12/11 — I caught up with Jets kicker Jay Feely in the locker room Wednesday to tell him about our contest during halftime of Sunday's Jets-Bills game, which is part of our Fan Appreciation Day activities. One lucky Jets fan will be selected at random to have a chance to kick a field goal for $150,000.

“Well, I hope he or she has a soccer background,” said Feely.

And his advice for those of us without a background in soccer or as a football placekicker?

“Completely inexperienced? Have fun and enjoy it, 'cause you’re not going to make it,” he said with a laugh.

When the Jets signed Feely early this season, head coach Eric Mangini said the kicker’s previous experience at the Meadowlands during his ’05 season with the Giants was a positive.

“Having that understanding of the uniqueness of the stadium, the wind shifts, the weather conditions,” said Mangini, “that's definitely a plus.”

So it would be in the best interest of whoever gets picked for the kick to heed Feely’s advice:

“You’ve got to account for the wind, but you can’t let it impact you.

“My advice would be to focus on two things: head down, follow straight through. Try and come right at your target line. Keep your head down so you’re not picking it up to look at where the ball goes. That’s how you’re going to get the best hit."

Finally, Feely offered some pointers for the mental part of the task.

“Don’t think about the money. Don’t think about the outcome. Don’t think about looking stupid. Don’t think about any of the implications of what you’re doing," he said. "Just focus on the process that you think will help you to be successful.”