Football
Braelon Allen tells DAZN top Jets rookie is 'a monster'
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Braelon Allen wasted no time in his first game back from an MCL sprain, scoring a touchdown in the New York Jets preseason Week 1 game vs. Tampa Bay.
That 31-yard scamper earned high praise from head coach Aaron Glenn, who raved about Allen's speed before declaring, "he's fully back."
The talented third-year NFL running back spoke exclusively to DAZN about the team's new-look offense, life in a crowded backfield, and the Jets' loaded 2026 rookie class.
Allen silences any injury doubts in style
Allen missed the final 13 games of the 2025 season after suffering a left knee MCL sprain on a kick return against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4.
He has attacked his recovery with determination, and the relief at finding paydirt in his first game back was apparent.
"I felt like myself," he told DAZN. "But there's always a question once you get under the lights, and on a game stage, so it's an awesome feeling just to get back in the end zone."
On Frank Reich's commitment to the run game
Frank Reich is renowned for leaning heavily on the passing game, but that tendency has changed slightly over the years, and the Jets new offensive coordinator has committed to emphasising the ground game in 2026.
"Always great to hear that," Allen said. "I feel like every team wants to lean on the run game, or at least says so, and I think he's for real about it.
"That's the identity he wants to establish and instill in us, just being a physical and violent 'run the ball down your throat' team.
"We're definitely excited about that as a running back room. I know the O-line's excited. And of course, it takes something off Geno's plate too if we're able to do that successfully.
"We've all bought into it, and we've been grinding, and that's who we wanna be."
The New York Jets return to the UK with Touchdown Tailgate, an immersive fan watch party to celebrate the start of the NFL season, in London this weekend.
Allen on the Jets backfield and his "superpower"
Breece Hall signed a three-year extension worth more than $45 million in the summer and will reprise his lead role in the backfield.
But Glenn said, "all our guys are starters," when discussing the trio of Hall, Allen, and Isaiah Davis, suggesting all three running backs should see plenty of work.
Asked what each brings to the table, Allen began by lavishing praise on Hall.
"Breece is obviously one of the more dynamic running backs in the entire league. Explosive play waiting to happen," he said.
"Great at catching the ball out of the backfield, great in space, and also powerful enough to run through the tackles."
"Isaiah Davis is a pretty similar guy in most of those aspects. Big, physical. I would say he's probably a little more downhill than Breece, but, you know, he's still able to play in space as well."
Allen then reflected on his own qualities.
"I feel like my superpower kind of speaks for itself with my size and power, and I think I definitely have the speed to break away from people.
"I think we all complement each other really well. I think there's a great balance, and we all just wanna push each other and see each other be the best version of ourselves.
"That's what makes this room so special, and I know we'll have a great season."
The impact of Geno Smith on the Jets offense
Geno Smith is back in New York after a decade spent elsewhere, tasked with steadying the ship after the Jets employed a rotating cast at quarterback in 2025.
Allen didn't hide how much he loves having Smith in the building.
"Geno is an amazing dude. Love him and love what he's brought to this team. A veteran presence who's been around the league a little bit.
"I think he's brought a ton of leadership and a ton of confidence. Since the day he stepped in here, we've all bought in to him. He's our guy, and we know what he can do.
"I think we're all just excited for him to be back. I know he's excited to be here, and I think he can lead us to win a lot of games."
"He's a monster": Allen raves about the Jets rookie class
The Jets had four picks in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, and they walked away with a wealth of talent.
The class was headlined by three first-rounders: edge rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper.
Allen has been impressed by the group so far.
"They've all shown up, whether it's in practice or in the preseason games, and they're just ready. I know we did a great job of drafting and scouting, picking the right guys to fit this culture.
"David Bailey was the second overall pick for a reason. He's a monster. I know he's gonna be a terror this season and do his thing."
Emilee Chinn / Staff
"Sadiq, they call him Sadiq the freak for a reason. That dude is built like a tank, explosive and fast and strong — just a prototype for the tight end position.
"Omar Cooper, he's not afraid to do the dirty work as a receiver. He's not a pretty boy out there. He's gonna go put his head in there and block somebody.
"We're asking him to do a lot of that. The fact that you can be a first-round receiver and have no problem doing that says a lot about you, a lot about your character."
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik has also turned heads.
"We saw a lot of flashes of him, especially the first game against Tampa Bay, throwing dimes. He started that game and got to be out there with the one offense.
"You saw Garrett [Wilson] make a couple of huge plays, and those two connected on a couple third-down conversions. So he's got all the tools needed to be successful."
The Jets' 2026 mission starts now
With Allen back to full speed, Hall extended, and a stacked rookie class poised to star, the 2026 Jets are out to prove a point this season.
That journey starts on the road against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, which will be streaming live on NFL Game Pass.
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