Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets

The New York Jets’ defense, a unit that has shown flashes of dominance but lacked consistent intensity in 2025, got a much-needed spark this month with the emergence of defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. A midseason addition signed off the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad, Briggs has quickly become a fan favorite and a locker room catalyst—using his relentless motor, vocal leadership, and knack for making plays in big moments to elevate the Jets’ defensive line. Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets explores how the 24-year-old has transformed a stagnant run defense, energized his teammates, and become an unexpected key to the Jets’ late-season playoff push. For a Jets team fighting to stay relevant in the AFC, Briggs isn’t just a rotational player—he’s a difference-maker.

Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets starts with Briggs’ path to the Jets, which was shaped by resilience and a refusal to let setbacks define his career. A four-year starter at the University of Cincinnati, Briggs was a standout interior defender, recording 125 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks over his college career—including a senior season where he earned First-Team All-AAC honors. Despite his production, he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft due to concerns about his size (6’2”, 305 pounds, slightly shorter than ideal for a nose tackle) and lateral quickness. He signed with the Browns as a priority undrafted free agent, spending most of 2024 and the first half of 2025 on their practice squad. When the Jets lost starting defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to a calf injury in Week 9, they targeted Briggs—impressed by his film, work ethic, and the glowing reviews from Browns coaches. “Jowon was a guy we had our eye on for a while,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said. “He plays with a fire that’s contagious. When we had the chance to sign him, we didn’t hesitate—we knew he could bring something our defense was missing.”

A defining trait highlighted in Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets is Briggs’ ability to revitalize the Jets’ run defense, which ranked 22nd in the NFL (allowing 120 rushing yards per game) before his arrival. In his first three games with the Jets, Briggs recorded 14 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 sack—including a pivotal stop on fourth-and-1 in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins, where he stuffed Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert at the line of scrimmage to seal a 24-17 win. His impact goes beyond stats: Briggs’ nonstop effort—diving for loose balls, chasing down runners from behind, and celebrating every play with teammates—has lifted the entire defensive unit’s intensity. “Jowon changes the vibe when he’s on the field,” Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers said. “Before, we’d have lulls in games—missed tackles, slow reactions. Now, he’s out there yelling, pumping us up, making sure no one takes a play off. It’s exactly what we needed.” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich echoed that sentiment, noting that Briggs’ “relentless pursuit” has forced opposing offensive lines to adjust their blocking schemes—creating opportunities for other defenders to make plays.

Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets also examines Briggs’ role as a leader, both on and off the field—a quality the Jets’ defense lacked before his arrival. Despite being a newcomer and a former practice squad player, Briggs didn’t hesitate to speak up in meetings, pointing out tendencies in opponent film and encouraging younger players like rookie defensive tackle Will McDonald IV. He’s also become a fixture in the community, volunteering at local youth football camps and visiting hospitals—embracing the Jets’ culture of community engagement. “Leadership isn’t about how long you’ve been on the team—it’s about how you carry yourself,” Briggs said in a recent interview. “I just want to help this team win, whether that’s by making a tackle, talking through a play in a meeting, or lifting up a teammate who’s having a tough day. That’s who I am.” For the New York Jets, Briggs’ leadership has been just as valuable as his on-field play. With Williams sidelined, the defense needed someone to step up—and Briggs has filled that void, earning the respect of veterans and rookies alike.

Another key aspect of Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets is how Briggs’ style fits seamlessly with the Jets’ defensive scheme, which relies on interior defenders to clog running lanes and create pressure up the middle. Ulbrich’s defense uses a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, and Briggs’ versatility—he can play nose tackle in a 3-4 or defensive tackle in a 4-3—has allowed the Jets to maintain flexibility without sacrificing production. His strength at the point of attack (he bench-pressed 225 pounds 30 times at his pro day) lets him push back offensive linemen, while his quickness off the snap helps him disrupt passing plays. “Jowon is a scheme fit in every way,” Ulbrich said. “He can hold the point against double teams, which frees up our linebackers to make tackles. He can also penetrate the line and pressure the quarterback, which keeps offenses off balance. He’s exactly the type of player we build our defense around.” For the New York Jets, this fit has been crucial: instead of overhauling their scheme to accommodate a new player, they’ve been able to integrate Briggs smoothly—letting him focus on playing with energy rather than learning a complex new system.

Looking ahead, Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets sets up a critical stretch for both Briggs and the Jets. With Williams expected to return in Week 14, the Jets will have a fully healthy defensive line—pairing Briggs with Williams and Franklin-Myers to form one of the most disruptive units in the AFC. This comes at a perfect time, as the Jets face playoff contenders like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in the final five weeks of the season. Briggs is already preparing for the challenge, studying film of Bills center Mitch Morse and Chiefs guard Joe Thuney to identify their weaknesses. “I’m not going to let up now,” Briggs said. “We have a chance to make the playoffs, and I want to do everything I can to help this team get there. Every practice, every game— I’m going to bring that same energy.” For the New York Jets, Briggs’ emergence has been a pleasant surprise, but it’s also a testament to their scouting and player development. By identifying a player with untapped potential and giving him an opportunity, the Jets have added a piece that could help them compete for a championship.

Jowon Briggs Brings Energy to Defense of the New York Jets is ultimately a story of perseverance and impact. Briggs, a player who was overlooked by most NFL teams, has found a home in New York—using his energy, work ethic, and leadership to become a key part of the Jets’ defense. For the Jets, his addition is a reminder that talent can be found anywhere—whether it’s in the first round of the draft or on a practice squad. As the Jets push for a playoff spot, Briggs will continue to be a driving force—proof that sometimes, the most valuable players aren’t the ones with the biggest names or the highest salaries. They’re the ones who bring heart, hustle, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win. For the New York Jets and their fans, Jowon Briggs is exactly that player—and his story is still being written.