Week 15: Jamie Gillan, New York Giants

New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan, who played at Leonardtown High School in Southern Maryland, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Player of the Week after his kicks played a key role in helping the Giants beat the Washington Commanders, 20-12, to move into solid position to earn a playoff berth.

Gillan punted five times in the game for an average of 42.3 yards. Most importantly, three of those punts were downed inside the 20-yard line, repeatedly putting the Commanders in bad field position.

Early in the second quarter, Gillan’s 38-yard punt was fair caught at the 18-yard line. Two plays later, the Giants forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

It was just another successful night for Gillan, who took a most unusual route to the NFL. He grew up in Scotland but moved to Southern Maryland when he father, a member of the Royal Air Force, relocated for work. Gillan, who played rugby in Scotland, joined the Raiders’ football team midway through his first season there and cemented himself as the team’s punter.

Gillan then was set to attend Bowie State and play for the Bulldogs, but a friend saw a Facebook ad that Arkansas-Pine Bluff was in desperate need of a punter as the season approached. The friend replied with Gillan’s highlight tape and soon the school phoned to offer a scholarship.

After a successful collegiate career, Gillan signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns and earned a roster spot. Gillan played three seasons for the Browns, was cut and joined the Buffalo Bills practice squad and this season earned the Giants’ punting position.