Ji'Ayir Brown reflects on his legacy at Penn State
After capping off his time at Penn State with a win in the Rose Bowl, Ji’Ayir Brown began preparing for the NFL Draft. In all the excitement, it would be easy for him to not have time to actually reflect on his time and career at Penn State.
At the NFL Combine, Brown was asked to give his thoughts on the legacy that he left at Penn State.
“The legacy I left on the program goes far beyond the field,” Ji’Ayir Brown said. “I feel like the legacy I left on the program, the most important part of it, was my leadership on and off the field. That’s something that the coaches and the players can attest to and something that I’m proud of.”
“And I’m proud to say that’s the legacy I left more than any accolade or any turnover or takeaway on the field.”
During his career, Ji’Ayir Brown had 10 interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He also had 153 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
James Franklin praised Ji’Ayir Brown
During the season, Penn State head coach James Franklin praised Ji’Ayir Brown, saying that not enough people were talking about him.
“I’ve said this before. I don’t think he’s getting enough attention. I don’t think enough people are talking about him when it comes to college football awards, when it comes to the NFL. His name should be all over the place. He plays his tail off. He makes his teammates better, he’s able to impact the game both in the run game and in the pass game. He’s a very well-rounded football player, and he’s been a phenomenal leader for us,” Franklin said.
“A kid out of Trenton, New Jersey, went to Lackawonna Junior College, he got up and did his share Friday night at the hotel with the team. Just did a phenomenal job. He’s always got a smile on his face, he’s truly appreciative of this opportunity at Penn State, he’s got a really good way of being a great teammate to the guys in the locker room. But he also really understands how to interact with coaches and have a positive, healthy relationship with the coaches. He’s been phenomenal.”