Kene Nwangwu, the Jets’ special teams standout, is eyeing a significant financial incentive as he prepares for the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Bills. If Nwangwu manages to return a kickoff for a touchdown, he will secure a $500,000 bonus, adding to the excitement of the otherwise routine final game of the regular season.
Nwangwu expressed the importance of this potential milestone, sharing, “It’s huge. You can’t force touchdowns, but our mindset in kickoff return is that we can score on every rep.” This season, he has yet to reach the coveted two-touchdown mark on kickoffs, an achievement he accomplished during his rookie year with the Vikings.
The backdrop of the NFL’s final week often brings a blend of playoff preparations and financial incentives for players. Many athletes have bonuses tied to various performance metrics, and Nwangwu is not the only Jet looking to benefit financially. Kicker Nick Folk also stands to gain significantly — needing just two field goals to hit the 30-mark for the season, which would trigger another $500,000 incentive. This aligns with Folk’s philosophy of having performance incentives that are team-oriented, as their success often depends on the entire offense’s performance.
Across the league, many players are keenly focused on similar financial thresholds. Notable examples include Giants linebacker Brian Burns and starting guard Greg Van Roten, who have secured substantial bonuses based on their performance and contributions throughout the season.
While incentives can motivate players, they can also depend heavily on game dynamics. Nwangwu acknowledged the complexity of returning kickoffs, as success often hinges on the opposing team’s scoring opportunities. The ability to run multiple kickoffs back relies on the Jets’ defense allowing for frequent returns — a fluctuating factor that can complicate achieving statistical incentives.
Interestingly, Nwangwu may face a pivotal role change this Sunday if running back Breece Hall remains sidelined. Due to injuries within the backfield, he could find himself starting, potentially limiting his opportunities to return kicks. Nonetheless, his focus remains clear: “For me, it’s not offensive stats over incentives. I just like winning.”
As the NFL wraps up its regular season, the mix of competition, team focus, and financial stakes creates a thrilling atmosphere for both players and fans alike. The weekend promises to be not only a culmination of the season but also an opportunity for players to enhance their careers and earnings in the process.