Jowon Briggs Bio
Jowon Briggs is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 1, 2001, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Briggs emerged as one of the top defensive tackle prospects in his high school class before advancing to play at both the University of Virginia and the University of Cincinnati. The Cleveland Browns selected Briggs in the seventh round (243rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he has since become a notable contributor at the professional level. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 313 pounds, Briggs brings a powerful presence to the interior of the defensive line. He has accumulated 51 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery through his early NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Jowon Briggs grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Walnut Hills High School. During his high school career, Briggs established himself as an exceptional defensive tackle, earning first-team All-ECC and All-SWO District honors as a junior. He was also named the ECC Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year, while earning first-team All-State and first-team All-SWO District recognition. His standout performances led him to compete in several prestigious all-star games, including the Under Armour All-America Game.
As a highly recruited prospect, Briggs was ranked as a four-star recruit by major scouting services. He was regarded as the 59th-best player nationally, the fifth-best defensive tackle in the country, and the second-best player from Ohio. His impressive recruitment attracted attention from numerous college football programs, including powerhouse programs such as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines. Ultimately, Briggs chose to continue his football career at the University of Virginia.
Path to Professional Football
Jowon Briggs began his collegiate career at the University of Virginia in 2019. In his true freshman season, he made an immediate impact by starting the first game of the season, becoming the first freshman on the defensive line to start the season opener for Virginia since 1986. He finished his freshman campaign with 19 tackles and 1 sack, earning mid-season Freshman All-American honors. In his sophomore season in 2020, Briggs appeared in seven games, demonstrating his consistency as a key piece of Virginia’s defensive front.
Following his sophomore year, Briggs entered the NCAA transfer portal and transferred to the University of Cincinnati, joining the Bearcats program in 2021. This move allowed him to compete at a program with a strong football tradition and exposure to high-level competition within the American Athletic Conference. His transition to Cincinnati marked the beginning of his most productive collegiate seasons and positioned him for professional football success.
Jowon Briggs Career
College Career at Cincinnati (2021–2023)
Upon arriving at Cincinnati, Briggs immediately contributed to the Bearcats defense. In his first season with the program in 2021, he appeared in all 14 games and recorded 43 tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss, and 3 sacks. His versatility and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a valuable asset in the middle of the defensive line.
His senior season in 2022 proved to be his breakout year. Briggs recorded 60 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, earning First-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition. This accomplishment solidified his status as one of the top interior defensive linemen in the conference and enhanced his NFL draft prospects significantly. He returned for a final season in 2023, serving as a team captain and earning honorable mention All-AAC honors while recording 27 tackles in 12 starts. Across his two seasons at Cincinnati, Briggs accumulated 130 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, and 8 sacks. He also received invitations to the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing his talent against other top collegiate prospects.
Cleveland Browns (2024–2025)
The Cleveland Browns selected Jowon Briggs in the seventh round with the 243rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. His selection represented the culmination of his journey from high school standout in Cincinnati to professional football player. After being drafted, Briggs began his NFL career with the Browns organization, working to adapt to the speed and complexity of professional-level competition.
During his rookie season, Briggs was waived by the Browns on August 27, 2024, before being re-signed to the practice squad. His persistence and development paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 2, 2024. This promotion demonstrated his ability to improve and earn the trust of the coaching staff during his first professional season.
New York Jets (2025–Present)
On August 20, 2025, Briggs was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick going to Cleveland. This trade marked a new chapter in Briggs’s career, moving him to a franchise with its own defensive tradition and aspirations. He joined the Jets as a defensive tackle and was assigned jersey number 91, immediately becoming part of the team’s interior pass rush rotation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jowon Briggs brings a combination of size, strength, and technique to the defensive tackle position. His 6-foot-1-inch, 313-pound frame allows him to anchor against the run while also possessing the quickness to penetrate gaps and disrupt opposing backfields. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to finish plays, as evidenced by his 14.5 career tackles-for-loss and 8 sacks at Cincinnati. Briggs’s experience as a team captain at Cincinnati reflects his leadership qualities and football intelligence, attributes that translate well to NFL locker rooms and defensive schemes.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his football journey, Briggs has accumulated several notable accomplishments. His selection as a First-team All-AAC performer in 2022 stands as one of his most significant collegiate honors. His journey from being a four-star high school recruit to a college captain at a Group of Five program that reached the College Football Playoff speaks to his development and work ethic. The promotion from practice squad to active roster during his rookie season with the Browns showcased his ability to overcome adversity and earn opportunities through consistent effort.
Jowon Briggs Career Statistics
Briggs has established himself as a solid contributor through his early NFL seasons, accumulating meaningful statistics across multiple categories. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run has translated to consistent production at the professional level.
NFL Career Highlights
Through his time with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, Briggs has recorded 51 total tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. His 4 career sacks demonstrate his ability to reach the quarterback from the interior defensive line position. The forced fumble and fumble recovery highlight his awareness and ability to create turnovers for his defense.
College Career Summary
Across five collegiate seasons at Virginia and Cincinnati, Briggs proved to be a reliable and productive defensive player. At Virginia, he recorded 39 tackles and 4 sacks over two seasons. At Cincinnati, his numbers improved significantly, with 130 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, and 8 sacks across his junior and senior seasons. His career totals of 169 tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, and 12 sacks underscore his consistency and growth throughout his college career.
Jowon Briggs Personal Life
Education and Musical Talents
Beyond his football achievements, Jowon Briggs possesses an impressive array of musical talents. He is proficient in twelve musical instruments, including the recorder, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, saxophone, flute, and harmonica. This diverse musical ability showcases a level of discipline and skill development that complements his athletic pursuits.
During his time at the University of Virginia, Briggs participated in the university’s chamber choir, performing as a member of the University Singers. He also sang with an a cappella group called The Hullabahoos. His vocal range as a tenor enabled him to perform The Star-Spangled Banner before basketball games at both Virginia and Cincinnati, demonstrating his versatility beyond athletics. Briggs is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and community involvement.
Family and Background
Briggs grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his football journey began at Walnut Hills High School. His upbringing in the city provided him with the foundation to develop into a top football prospect, eventually leading him to the collegiate and professional ranks. His presence in the NFL has made him a notable figure from his hometown, inspiring young athletes in the Cincinnati area.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant transition for Jowon Briggs as he joins the New York Jets organization. His trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Jets in August 2025 presented him with a fresh start and new opportunities to contribute to a different defensive scheme. The Jets, known for their competitive spirit and playoff ambitions, provide Briggs with a platform to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Upon joining the Jets, Briggs immediately integrated into the defensive line rotation, bringing his experience from both Virginia and Cincinnati to the professional level. His familiarity with various defensive concepts and his ability to play multiple techniques along the interior line made him a valuable addition to the roster. The trade itself, which involved swapping draft picks between the two franchises, reflected the Jets’ belief in Briggs’s potential to contribute immediately.
The outlook for Briggs in his first full season with the Jets appears promising. His continued development as an interior pass rusher, combined with his run-stopping capabilities, positions him as a key depth piece for the defensive line. As he gains more experience within the Jets’ system and builds chemistry with his new teammates, Briggs has the opportunity to increase his statistical output and establish himself as a reliable professional player. His journey from a Cincinnati high school standout to an NFL contributor exemplifies the perseverance and dedication required to succeed at the sport’s highest level.