Chris Horton isn't just aiming for improvement; he's setting the bar at the very top. The New York Giants' assistant head coach and special teams coordinator declared his ambitious vision on the first day of the 2026 offseason program: to build the best special teams unit in all of football.

This drive for excellence starts with a significant investment in the kicking game. Horton expressed strong confidence in the team's revamped battery, headlined by punter Jordan Stout, who recently signed a record contract to become the NFL's highest-paid player at his position. "When you look at Jordan's body of work over time and what he's done the last four years, he's put it all together," Horton told reporters. He highlighted Stout's elite ability to pin opponents deep, a critical skill in today's game where field position is paramount.

Horton was clear that Stout's massive payday was earned, not given. "This is a production-based business. When guys perform well, they get compensated for it," he stated, emphasizing the value of a weapon who can flip the field and serve as a reliable holder.

The confidence extends to veteran kicker Jason Sanders, who is returning from an injury that sidelined him last season. Horton's evaluation relied on Sanders' outstanding tape from the prior year, and he reports the kicker is now fully healthy and "ready to go." A reliable kicker is the cornerstone of any elite special teams operation, providing crucial points and stability in high-pressure moments.

For Horton, these pieces are part of a larger championship blueprint. He frequently discusses the standard with head coach John Harbaugh, a former special teams coordinator renowned for building dominant units. "I want to be the best," Horton stated unequivocally. This mindset signals a Giants team focused on dominating all three phases of the game, understanding that victories are often forged in the hidden yardage and game-changing plays of special teams.