Javon Kinlaw was emotional while discussing his NFL journey
To reach the New York Jets, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has overcome a lot of adversity.
During his media availability on Monday, the newly acquired defensive lineman spoke about his NFL journey and playing alongside the rest of the team’s unit.
Kinlaw said his family played a big role in helping him through his adversity and was very emotional when he gave his answer.
“I’m very religious. Just talk to my mom a lot. My mom and my family really were the reason. I’ve had a lot of dark days and you know, just to be able to touch that grass, it’s a big blessing, man. I’ve been through a lot, for real. I’ve been through a lot,” said Kinlaw.
“But I never gave up. A lot of people would have gave up. But I never gave up.”
Javon Kinlaw gets emotional talking about his football journey:
"I've been through a lot, that's all I can really say. But I never gave up. A lot of people would've gave up. But I never gave up." pic.twitter.com/sVQwHHJFvX
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) July 29, 2024
Kinlaw spoke about the opportunity the Jets gave him and how his relationship with head coach Robert Saleh helped bring him to New York.
“They said I had an opportunity, and I’m all about opportunity. I work very hard, even though I’ve been through a lot. I’ve always worked super hard, and the chips fell where they may, but I never gave up on myself. I’ve had a relationship with Saleh, of course, (Aaron) Whitecotton as well. He was the assistant D-line coach when I was a rookie. So that played a part in it as well.”
Additionally, Kinlaw praised Quinnen Williams as someone “amazing” to play alongside.
“I’ve been a big fan of his since I was in college. Just a big, big fan. I love the way he power rushes, his two-to-ones, and his counters. It’s amazing. The way he plays the run is also amazing, as well, his feet are always hot in the run game. I like to try to look at his game as much as I can to try to blend it into mine.”
It is inspiring to hear Kinlaw talk about his journey, which featured many trials and tribulations on and off the field. Due to injuries, he faced an uphill battle in the NFL, which played a big part in his arrival in New York.
In a scheme meant to push defensive players to their highest potential, Kinlaw has an opportunity to push the Jets to a higher level and show why he was made a top-15 pick in the first place.
