Jennings: Thomas Morstead reflects on the success of the “Punt for ALS” campaign, his 2024 season, and his time with two of the Saints’ top head coach candidates

Nic Jennings catches up with New York Jets P Thomas Morstead to discuss “Punt for ALS” and more.

Earlier this week, I caught up with New Orleans Saints legend and current New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead. We discussed the success of the “Punt for ALS” campaign and its significance, his thoughts on the 2024 season, including whether he’s got enough left in the tank for a 17th season, and what he recalls from his time with two of the top head coach candidates on the Saints’ radar.

Last time we spoke, Morstead was prepping for New York’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers and had recently partnered with the Team Gleason Foundation to launch the “Punt for ALS” campaign in dedication to his dear friend and former teammate, Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with the cruel disease in 2011. For every punt he landed inside the 20-yard line, Morstead donated $1,000 to “Punt for ALS,” with a minimum pledge of $10,000 for the season. Ultimately, the campaign was incredibly successful, accumulating over $20K toward their $100K goal with the support of athletes across the league.

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

NJ: What type of impact do you hope the campaign’s success will have in raising awareness and supporting those affected by such a devastating disease? Is this something you’d like to continue or expand into a larger initiative?

TM: “Yeah, I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve had a lot of teammates that have been supporting. I’ve had guys that I’ve competed against that have donated their jerseys in support of it as well throughout the season. And that was the biggest thing, you know. Money is great. You want to raise money, absolutely. But just keeping the awareness on what they do, all the different things that Team Gleason does and why it’s impactful, why it’s important, that’s been the biggest thing.

So, I’ve been happy with it. Obviously, I think if we had gone 12-5 as opposed to 5-12 as a team this year, we would have probably made quite a bit more of a dent in the campaign, but that’s just the way it goes in the NFL. So, yeah, I’ve been thrilled with it.”

NJ: In mid-November, you were named the recipient of the 2024 Lou Gehrig Sports Award in recognition of the “Punt for ALS” campaign. Given that this award is annually presented to athletes who embody the resilience, strength, and leadership that exemplify Gehrig’s legacy both on and off the field, how much did it mean to you to be selected for such a prestigious honor?

TM: “Yeah, I mean, I was shocked to get a call on that. There’s a lot of people that are doing a lot of good in this world, specifically for ALS, so I was blown away by it.

It was a cool experience. Got to meet some really, really cool people. I got to meet Mr. Graves, former New York Rangers legend hockey player, so it was cool getting to hang with him. Dan Doctoroff, who’s a legend in New York. It was just a really cool experience. It was me and my wife’s first date night since having a baby, so that was cool to get out of the house and go into the city and do that. But it was just really cool. Got to meet a lot of people that are impacting ALS, whether it be research or technology, or just people that are putting dollars into it. So it was just a really cool experience.”

NJ: Have you had the chance to speak with Steve about his thoughts on the campaign and its success?

TM: “I haven’t specifically, no. I know that when we announced we were doing it, he shed a tear, which was really special and I’ll never forget that. You know, what he’s done for people across the world is amazing, and to be some small little piece of what they’re doing over there is an honor.”

Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

NJ: How did the 2024 season treat you personally? Do you feel good physically and ready to run it back for Year 17?

TM: “Yeah, I am! I felt really good. You know, we weren’t quite as productive as a punt team this year as we were last year. But I thought I played well. Super consistent. You learn to play a different game when you’re out there in New York. It’s cold, windy, and just rainy. You know, it’s a different experience than playing in a dome. But it’s certainly made me a better player and made me appreciate the days where we do have some nice weather, for sure.”

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Morstead also shares what stood out to him during his brief stints working with Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn and former Saints special teams coordinator and interim HC Darren Rizzi, both of whom are being strongly considered for the vacant head coaching positions in New Orleans and New York:

As always, I sincerely appreciate Thomas taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat. Wishing him a healthy and productive offseason!

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