Jay Feely was miserable last weekend, watching NFL games from his couch instead of warming up his kicking leg on the sideline.
"When you're not playing, it's a humbling experience, especially when you have good years,"
the New York Jets' new kicker said this week. "More than anything, sitting at home watching a game this past Sunday made me want to play a lot more."
Feely is back in the league after signing with the Jets and replacing the injured Mike Nugent.
"When Mike got hurt, they started making calls,"
Feely said. "I was very excited to get the opportunity to come up here. I think it's an organization that wants to win ... and is in great position in the AFC."
Feely, 32, will take over for Nugent for at least the game against New England on Sunday, Sept. 14.
Nugent, the team's top draft pick in 2005, strained his right thigh on a kickoff — resulting in a squibbed kick — following the Jets' first touchdown in their 20-14 victory at Miami.
The former Ohio State star from Centerville, limped over to the sideline and was worked on by trainers, but he came out and missed a 32-yard field goal.
It's uncertain when he'll return. Coach Eric Mangini was typically mum on the injury, saying Feely is the Jets' kicker "until Mike gets back."
