The New York Jets traded for a long snapper this week. That, in itself, is unusual, but there's actually more to the story.
They created a college reunion and a wedding-party reunion.
Thomas Hennessy, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, was the long-snapper at Duke from 2013 to 2016. His kicker was Ross Martin, who happens to be one of two kickers on the Jets' roster.
"He's one of my best friends," said Martin, who was thrilled when learned of the trade on Monday. "I'm really excited to get another chance to play with him."
They're so close that Hennessy was one of five groomsmen in Martin's wedding party during the offseason. The third member of the Duke kicking operation, holder/punter Will Monday, also was a groomsman. So were former teammates Max McCaffrey and A.J. Wolf.
Monday was waived Monday by the Cincinnati Bengals, so he's available if the Jets want an all-Duke kicking trio.
For now, Hennessy, who attended Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey, will compete against longtime incumbent Tanner Purdum. Martin is in the homestretch of his battle with Chandler Catanzaro.
Counting practice sessions, Martin and Hennessy have teamed up on hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of field-goal and extra-point attempts. Can chemistry help?
"A long-snapper is very important," Martin said. "A kicker should just be thinking about the kick, understand the snap is going to be good and the hold is going to be good. Both Tanner and Lach [Edwards] have done a tremendous job all spring and summer camp. All you have to think about is kick the ball."
And save the bachelor-party stories for after the game.
