Aaron Glenn has officially kicked off the youth movement in New York. After drafting seven new players, the New York Jets followed up by signing 15 more undrafted rookies. But amid all the fresh faces, the team made a surprising move – releasing fan favorite Thomas Morstead on Tuesday. The decision sent shockwaves through the league, and the former New Orleans Saints’ star opened up about what it felt like to be unemployed.

On Wednesday, Thomas Morstead took to Instagram to share an emotional video. In the clip, he was seen walking on the practice field at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium, reflecting on what it feels like to miss football on a sunny morning. “Yo, down here in New Orleans, getting it in at Tulane, Yulman Stadium, just got a call from the Jets that they’re moving on for me,” he said. “I just wanted to say thank you to all the fans, all the coaches that I worked with over the past few years, the teammates, it’s been awesome.”

He also touched on the business side of the league and how Aaron Glenn’s decision hit him hard. The punter continued, “Had a great experience, disappointed to be moving on and disappointed how it went down, but it’s just the way it goes in this business.” Still, despite the sting, Morstead took the high road. Wrapping up the emotional message, he said, “I really appreciate everybody that’s been a part of the journey, and I’m out here getting some kicks in with my boys, and just wanted to say thank you to everybody.”

At 39, Morstead isn’t holding any grudges. And that’s exactly how a true veteran carries himself, with class and gratitude. No doubt, he was more than just a punter. He was a quiet weapon, flipping fields and giving the defense real aid. Fans loved him for it. Once the guy who led the league in punts and yardage (dropping 36-of-99 kicks inside the 20-yard line in 2023) is back in the same spot he was in 2021, looking for work.

Despite Aaron Glenn’s harsh decision on him, Morstead is still respected and steady. He was one of those two guys from the 2009 draft who were still active, besides No. 1 pick Matthew Stafford. But now, this veteran is out there hoping for another chance. The locker room loved him. The league respected him. That’s why, even in free agency, the support poured in, as many NFL stars commented on Morstead’s post.

For instance, Allen Lazard, whose trade rumors too are swirling up on the internet, said, “Appreciate the time we got to share, you are a leader on and off the field!” Besides him, the Jets player, Xavier Gipson, too, praised his leadership, saying, “Appreciate you for everything champ, a true leader!” No doubt, the man was a true leader who brought his illustrious career experience from the Saints, where he was an eight-time team captain. Hence, appreciating the free agent, Jets’ safety, Tony Adams added, “Appreciate you my guy (heart emojis) I appreciate everything brotha.”

But it was not just the team; Thomas Morstead also received a huge response from his fans.

Fans want the team to bring Thomas Morstead back

Aaron Glenn stepping in as head coach and Darren Mougey shaking things up, the Jets are going younger. Chris Banjo is running special teams, and South Carolina’s Kai Kroeger is getting a chance. No doubt, he is solid, ranked high, and battling Austin McNamara, who’s still chasing his first NFL snap. But even though the team is building up, fans cannot just forget Thomas Morstead and his legacy. For instance, one Jets fan couldn’t believe the news. They wrote, “Everyone’s in shock over this, and you will be missed by all Jets fans who respect and appreciate your great job for us on top of being so classy a leader and cared about the team and fans! Bless you and your family!”

Obviously, there’s a state of shock all over, as we can see on this fan’s comment too, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO we love you man.” The number of ‘O’s in ‘No,’ clearly says Morstead’s sudden exit wasn’t expected at all. Hence, a lot of people just requested him to go back to the Saints and retire there. One said, “Sorry to hear this. Would love to have you back wearing the Black & Gold,” while another chimed in, “@saints, please bring this man home. We need him in the locker room. The city needs him.” Not only that! Another fan straightaway demanded the GM of the franchise, saying, “Someone tell [Mickey] Loomis to bring you back.”

No doubt, Thomas Morstead will be missed. Especially, his 12-year tenure with New Orleans, where he helped the team clinch Super Bowl XLIV. He has built a strong legacy for himself. That’s why his fans want him to go back to the Aints!