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

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 received 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 not too long ago partnered with the Group Gleason Basis to launch the “Punt for ALS” marketing campaign in dedication to his expensive pal and former teammate, Steve Gleason, who was recognized 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. In the end, the marketing campaign was extremely profitable, accumulating over $20K towards their $100K aim with the assist of athletes throughout the league.

Picture by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Photographs

NJ: What sort of influence 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 broaden into a bigger initiative?

TM: “Yeah, I’ve been actually pleased with 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 properly all through the season. And that was the largest factor, you understand. Cash is nice. You need to increase cash, completely. However simply retaining the attention on what they do, all of the various things that Group Gleason does and why it’s impactful, why it’s vital, that’s been the largest factor.

So, I’ve been pleased with it. Clearly, I feel if we had gone 12-5 versus 5-12 as a staff this yr, we’d have in all probability 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 had 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, energy, and management that exemplify Gehrig’s legacy each on and off the sector, 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. Received to fulfill some actually, actually cool folks. I received to fulfill 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 evening since having a child, in order that was cool to get out of the home and go into town and try this. But it surely was simply actually cool. Received to fulfill lots of people which are impacting ALS, whether or not or not it’s analysis or know-how, or simply folks which are placing {dollars} into it. So it was only a actually cool expertise.”

NJ: Have you ever had the prospect to talk with Steve about his ideas on the marketing 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.”

Picture by Bryan Bennett/Getty Photographs

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 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.”

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 at all times, I sincerely respect Thomas taking the day trip of his busy schedule to talk. Wishing him a wholesome and productive offseason!