Andrew Beck is a fullback, tight end and now kickoff specialist as the Jets’ jack-of-all-trades

Florham Park, N.J. (AP) — Andrew Beck, the 6-foot-3, 255-pound fullback and tight end for the New York Jets, has now taken on an additional role as the team's kickoff specialist. During their recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jets experimented with having Beck handle kickoffs instead of their usual kicker and punter.

Beck's first kickoff went 59 yards, followed by kicks of 56, 59 and 61 yards. However, his one mistake during the second half came when he sent the kickoff out of bounds, granting Kansas City possession at their 40-yard line. Despite the setback, Beck remains optimistic, stating, "Hats off to the coverage unit, man, because it worked out well for us last week, as long as I kept the ball in play."

Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo explained that the Jets have been working on this idea for a while, seeking ways to gain an edge in the game. Beck's background in soccer, combined with his football experience, makes him a versatile player, though he has never received formal kicking training. The Jets hope this unconventional approach will help improve their special teams' performance, especially considering their struggles with kick coverage this season.