New York Jets Star Champions NFL Growth in UK Following Record-Breaking Season
Amid a challenging 2025 NFL campaign, the New York Jets found a beacon of excellence in their special teams unit, which delivered historic performances under the guidance of first-year coordinator Chris Banjo and assistant Kevin O'Dea. This success has now translated into international outreach, with team captain Marcelino McCrary-Ball spearheading efforts to expand American football in the United Kingdom through flag football initiatives.
Historic Special Teams Performance Fuels Optimism
The Jets' special teams emerged as one of the league's elite units during the 2025 season, finishing with a league-leading special teams DVOA of 10.3 percent. This remarkable statistic ranks as the fifth-best performance in NFL history since 1978, highlighting the unit's exceptional impact. Key contributors included Isaiah Williams, who placed second in the league with an average of 29.9 yards per return, and Kene Nwangwu, who also thrived in his role.
When asked about the secret behind this historic success, McCrary-Ball emphasized a collective mindset. "Just being selfless, team oriented," he exclusively told The Mirror U.S. "It's a we over me mindset. And yeah, those ingredients created a recipe for what we did as a special teams unit this year."
Leadership and Energy Define McCrary-Ball's Captaincy
Named a special teams captain for the 2025 season, McCrary-Ball was recognized for his leadership, high energy, and standout performances. The 26-year-old linebacker detailed what he brings to each play, stating, "My energy and work ethic. Just my willingness to get the job done. It gave my teammates energy to know that I'm on the field with them, and what I'm willing to do is to take it to those levels."
He further explained, "Whatever level you want to go, I'll go there with you - and my teammates, I feel like they know that, they know who I am, they know what I'm willing to do. I challenge them to keep going with me. And I'm motivated by my teammates just as much as they're motivated by me. So I think it works hand in hand."
Expanding Flag Football in the United Kingdom
McCrary-Ball's commitment extends beyond the gridiron, as he recently traveled to London for the launch of Jets Flag Elite London and the return of the Jets NFL Girls Flag League for its fourth season. At the Ealing Trailfinders practice facility, the Jets unveiled this latest program aimed at elevating and empowering girls' flag football while expanding the sport's reach.
"We're out here again on our fourth trip to expand flag football," McCrary-Ball said. "We jumped to 32 more teams, and we're just making sure that the sport continues to grow out here and girls get an opportunity to be able to play the sport they love with their teammates and learn some lessons along the way."
Inspiring the Next Generation Across Continents
Reflecting on his role as a Jets representative, McCrary-Ball expressed honor and a sense of responsibility. "We all should be an inspiration for someone because we were all inspired once," he noted. "For players like myself and organisations like the Jets, being an inspiration for the younger generation is powerful."
He added, "It's kind of insane, really. I'm playing this sport in the highest league, the NFL, and not only that I'm able to be an impact to a whole generation on a whole different continent. It's just crazy, but I'm definitely blessed to be in this position, and I hope to help grow the game."
The Jets have been actively involved in flag football events in the United Kingdom since 2023, demonstrating a sustained commitment to fostering the sport's growth internationally. This initiative, coupled with the team's on-field success, positions the franchise as a key player in the NFL's global expansion efforts.
