WATCH: Three things to know about newly acquired Jets kicker Taylor Bertolet
After the stunning news of 28-year-old kicker Chandler Catanzaro's retirement, the Jets elected to sign Taylor Bertolet, who most recently played for the AAF's Salt Lake Stallions.
The Jets hope that the 26-year-old Bertolet can take command of the position after Catanzaro struggled through training camp and in the preseason opener.
In his first practice with the Jets on Sunday, Bertolet made five of his seven attempts, with his misses from 35 and 45 yards.
“What I saw today, I was pretty impressed," Jets coach Adam Gase said. "It sounded good coming off his foot.”
Here's three things to know about the new Jets kicker:
1. Welcome back
This is a reunion between Bertolet and the Jets. Last year, Bertolet was a member of the Jets from May 7 to September 1 before being waived in favor of Jason Myers.
Bertolet, who's bounced around between the Rams, Broncos and Jets, has never played in the regular season during four-year career. Gang Green hopes the second time is the charm with Bertolet.
2. Strong leg
Bertolet has shown the capability to convert from long distance and pin the opponent with touchbacks. As a kicker at Texas A&M, Bertolet's career-high was a 55-yard field goal and by his junior year had over 150 touchbacks.
Last season with the Stallions, Bertolet went 4-for-7 on attempts from 50 yards or more last season. If Bertolet can replicate the range he showed in the AAF, he'll have a chance to make the roster.
3. SEC and Texas A&M record holder
Bertolet had a decorated collegiate career.
In 2012, Bertolet set a Texas A&M record for extra points converted (67). In 2015, Bertolet tied an SEC and Texas A&M by hitting six field goals vs. Vanderbilt and was selected as a Second-team All-SEC member.
Quarterback Johnny Manziel and Bertolet were the first freshmen in program history to surpass 100 points in a season.
