New York Jets boosted by HBCU rookie looking to make roster

The New York Jets got a standout performance from Brandon Codrington, a former HBCU football star looking to make its 53-man roster.

The former North Carolina Central standout had big returns on punt and kick returns in Saturday’s New York Jets game against the Carolina Panthers. The cornerback had a combined 109 return yards in the game, including a 69-yard kick return.

Head coach Robert Saleh was definitely aware of his impact.

“Definitely seized his opportunities. I think he’s — for both (punt and kick return) teams — the most productive. Set up a couple of scoring drives…but that’s what he’s here for,” Saleh said after the game. “That’s why we brought him in — his punt return and kick return ability — and I thought he did a really nice job today.”

Brandon Codrington had a standout career at North Carolina Central University, where he was a key player in its football program that won the HBCU national title in 2022. Starting as a freshman in 2019, Codrington quickly made his mark as a third-team All-MEAC selection. By 2021, he was named to the All-MEAC First Team, leading the conference with a 15.0-yard punt return average. In his senior season, he returned two punts for touchdowns, including an 81-yard return against Winston-Salem State.

Codrington was signed by the New York Jets as a free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.

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