In the NFL, the next-man-up mentality is crucial for success. The New York Jets are no strangers to this, having dealt with a plethora of injuries in the 2024 season.
One of the most depleted areas on the Jets’ roster has been the safety position. Over the last two weeks, the Jets have been without three safeties: Tony Adams, Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis.
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This has led to the surprise emergence of Jalen Mills, a ninth-year veteran who has stepped up in a big way at 30 years old. Mills has started in each of the Jets’ past three games, recording 22 total tackles and 5 passes defended. The latter mark leads all NFL safeties since Week 7.
Mills spoke about the mentality that prepares him to succeed when called upon.
“The process is always to come in with your hard hat on,” Mills told reporters on Monday. “Earn the respect of the guys you’re trying to feel with. Then the coaching staff and earn their trust and their respect as well. And then go out there and perform. And that’s just kind of been my mindset: go out there and put my best foot forward. And show this organization, show the guys I’m playing with, they can trust me, and I go out to make plays and help this team win football games.”
After being released from the New York Giants in August, the Jets signed Mills to their practice squad in late September. Mills then debuted in the Green and White in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.
“Definitely been a roller coaster, something that I’ve never been a part of, being released from the team, missing the first four, four or five games, starting on the practice squad, and kind of building myself back up,” Mills said.
Mills was a huge part of the team’s win on Thursday night against the Houston Texans. The former Super Bowl champion logged 100% (79) snaps on defense, led the team with 10 total tackles, and was credited with two passes defended. Houston threw four targets into his coverage and none were completed.
With a resilient mindset and a knack for making plays, Mills brings reliability and energy to a banged-up Jets secondary.
