The Aaron Rodgers-Jets era didn’t necessarily start the way most people expected it to on ESPN’s Monday Night Football game between the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. While Rodgers and the injury he suffered were the biggest story of the night, Jets undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson was a close second.
THE ROOKIE XAVIER GIPSON WINS IT! #BUFvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/lC26hn74bm
— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2023
After winning the game for the Jets with an electrifying punt return touchdown in overtime, many people are asking themselves: “Who is Xavier Gipson?”
Gipson is a 22-year-old rookie who played college football at Stephen F. Austin State University. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he elected to sign with the Jets. As a sophomore at Stephen F. Austin, Gipson led the team with 74 receptions, 1,367 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns.
The Jets were selected for HBO’s reality sports television series Hard Knocks and Gipson was one of the stars of the show. His hard work, grit, and determination ultimately landed him a spot on the Jets roster and Hard Knocks gave us a behind-the-scenes look at head coach Robert Saleh telling him he made the team.
After losing their newly-acquired franchise quarterback to injury just four snaps into the game, Gipson helped the Jets win stunningly against their divisional rival. It will be a night to remember for Gipson and all Jets fans.
While there are certainly mixed emotions following the news that Rodgers is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles, winning in the NFL isn’t easy. For now, the Jets are 1-0 and no one can say otherwise.
Xavier Gipson introduced himself to the world last night in epic fashion with his stunning game-winning punt return touchdown to help the Jets earn an incredible overtime victory.
