J.T. Gray knew he’d get here.
Though he was undrafted in 2018 out of Mississippi State, Gray didn’t waiver in his determination to make it in the NFL. And make it he did.
The New Orleans Saints signed Gray as a free agent that same year, have kept him on board ever since and even offered him a three-year contract extension just this past week.
“I had the mindset of there’s always pressure against me, to always keep pushing forward and keep working,” Gray said. “I never give up. So, I can say I’d seen myself in similar situations as this.”
Gray’s extension was announced Friday. He put pen to paper Monday.
The Saints will pay Gray $9.6 million with $2.4 million in guarantees, according to the NFL Network. Gray could ultimately earn as much as $11.1 million through additional playing time incentives.
Gray is listed on the roster as a defensive back, but he has made a name for himself on special teams. Since his rookie season, Gray has appeared in 67 regular-season games out of a possible 82. He has taken 109 defensive snaps and 1,377 special-teams snaps.
“At this point, it’s kind of second nature,” Gray said. “You’re always going to have balance in life. Creating that balance and figuring out what your game plan is each and every week is one of the most important things. Everyone has to figure it out.”
Balancing defense and special teams? Gray figured that out — and then some. He has thrived in a position that wasn’t his go-to in college.
Over the past five seasons, Gray has recorded 66 tackles. Fifty-six of those came on special teams, and that tally ranks Gray fourth in the league overall.
Gray has led the Saints in special-teams tackles in each of the past four seasons, too.
In 2021, Gray was named to the Pro Bowl and honored as an Associated Press All-Pro. It was his second AP recognition, but first as a first-teamer. In 2019, he landed on the AP’s second team.
“Always being ready for an opportunity to happen,” Gray said of his mentality. “Also, being able to be productive in what you’re doing in your role.”
Fellow Saints special teams players punter Blake Gillikin and kicker Wil Lutz were among the first to congratulate Gray about his extension on social media. Even punter Thomas Morestead, who used to play for the Saints but is now with the Miami Dolphins, passed along kind words. That was very special to Gray.
Gray gave a lot of credit for his success to his coaches on special teams, namely Darren Rizzi and Phil Galiano. They’re part of the reason Gray felt comfortable extending his career in New Orleans.
“The culture,” Gray said. “We feel like these past years have been played smart and physical, and I feel like I bring that to the table. This is what it’s all about. I love it here.”
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