But then again, it has been a frustrating stretch for most of the Jets' special-teams players.

Hayes immediately became one of the Jets' top three or four special-teams players.

Often, they also come because special-teams players become extensions of their coach.

Ginn won special-teams player of the month for his efforts.

Over the years in coaching, some of the best relationships I've had are with special-teams players.

And as a career backup and special-teams player, he has not been a leader.

He's a very good special-teams player, and he's played well on defense when we've asked him to, which hasn't been all that much.

So Cotchery put his energy elsewhere, becoming the special-teams player of the year.

They also know he is an exceptional special-teams player.

John Madden, the television analyst and a former pro coach, has called him the best special-teams player ever.