New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan capped off his impressive season — one that should have ended with a Pro Bowl nod — in award-winning fashion.
On Wednesday, Gillan was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his Week 18 performance against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In a dominating 27-10 victory over their NFC East rivals, Gillan punted five times for 228 yards, averaging 45.6 yards per boot and dropping four inside of the 20-yard line (one inside the 10-yard line). Gillan also had a long of 55 yards.
Gillan being named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week comes one week after Giants return man Gunner Olszewski received the same honor. They are the first pair of special teams teammates to win the award back-to-back since Nick Folk and, ironically, Olszewski did it as members of the New England Patriots in 2020.
After a rough first season with the Giants, Gillan rebounded to post career highs with 95 punts, 35 punts inside the 20, and a 42.3-yard net average.
The 42.3 average is an all-time Giants franchise record.
Gillan credited his sudden resurgence to special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey prior to the Week 18 game.
“He has helped me with his experience and allowed me to be me. I love that guy,” Gillan said, via the New York Daily News.
Unfortunately for Gillan, his breakout season wasn’t enough to save McGaughey, who was fired by head coach Brian Daboll on Monday morning.
