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HC Aaron Glenn on CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.: 'He Plays a Brand of Football That We Believe In'

Jets’ Newcomer Prepared to Do ‘Whatever They Need Me To’ 

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For Jets' newcomer Jarvis Brownlee Jr., it didn't take long to feel right at home in his new locker room.

"I think I'm going to fit in great," the second-year cornerback told reporters Thursday. "I think we all want the same thing, and that's to win. And just to get better each and every day. One percent better."

The Jets acquired Brownlee, a 2024 fifth-round draft selection of the Tennessee Titans, on Tuesday. The Louisville product may only be in the second year of his pro career, but he has already accumulated extensive playing experience. Brownlee appeared in all 17 games during his rookie season -- starting 14 -- and he started in Weeks 1 and 2 this season before sustaining an ankle injury during practice that sidelined him for Week 3.

"I'm a hard worker," Brownlee said. "I've got a lot of grit, I play hard, physical. I'm a great player around the locker room. I think I'm a genuine guy, and I think I care a lot about others. I think I'm a guy that brings energy."

HC Aaron Glenn had a similar first impression of Brownlee -- who has recorded 92 total tackles, 9 TFLs and 10 pass defenses in his young career. The first-year head coach recalls evaluating the young player during his college days, and now nearly two years later, his impression of Brownlee hasn't changed.

"I give a lot of credit to [GM Darren Mougey] and his staff," Glenn said. "Anytime there's an opportunity to improve your team you have to take a look at it. … He's a guy that we looked at coming out of Louisville and he was aggressive, he's a hard worker, plays a brand of football that we believe in, and so it was a no brainer as far as brining him on my team."

Brownlee, who said he developed a strong relationship with Glenn over the phone leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft when AG was DC at Detroit, shares a mutual respect for his new coach -- and said this extends beyond just the energy and confidence he brings to the room as a coach.

"I knew him as a former corner, just watching his tape and film," Brownlee said. "He was a great guy in this organization, this National Football League."

Glenn is not the only one whose film Brownlee has studied. He has also followed the career of Sauce Gardner since his college days at Cincinnati, and he even had the chance to speak with the All-Pro CB during before the draft. As the two now become teammates, Brownlee was quick to say that "there are already a lot of great guys here," with Gardner leading the way. He is confident, however, in his ability to elevate the DB room -- especially when it comes to defending the run.

"I take a lot of pride in that, because you know, usually they always say there's not a lot of corners in the NFL that love to hit or likes contact," he said. "Me, I'm a different breed. I think it all comes from how I was raised, my childhood. I think I play the game through pain. So, for me, hitting, I just love hitting. I love making the opponent feel me. I don't want to take the hit, so I'd rather be the one that delivers it. I take big pride in that, amazing. When I'm just out there, I feel like me missing a tackle, it just puts a grudge in my heart, and I feel some type of way about that. I take pride in being a top tackler as a cornerback."

Though Brownlee continues to be "week to week" with an ankle injury, Glenn is eager for the newcomer to take the field and contribute to the physical brand of football he is looking to establish.

"All three of those guys, we're excited to have," Glenn said of newcomers Brownlee, LB Mark Robinson and practice squad addition LB Ben Niemann. "We're going to get those guys implemented with what we're doing, and they're going to help us win."

As Brownlee begins the next chapter of his career with the Green & White, he said he is taking things "day to day" while embracing his new environment.

"I believe in the man above and I believe everything happens for a reason, so I trust God and his word and his progress," he said. "That's where I'm at right now."

See the Jets players at practice ahead of their Week 4 matchup with the Miami Dolphins

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