CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New York Jets returner Brandon Codrington may have been one of the smallest players on the field Saturday night, but it didn't stop him from having the biggest impact.
The 5-foot-9, 185-pound undrafted rookie from tiny North Carolina Central returned a kickoff 63 yards and a punt 31 yards to set up scores and the Jets beat the Carolina Panthers 15-12 on Saturday night in a game in which both teams rested almost all of their starters and several key reserves.
Austin Seibert kicked four field goals, including a 52 yarder, and Greg Zuerlein added another for the Jets.
''I'm still trying to make the team,'' said Codrington, who grew up in Raleigh cheering for the Panthers. ''I feel like this definitely helps my ability to make it, or at least make another team. Because right now I'm trying out for all 32.''
Codrington's 63-yard kickoff return to start the second half came with the NFL's new kickoff rules in place. He broke through the initial line of defense before being tracked down from behind.
Later, he fielded a punt near the right sideline, reversed field and avoided tacklers before turning up for a big play.
His effort caught the eye of Jets coach Robert Saleh.
''He definitely seized his opportunity,'' Saleh said. ''I think for both teams, he was the most productive player. He set up a couple of scoring drives. But that is what he is here for. We brought him in because of his return ability and I think he did a really nice job.''