NY Jets OT Duane Brown didn't retire because he 'wants to win'

Duane Brown has seemingly done it all in his legendary 15-year NFL career. The NY Jets left tackle could have decided to call it quits and hang up the cleats following his age-37 season last year.

Instead, the soon-to-be 38-year-old knew he wasn't done just yet. Brown decided to return for at least one more season in 2023, and he did so for one very specific reason.

He wants to win.

Brown spoke to reporters following Wednesday's practice and explained why he decided to return to the Jets for the 2023 season. The five-time Pro Bowler battled through injuries last year, but he still believes he has something left in the tank.

"I’ve done everything you could want to do in my career — but I (still) want to win."

Duane Brown

Duane Brown believes he can win with the NY Jets

Despite playing a decade and a half in the NFL, Brown has never managed to win a Super Bowl ring. The closest he's gotten has been the Divisional Round of the playoffs, which he's made three times.

Brown believes that this Jets team is capable of competing for the Super Bowl this season, and he hopes to be a big part of the reason why. All signs point to Brown being the Jets' Week 1 starting left tackle.

The multi-time All-Pro did tell reporters on Wednesday that he hasn't been cleared to play just yet after undergoing surgery on a torn rotator cuff this offseason, but he hopes to be ready in time for the start of training camp in July.

Brown actually played the entire 2022 season with a torn rotator cuff. He told reporters this week that his injured shoulder had to be strapped into a harness on game days and that he played through immense pain.

Despite this, Brown still finished with an above-average Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 72.3 that ranked 37th among 78 qualified offensive tackles. He allowed just one sack all year.

Brown was clearly hampered by the injury, but he wasn't bad by any means. The Jets believe that, even at 38 years old, a healthy Brown can anchor the left side of their offensive line.

The expectation is that Brown will compete with Mekhi Becton for the starting left tackle job this summer, but Brown is considered to be the favorite. It should be noted that he's never taken a snap on the right side of the offensive line in his 15 NFL seasons.

The Jets and Duane Brown have lofty aspirations for the 2023 season. He came back to win, and he's going to do everything he can to ensure that happens.