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New York Jets cut ties with former FCS great after costly fumble

The New York Jets are cleaning house early in the season. There were some takeaways from the 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. But perhaps the most heartbreaking was Xavier Gipson's fumbled kickoff in the fourth quarter.

The former Stephen F. Austin standout mishandled the kick three seconds into the quarter at a critical time with the Jets up 26-24. Gipson's fumble gave Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense a short field with a two-play drive resulting in a touchdown.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said after the game that players who make costly mistakes "would not stay on the field." He followed through with the team releasing Gipson on Wednesday morning.

Glenn is sending a clear message to his players and Gipson is serving as the example. Do your job or someone else will.

Gipson, 24, was an undrafted free agent from the FCS school. His most memorable moment came in his NFL debut two years ago when he returned a punt for a game-winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills. The two-time WAC Offensive Player of the Year racked up 27 receptions for 268 yards and three total touchdowns in New York.

Hopefully, this isn't the end of Gipson's NFL story and he lands with another team.