Colts' JuJu Brents Ready to Thrive in Third Season

Indianapolis Colts cornerback JuJu Brents is ready to thrive in his third season with the team. The hometown hero has been making a name for himself both on and off the field.

Brents returns to the Colts after missing most of his sophomore season with a knee injury. He tore his MCL and meniscus in last year's season opener against the Houston Texans, spending most of the year on the injured reserve list before playing in the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I’m just appreciative and blessed to be able to be back out here with the guys and be able to compete,” Brents said.

Brents is in a tough cornerback competition with Jaylon Jones and Justin Walley, but all the players welcome the competition, knowing it will make them better at their craft.

“I think if you’re a competitor, you love this kind of competition,” Brents said. “I think for me, it’s just a challenge every single day. But it makes us better though. It’s good competition, and it’s healthy. Essentially we just look at it like we’re all helping each other by competing every single day.”

Head coach Shane Steichen emphasized the importance of Brents staying healthy this season.

“He’s been good so far,” Steichen said. “Obviously learning a new defense, taking that in stride. He’s made some good plays out there. We need to continue that.”

Brents' teammates are also excited to have him back on the field, with veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II calling him a "pro's pro" and expressing confidence in his abilities.

“It’s cool having JuJu back on the field. Such a great guy, such a great pro. He’s a pro’s pro. And I like the way he approaches the game,” Moore II said. “I can’t wait to see the ceiling that he reaches in the league. I can’t wait to see the ceiling that he reaches being an Indianapolis Colt.”

Jones also praised Brents, saying, "Just that aggressive mentality and just being a good brother, man. He comes in and he helps people and he’s just a good guy."

Off the field, Brents has been giving back to the community, hosting a backpack giveaway and free haircuts for kids at his church, New Beginnings on 21st Street.

“I just remember being that little kid just going up and seeing guys in the NFL or whatever professional sport it may be, just knowing, telling myself as a kid, ‘I’m going to be that guy one day.’ Like when I do get in that position, I want to be able to give back,” Brents said. “So, me being local, being in Indy, what better way to be able to give back to the community.”

Brents hopes to make a positive impact on and off the field this season.