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Thursday, Mar 21, 2019 09:00 AM
·
Olivia Landis
TEAM
REPORTER
After spending the 2017 season with the Jets before journeying
the NFC South with the Buccaneers and Panthers in 2018, kicker Chandler
Catanzaro is looking forward to being back in the green and white.
“I’m super pumped to be here, super pumped for the opportunity,
just walking in the building and having some familiar faces,” Catanzaro said of
his new team. “I’ve walked into a couple new buildings the
past few years, but this place has always been welcoming. I just love the
people here, love the coaches and love my teammates that are here.”
Two years ago, Catanzaro
excelled while converting on 83.3% of his field goals and also nailing all his
29 extra-point attempts. He had some notable kicks along the way including his
57-yarder against the Browns, which set a franchise record for longest make,
and a 41-yarder at home that lifted the Jets to an overtime win against the
Jags.
But aside from the records and stats, Catanzaro also is thankful for the
opportunity to rejoin many familiar faces in the special teams meeting room.
“Lachlan (Edwards) and Thomas (Hennessy) are two of my boys, so
I’m excited about that. I’m just excited to be back,” he said of his holder and
long-snapper, respectively. “They do a heck of a job snapping and holding and
they did a great job for me two years ago, so I’m excited about the
comfortability factor there with them and with (Brant) Boyer and Hammer
(special teams assistant Jeff Hammerschmidt). I’m excited about every part of
it, I really am.”
The 6’3” 200-pound kicker isn’t the only one excited that he’s
returning. Edwards, who attended Catanzaro’s wedding with Hennessy last March,
took to social media to express his enthusiasm after his friend’s re-signing.
Catanzaro is set to join a special teams unit that ranked No. 1
in 2018, according to Rick Gosselin. After Boyer took over in 2016, the Jets
climbed the ranks all the way from nearly dead last (ranked 31st in 2015) to
first overall in just a three-year span.
“I think it’s kind of cliché, but he’s definitely a player’s
coach. He’s been there, he played for 10-plus years in the league, so he knows
what he’s talking about and he’s been through it all,” said Catanzaro. “He’s
been through the whole process. He has some great stories and he’s a character
for sure. He’s turned into a good friend of mine, so we’re excited about
working together again this year.”
Although he wasn’t seen last season, The Cat Man is back and
ready to bleed green again.
“When the Jets called, I took the opportunity immediately,” he
said. “I didn’t expect it to be there. I’m very thankful and hopefully be a Jet
for years to come.”
