What a gig.

For one day of work, Steve Weatherford made $51,000, received an all-expenses-paid overnight trip to the New England area and got a great seat for the most anticipated game of the NFL weekend, New York Jets versus New England Patriots.

Weatherford's excellent weekend adventure came to an abrupt end Tuesday morning, when he was released by the Jets -- an indication regular punter Ryan Quigley could be ready for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

Weatherford was signed last Saturday afternoon on short notice when Quigley reported to the facility with a shin infection that caused swelling and bruising. The Jets reached out to Weatherford because of his close proximity. The former New York Giants punter, who lives in New Jersey, was co-hosting an ESPN radio show in Manhattan when he got the call. He drove across the George Washington Bridge, stopped at home to pick up a suit and his cleats, and met the team at its facility before the Jets departed for the airport.

As a player with nine years vested, Weatherford signed for the minimum salary -- $870,000. Prorated for one game (players are paid 17 times during the season), it's $51,176.

All he did was punt four times and hold the ball five times on field goal and extra-point placements. He was rusty, averaging only 40.3 yards (gross), but he was a good sport about it. Afterward, Weatherford explained he had punted only three times since being released by the Giants at the end of the preseason. The last time was a week ago in a park, with his 7-year-old son snapping to him.

Weatherford said he had a blast, also acknowledging, "It was a rough, rough day for me." He seemed OK with it. The 32-year-old punter, who won a Super Bowl ring with the Giants after two years with the Jets (2009-2010), said he already has begun to chart a course for life after football.

Back to co-hosting.

Next up: Vinny from Queens. What's on your mind, Vinny?