Why was NY Giants punter Jamie Gillan not allowed to fly home from London with the team?
A rather puzzling beaureaucratic slip seems to be at the center of the scenario which resulted in the Giants punter being prohibited from flying.
Following their big win against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, the Giants flew back to United States, but they did so a man light and are now face with the question of what to do about their missing punter.
Giants punter Jamie Gillan stuck in London due to passport problems
According to reports on Tuesday, New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan did not return to the U.S.A. after his team’s impressive 27-22 win over the Green Bay Packers. It is understood, that Gillan experienced some issues with his passport and was not allowed to fly with the team. With that said, reports indicate that he’s expected to fly back home on Thursday. As one can imagine, the Giants have been forced to work on alternatives in preparation for the possibility, that he may not be able to play this weekend.
Who is Jamie Gillan and what’s up with his passport?
Known to fans and teammates alike as “The Scottish Hammer,” Gillan apparently first came to the U.S.A. with his father and at the time was the holder of a NATO visa. It appears as though said designation was never revised even though he eventually became a registered player in the NFL. Whatever the reason, it’s now clear that Gillan’s situation passed under the bureaucratic radar and as a result, “passport problems.” As per reports, American diplomats had to address the situation, in an effort to see a new passport granted to the punter.
An undrafted product out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff back in 2019, Gillan actually played his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, before spending a brief spell on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. From there, he would go on to the Giants where he continues to ply his trade. Where this season is concerned, Gillan has played in five games and across them has averaged a career-high 51 yards per punt, with a long of 69. Impressive to say the least. Against the Packers, the Giants player registered two punts and both were around 50 yards. If he can make it back in time and get himself into the team, expect to see Gillan kicking when the Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.