Aging kicker produces 'Play of Day' in Jets' preseason win over Washington

Ralph Ventre

Aging kicker produces 'Play of Day' in Jets' preseason win over Washington image

At 36 years old, Greg Zuerlein still makes it look easy.

The New York Jets strong-legged kicker accounted for what was arguably the Play of the Day in the 20-17 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.

Zuerlein's first field goal attempt of the summer came on the final snap of the first half in Saturday's preseason opener, and it was a 56-yard bomb that sailed through the uprights with at least eight yards to spare. The Jets were able to spike the ball at the Washington 38-yard line with three seconds left and Zuerlein subsequently tied the score at 10-10 heading into the locker room.

Entering his third season as a Jets, Greg The Leg has lived up to his nickname even during the back half of his career. Zuerlein has connected on 11 of 17 attempts from 50+ yards while wearing the Green & White.

Also affectionately known as Leg-a-tron, Zuerlein is responsible for three of the four longest field goals in franchise history (only regular season games count). He nailed 57-yarders in wins over the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears in 2022 before setting the team record by hitting from 60 yards out against the Minnesota Vikings.

Zuerlein defeated the Commanders in a wild regular season affair at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2023, calmly striking a 54-yarder at the gun for a 30-28 victory.

"GZ, he never misses, so I wasn't surprised at all," said running back Breece Hall after the win last December. "I was walking on the field getting ready to shake everybody's hand. I knew he was going to make it."

Greg The Leg seemingly improving with age, gives the Jets a special weapon that not every team has. 

 

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Ralph Ventre

Ralph Ventre Photo

Ralph Ventre, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA DI Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Ventre remains an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America, and he also covers the Buffalo Bills on SI. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.