It wasn’t too long ago when Isaiah Williams was nothing more than a practice squad player on the Cincinnati Bengals. Just two months after being a New York Jets newcomer, the player was actually released by the organization for mistakes made in their Week 4 contest in Miami.

After all that turmoil to begin the season, it’s Williams who has come out on top.

And the latest award only shows it.

The 24-year-old special teams ace was named the Curtis Martin Team MVP Friday morning for his efforts in turning the tide of the 2025 season—if only for a little bit.

With two special teams touchdowns and plenty of big plays, there weren’t many players on a three-win Jets squad who were as dependable as Williams. It only highlights how special the year has been for the Illinois product.

Isaiah Williams did it all

For a player to bounce on a practice squad, to an active roster, only to be released a couple of weeks later and find his way back on the team to be a dependable target is rare in the NFL.

That is precisely what happened with Williams, though. In just his second season, he leads the league in punt return touchdowns (and even had one called back due to a penalty). While he doesn’t lead the league in any other category, the Jets remain thrilled with what they have seen from him in just under 13 weeks.

Becoming the team MVP, though, is something entirely apart.

“I thought that was really special,” Glenn said. “When you look at what he did, when you look at the road he’s traveled, I think it’s been pretty exciting for him and for this team, and especially since the players vote for that, that’s what makes it more special than anything else.”

Much like many aspects of the Jets’ 2025 season, it’s rare for a special teams player to be considered the most valuable performer of the year.

Could it highlight the team’s overall play, as well as the lack of star talent on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball? Sure.

However, Williams’ NFL story highlights his competitiveness and willingness to never give up on his dream. It’s a message he passed today as part of the announcement.

“Don’t let nobody else write your story,” Williams said. “No matter what nobody else thinks, no matter what happens in this life, no matter what it looks like, never forget who you are.”

In just a single season, Williams has gone from an unknown to one of the best special teams players in the league. As long as he continues to play that role into 2026, he’ll remain a key cog in what the organization is looking to build moving forward.