Retired RB Brandon Jacobs is Attempting an NFL Comeback — As a Defensive End!
Move over, Tim Tebow. Another NFL standout is making an attempt to get back in the league at a new position.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Brandon Jacobs, who had two 1,000-yard rushing seasons and 64 total touchdowns in 109 games over nine seasons is trying to get back into football. Not as a running back, though. Nope. Instead, Jacobs is trying to get it in as a defensive end. Oh, and did I mention he’s trying his hand at a new position eight years after his last years as a pro and in what would be his age 39 season!? Because I feel as if that’s an important part of this.
As is Jacobs’ inferring that there are teams who have an interest in bringing him into training camp.
“I don’t want to throw names out there just yet because I was told not to, but it’ll be a shock,” Jacobs told Houma Today’s Keyon K. Jeff. “If I don’t get an opportunity, it’s fine. I’m currently coaching high school football and running a youth program, which I’m perfectly content with doing the rest of my life.”
On one hand, Jacobs receiving interest in teams in search of a camp body is a bit surprising. Again, we’re talking about a soon-to-be 39-year-old who hasn’t played defense since high school. And someone who hasn’t played professionally since 2013. But clearly, someone is drawing inspiration from Tebow, a 33-year-old quarterback-turned-tight end who is taking his talents to Jacksonville.
I am really serious about coming back as a defensive end. I can still run, I am strong and there’s no way Tim Tebow is a better athlete than I am. I just need a shot that’s it!! If I can’t cut it I’ll take it like a man. Just give me one chance that’s all!!
— Brandon Jacobs (@BrandonJacobs27) May 27, 2021
Brandon Jacobs to me on attempting an NFL comeback as a DE: “I think I can do it, body feels great, even at 38. Right now I‘m at about 260lbs—same weight I played as a RB. I'm switching positions now bc it’s something I should’ve done before & honestly a position I can play….
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 27, 2021
I read all this and am reminded that it was around this time last year when rumors of the Jets’ interest in retired Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long began to surface. Long wasn’t in playing shape just months after hanging ’em up. But the Jets had a need and an in with Long because of the GM’s time in Chicago. Perhaps there was a belief they could tug on the heartstrings of a player whose passion to play the game never went out. It didn’t work out for New York. But a year later, the Chiefs came calling to sign Long.
Maybe that is what will happen with Jacobs. Otherwise, this is just the latest example of a player whose competitive juices burn hot this time of year when his body wants to gear up for football. Old habits die hard. And, apparently, in the case of some players, not at all.
