When Gunner Olszewski took a handoff, faked a run, and launched a 33-yard touchdown pass to Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter of the New York Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Detroit Lions on November 23, 2024, the crowd didn’t just cheer—they gasped. It wasn’t just an odd play. It was the kind of moment that makes football unpredictable, and Olszewski—once considered a pure special teams guy—became the unlikely hero of a season long written off.
Back From the Brink: Olszewski’s Rollercoaster September
Just two days after being cut on September 18, 2024, the New York Giants brought Olszewski back. The move surprised even some insiders. The 28-year-old, born in Alvin, Texas, hadn’t caught a regular-season pass since 2022. His value? Pure speed, sure hands on punts, and a veteran’s poise. After a groin injury in Week 1 of 2023 sidelined him for the entire season, he was barely on the radar. But when the Giants’ return game struggled in early September, they called him back. He was cleared to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 19, despite a back issue that kept him off the field Friday, September 13. He’d logged limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday—just enough to show he wasn’t broken, just bruised. Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial didn’t gush, but he didn’t need to. "He’s the guy we trust when the ball’s in the air," Ghobrial said on September 5 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford.The Numbers Don’t Lie—But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Through the first two games of 2024, Olszewski had 62 punt return yards on six attempts and 29 kick return yards on one. Zero targets. Zero receptions. He didn’t line up as a receiver once in those games. His role? Exactly what the Giants signed him for: return specialist. He’s not a weapon on offense. He’s a weapon on the sideline. But then came Week 12. November 23. 7:05 p.m. EST. Ford Field. The Giants were down 27-17. Fourth quarter. On a trick play designed to catch the Lions’ defense off guard, Olszewski took a reverse handoff, rolled right, and—without breaking stride—flipped the ball 33 yards downfield to a wide-open Winston. The touchdown tied the play for most unexpected of the season. NFL.com called it "incredible." Giants.com called it "a rare offensive spark." The irony? Olszewski had never thrown a pass in a regular-season game before. Not in college at Bemidji State University. Not in his four NFL seasons. Not even in practice. The play was called in the huddle, rehearsed once during walkthroughs. And it worked.
Why This Matters Beyond the Highlight Reel
The Giants finished the 2024 season 3-14. They scored 273 points. Allowed 415. They’re last in the NFC East, 11 games behind the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3). This wasn’t a turning point. But it was a reminder. In a league where roster spots are razor-thin and roles are hyper-specialized, Olszewski’s story is a lesson in resilience. He didn’t win a starting job. He didn’t become a star. But he stayed ready. And when the moment came—when the defense bit on the fake, when the ball sailed through the air—he didn’t just make a play. He made history. His contract, confirmed by ESPN’s Jordan Raanan on September 20, 2024, was a minimum-salary deal with no guarantees. Yet he played 11 games this season. He returned kicks. He blocked. He held his ground. And on one snap, he threw a touchdown.
What’s Next for Olszewski and the Giants?
The Giants are rebuilding. They have a new coaching staff. A new quarterback in development. And a roster full of young players trying to find their footing. Olszewski, now 28, is entering his third season with the team. He’s not the future. But he’s the bridge. His return ability is elite. He’s one of the few players on the roster who can consistently flip field position. And now, he’s got a highlight that could change how coaches view him. Will he get more trick-play snaps in 2025? Maybe. Will he ever be a receiver again? Unlikely. But he’s proven he’s more than a punt returner. For now, he’s just Gunner Olszewski—the guy who threw a touchdown pass on a day when nobody expected anything at all.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Gunner Olszewski end up with the Giants despite not catching a pass since 2022?
Olszewski was signed primarily for his elite return skills, not as a receiver. He’s averaged 11.2 yards per punt return over his career, a valuable asset in a league where field position wins games. The Giants valued his experience and reliability on special teams, especially after injuries to younger returners in 2024. His offensive role has been minimal—he’s had just one target in 11 games this season.
Why was he released and then re-signed within 48 hours?
The Giants initially cut him to make room for a young receiver, but injuries and poor special teams performance forced a quick reversal. After two lackluster return units in Weeks 1 and 2, they realized they needed his veteran presence. His back issue was minor and resolved quickly, making him the safest, most experienced option available on the waiver wire.
Has any other NFL player thrown a touchdown pass after never catching a pass in the regular season?
Yes, but it’s rare. Since 2000, only five players with zero career receptions have thrown a TD pass in the regular season, including QBs like Tyrod Taylor and DeShone Kizer in trick plays. Olszewski is among the few non-quarterbacks to do it. His 33-yarder to Winston was the first such play by a non-QB for the Giants since 2010.
What impact did this play have on the Giants’ season?
It didn’t change their 3-14 record. But it gave fans a moment of joy in a lost season. More importantly, it showed the coaching staff that creative plays can work against tired defenses. The play was designed to exploit a predictable coverage scheme—the Lions were playing prevent after a big gain. Olszewski’s execution turned a gimmick into a real scoring threat.
Is Olszewski likely to return to the Giants in 2025?
Very likely. At $1.1 million base salary in 2024, he’s one of the most cost-effective players on the roster. His return stats are solid, and his locker room presence is valued. Unless the Giants draft a high-upside returner or sign a free agent, he’ll be the favorite to keep his job. He’s now more than a specialist—he’s a symbol of perseverance.
Where did the 33-yard TD pass rank among the Giants’ most surprising plays in recent history?
It’s arguably the most surprising since Eli Manning’s 61-yard bomb to Victor Cruz in 2011—but for entirely different reasons. That was a star making a big play. This was a guy with zero receptions in 11 games throwing a TD. It’s the kind of moment that makes NFL Films highlight reels. Coaches will study it for years—not to copy it, but to remember that football still has room for magic.
