertise. Obtained to satisfy some actually, actually cool individuals. I obtained to satisfy Mr. Graves, former New York Rangers legend hockey participant, so it was cool getting to hold with him. Dan Doctoroff, who’s a legend in New York. It was only a actually cool expertise. It was me and my spouse’s first date night time since having a child, in order that was cool to get out of the home and go into the town and do this. But it surely was simply actually cool. Obtained to satisfy lots of people which are impacting ALS, whether or not it’s analysis or know-how, or simply individuals which are placing {dollars} into it. So it was only a actually cool expertise.”

NJ: Have you ever had the possibility to talk with Steve about his ideas on the marketing campaign and its success?

TM: “I haven’t particularly, no. I do know that after we introduced we have been doing it, he shed a tear, which was actually particular and I’ll always remember that. You understand, what he’s achieved for individuals internationally is wonderful, and to be some small little piece of what they’re doing over there may be an honor.”

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NJ: How did the 2024 season deal with you personally? Do you are feeling good bodily and able to run it again for 12 months 17?

TM: “Yeah, I’m! I felt actually good. You understand, we weren’t fairly as productive as a punt crew this yr as we have been final yr. However I assumed I performed effectively. Tremendous constant. You be taught to play a unique recreation whenever you’re on the market in New York. It’s chilly, windy, and simply wet. You understand, it’s a unique expertise than taking part in in a dome. But it surely’s definitely made me a greater participant and made me recognize the times the place we do have some good climate, for certain.”

Picture by Michael Reaves/Getty Photographs

Morstead additionally shares what stood out to him throughout his transient stints working with Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn and former Saints particular groups coordinator and interim HC Darren Rizzi, each of whom are being strongly thought-about for the vacant head teaching positions in New Orleans and New York:

As all the time, I sincerely recognize Thomas taking the trip of his busy schedule to speak. Wishing him a wholesome and productive offseason!