A New York Jets fan-favorite bit the dust.
The green and white announced their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, August 26, and undrafted free agent Jamaal Pritchett did not make the cut.
There was a heated competition between Pritchett and veteran Xavier Gipson. Gipson won the gig, and Pritchett was waived and is now subject to the waiver wire.
Brian Costello of the New York Post said Gipson won the “punt returner” job over Pritchett.
Top Social Media Reactions to Jets Picking Gipson Over Pritchett
“Wrong move waiving Pritchett what are we doing,” one fan openly questioned.
Wrong move waiving Pritchett what are we doing
— kelz (@KellyMariaxo) August 26, 2025
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“Jamaal Pritchett waived before Gipson is insane,” a fan posted.
Jamaal Pritchett waived before Gipson is insane
— TaylorIsKing ✈️ (@MTaylorIsKing) August 26, 2025
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A Role Reversal in a Short Period of Time
In 2023, Xavier Gipson was the belle of the ball.
An undrafted free agent who made plays during the preseason and training camp, becoming a fan favorite. Gipson ended up making the 53-man roster as a rookie, which was highlighted on that year’s edition of “Hard Knocks.”
Here’s a clip from ‘Hard Knocks’ of overtime hero Xavier Gipson learning he made the New York Jets as an undrafted rookie. pic.twitter.com/XNeCuG6Axf
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
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Gipson took his fan-favorite status to another level during the 2023 season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
In overtime, Gipson took a punt return 65 yards back to the house to deliver the walk-off 22-16 victory as a rookie playing in his first NFL game.
It was the best and worst thing that could have happened to Gipson. On one hand, he instantly became a local hero, but on the other hand, he set expectations way too high.
Gipson delivered his best moment as a pro, and it went all downhill from there. Love from fans quickly turned into disappointment.
Insiders Explain What Happened to Pritchett
In the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, Pritchett had good moments and bad moments.
He finished with four receptions for 54 receiving yards on seven targets. Both of those totals led the team. Pritchett also returned three punts for a total of 63 yards, averaging 21 yards per punt return. The longest of the night was a 41-yarder.
However, sometimes it is about the plays you didn’t make versus the ones you did. Pritchett muffed a punt during the game. The ball was recovered by the Jets, but it was still a mistake.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted that Gipson beat out Pritchett for the punt return job and mentioned that he had a fumble in the Eagles contest.
Door Is Open for a Potential Return
Pritchett could return to the Jets on the practice squad. Before he has the opportunity to do that, he must clear waivers.
Every other team in the NFL, 31 in total, will have a chance to submit a claim for Pritchett. If any of those teams do, he will automatically be added to their 53-man roster, and the Jets will be left empty-handed.
However, if he isn’t claimed, Pritchett will have a choice: return to the Jets or take another practice squad opportunity on another NFL team.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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