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Jets quarterback Chris Streveler celebrates after tight end Lawrence Cager...

Jets quarterback Chris Streveler celebrates after tight end Lawrence Cager runs in a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game against the Falcons on Monday in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: John Munson

Chris Streveler is fighting to build a career in the NFL. The Jets' fourth-string quarterback wants it so badly he’s willing to play special teams.

Through the first few weeks of training camp, Streveler took more snaps on special teams than quarterback. He had none in practice. His first snaps came in the Jets’ first preseason game in Philadelphia on Aug. 12.

Streveler was supposed to be on the punt block team late in the fourth quarter that night. He already was playing quarterback, but he told special teams coordinator Brant Boyer that he would do it. Anything to be on the field.

“I love playing football,” Streveler said. “This is my dream. I’ve wanted to be in the NFL since I was a kid and I’m so appreciative for every opportunity I have and every time I get to step on that field and put this jersey on. It just means so much to me.”

Streveler didn’t go in because the Eagles scored. But the journeyman 27-year-old Streveler, who is with his fourth NFL team in the last nine months, did lead the Jets to the win.

The former CFL quarterback threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including the game-winning score with 16 seconds left.

On Monday night, Streveler did it again. He helped lead the Jets to the victory over the Falcons after they trailed 16-0. Streveler led two touchdown drives in the second half.

Streveler has been a feel-good story this preseason and could be earning some looks from other NFL teams with his play in the preseason.

The Jets quarterback room is pretty much set with Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White. Streveler was signed as a fourth arm for insurance reasons. When Wilson hurt his knee, Streveler’s workload increased. He’s certainly making the most of his opportunity.

Streveler has completed 14 of 20 passes for 181 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He’s also the Jets’ leading rusher with 64 yards.

“This is the second time in a row that he’s done a really good job,” Robert Saleh said. “He did get reps this week, but up until last week, he had not gotten a rep. You just sit back there and pay attention and take notes and learn. It’s all mental for him.

“He went out in the third quarter [Monday] and the fourth quarter last week and executes– with the exception of one pass – to near perfection. He’s a warrior and a fighter. It’s been cool to watch him play.”

Saleh then told a story about when he faced the Vikings as the 49ers defensive coordinator. Late in the game, a quarterback came that Saleh’s defense couldn’t stop. It was Taylor Heineke, who bounced around the NFL before becoming the starting quarterback for Washington last season.

“You never know where they come from,” Saleh said. “You never know how it works out, but it’s great to see a guy seize his opportunity and take advantage of it.”

Streveler is no stranger to this drill. His journey has taken him to Winnipeg, Arizona, Baltimore and Miami. He appeared in seven NFL games with the Cardinals and has one touchdown and one interception in his career.

The Jets last preseason game is Sunday against the Giants. Teams have to cut their rosters to 53 next Tuesday. Streveler is not looking that far ahead or thinking about how much he may have helped his chances to get a shot to be on an NFL roster. He’s enjoying the moment.

“I’ve been bounced around and had a lot of ups and downs in this business,” Streveler said. “So every opportunity I get I just have a fresh and appreciative perspective on it of how thankful I am to be able to continue playing this game at the highest level. I don’t take anything for granted.

“I’m very thankful and I’ve got to keep doing it for the rest of camp. The minute you get comfortable in this business, is when the rug gets slipped out from under you and that goes for everybody. Just got to keep pushing and getting better. It’s week two of the preseason, we haven’t done anything yet."

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