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EXCLUSIVE: New York Jets star helps launch NFL expansion in UK after historic unit performance

Amid the difficult 2025 season, the Jets thrived on special teams led by captain Marcelino McCrary-Ball, who spoke to The Mirror U.S. following the launch of a new flag football initiative in the UK

[Marcelino McCrary-Ball was in London for the launch of Jets Flag Elite London]

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Marcelino McCrary-Ball was in London for the launch of Jets Flag Elite London(Image: New York Jets)

The New York Jets endured a difficult season in 2025 - but the special teams give the franchise hope for making game-changing plays at any moment in 2026.

Throughout a difficult 2025 NFL season, the special teams proved a shining light for the Jets under the leadership of first-year coordinator Chris Banjo and assistant Kevin O'Dea. Isaiah Williams placed second in the league with his 29.9 yards/return, while Kene Nwangwu also thrived.

The Jets special teams were widely considered among the best units in the NFL, finishing with a league-leading special teams DVOA of 10.3 percent - which ranks as the fifth-best unit in NFL history since 1978. What was the secret behind the units historic success?

Just being selfless, team oriented, McCrary-Ball exclusively told The Mirror U.S . Its a we over me mindset. And yeah, those ingredients created a recipe for what we did as a special teams unit this year.

McCrary-Ball was named a 2025 special teams captain for the Jets. He was recognised for his leadership, high energy, and standout performances and was handed the role. When asked what he brings to lead his team on each play, the 26-year-old was clear.

My energy and work ethic, McCrary-Ball said. Just my willingness to get the job done. It gave my teammates energy to know that I'm on the field with them, and what I'm willing to do is to take it to those levels. Whatever level you want to go, I'll go there with you - and my teammates, I feel like they know that, they know who I am, they know what I'm willing to do.

I challenge them to keep going with me. And Im motivated by my teammates just as much as they're motivated by me. So I think it works hand in hand.

[The Jets have been running flag football events in the United Kingdom since 2023]

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The Jets have been running flag football events in the United Kingdom since 2023(Image: New York Jets)

McCrary-Ball lives and breathes the discipline and values needed to be a captain for an NFL franchise. He was in the United Kingdom for the launch of Jets Flag Elite London and the return of the Jets NFL Girls Flag League for its fourth season.

At the Ealing Trailfinders practice facility, the Jets launched this latest program to continue elevating and empowering girls flag football while expanding the game. McCrary-Ball said: Were out here again on our fourth trip to expand flag football. We jumped to 32 more teams, and were just making sure that the sport continues to grow out here and girls get an opportunity to be able to play the sport they love with their teammates and learn some lessons along the way.

The linebacker and special teams superstar is honored to be a Jets representative for the program, adding: We all should be an inspiration for someone because we were all inspired once. For players like myself and organisations like the Jets, being an inspiration for the younger generation is powerful.

Its kind of insane, really. I'm playing this sport in the highest league, the NFL, and not only that I'm able to be an impact to a whole generation on a whole different continent. Its just crazy, but Im definitely blessed to be in this position, and I hope to help grow the game.

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