Fresh off a career year and three-year contract extension, LB Jamien Sherwood‘s focus remains on finding ways to improve — and leading his unit to new levels of success.
“Obviously to be better than we were last year,” Sherwood said of his expectations for the upcoming season. “That’s always everybody’s biggest thing and biggest point of improvement. Just improving on the things we didn’t do well last year.”
The first player to be extended under a new regime led by HC Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey, Sherwood established himself as an integral part of the Jets’ long-term vision last season. He seamlessly stepped into the middle linebacker position and reaped the benefits, leading the NFL with 98 solo tackles and recording career highs in total tackles (158), TFL (10), PDs (3) and sacks (2).
While the fifth-year player now looks to make another jump as the established starter this year, he is not only looking to elevate his play — he also aims to embrace an even larger leadership role. A newly appointed team captain for the 2025 season, Sherwood has welcomed the opportunity to be a centerpiece of the defensive operation — evidenced by the way he approached play calling duties during a player-led practice held after the Jets’ second preseason game.
“I just try and take it as if [DC Steve] Wilks was calling it,” Sherwood said. “I’m watching practices from this past training camp and OTAs, seeing what he’s thinking in those periods, again building confidence in myself so when we do go out there and perform, I already know what he’s thinking. I just feel like those player-led practices are just where we can come together as a team. Obviously, the only thing the coaches can do on game day is call plays. It’s about the players playing. So, if we can get a feel for what he thinks, we can go out there and play just that much faster.”