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The story of Xavier Gipson entering the Jets’ roster was heartwarming.
Undrafted, Gipson was followed by “Hard Knocks” during last year’s training camp, where he sought a spot on the Jets 53-man roster as a small, fast 5-foot-9 rookie.
His dream came true when GM Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh fooled him into thinking he was cut, only to reveal that there was indeed a place for him on the team.
This season, Gipson’s status for Week 1 is nearly certain, despite a leg injury during training camp.
He is now the Jets’ starting slot receiver with Randall Cobb gone, although rookie Malachi Corley could also compete for playing time.
Saleh emphasized to players the importance of showcasing their best abilities while watching game tapes. After Gipson’s increased role towards the end of last season, Saleh wants him to consistently maximize his speed on every play in 2024.
“A year ago, I don’t know if we were able to get all that speed out of him,” Saleh mentioned. “As a young rookie, you’re swimming. You’re not accessing all your athleticism. Where this year, the challenge for him is to throw that fastball every single play.”
There were instances in 2023 when Gipson’s speed shined brightly.
Gipson scored a touchdown off an end-around against the Texans in December.
In an earlier game that month, he caught a flea-flicker for a 36-yard gain.
And in Week 1, amidst Rodgers’ short appearance before his injury, Gipson won the game with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown in overtime.
“To win in walk-off fashion as an undrafted rookie free agent, you’re just like, ‘Man, that is what they write movies about,’ ” Colby Carthel, Gipson’s coach at Stephen F. Austin, commented to The Post.
As the Jets’ season progressed and Gipson’s role expanded beyond punt returns, he proved to be more than just a character on “Hard Knocks.”
Cobb’s prominence faded, and he was occasionally left out of the lineup.
Gipson had always been known for his speed, starting from high school where he was a standout player, playing primarily as a wide receiver.
Operating mainly from the slot, Gipson had a standout game against Texas Tech in 2021, accumulating 158 yards, surpassing 200 yards three times, and amassing a total of 4,305 yards over four seasons.
“He could’ve been an All-American corner for us, I felt like, and that’s, I think, helped him and his game,” Carthel remarked. “He’s not just a guy that runs fast and catches the ball. He’s a complete football player, and I think that gives him an edge at his position over other guys who are maybe just a receiving-type player.”
In an offense featuring other star players, Gipson won’t be the center of attention.
However, this could create opportunities for Gipson in the slot, according to Carthel, potentially leading to a breakout season due to the talent surrounding him.
Rodgers successfully utilized slot players like Jordy Nelson and Cobb during his time with the Packers.
The upcoming preseason opener will provide a glimpse of Gipson in his second year.
The Jets will also assess Corley’s performance, evaluating if their third-round pick can showcase his physicality and aggressive running style in a game setting.
It took some time for Gipson to prove he was more than just a punt returner. Even in college, he had to demonstrate that he belonged as a wide receiver.
Now, with the opportunity to show he’s more than a backup for the Jets, Gipson’s speed continues to be his hallmark.
“He still makes people look slow,” Carthel expressed. “He makes it look so easy, and when he’s playing for us, he’s a pro playing FCS football. He’s an NFL talent playing FCS football — you expect that.
“But when you see that against pros, you’re like, ‘My gosh, he is special.’ “
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