NASHVILLE – Jayon Brown has made a name for himself in his first two seasons with the Titans, earning snaps and recognition along the way.
It's safe to say Brown is exceeding expectations for his work at linebacker, even if the first reaction he gets from most fans is about his size.
"When they do recognize me, the first thing I get is: 'I thought you were bigger'," Brown said with a smile while on the Titans Caravan this week. "They'll say: You're kind of a slim guy.' I'll be like, 'Yeah, I'm not the biggest. But I get the job done, though.' Hey, I just laugh. I've been hearing that my whole life. It's all good."
Brown, who's 6-foot, 226 pounds, has proven to be more than big enough in a league where small and speedy linebackers are becoming more and more common. In the NFL Draft, the Titans selected former West Virginia linebacker David Long, who's 5-11, 227 pounds.
When Titans coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Long's size, he brought up Brown, which is a good thing.
"The size of linebackers has really diminished over the past 10 years," Vrabel said. "Most recently it is what is playing in college football. The more that offenses become spread out, the more that college defenses recruit athletic, quick, smaller (linebackers). We are very comfortable with where we are with Jayon Brown and his development as a linebacker. I would say that David would probably fit similar to Jayon's size. As long as you give the guy, the player, enough tools in his tool box to play with his skillset and then try to develop some other things around it, I think that is always something that we are trying to do."
Brown has more than held his own with the Titans. In 2018, he was second on the team with 107 tackles, and he also racked up six sacks and 18 quarterback pressures.
He was one of the team's most consistent players.
In the team's finale against the Colts, Brown was a one-man wrecking crew, returning an interception for a touchdown before forcing another fumble – and recovering it – a little later.
Brown played 979 snaps in 2018, including 850 on defense (81.3 %), while also playing 129 more on special teams. He earned nearly a half-million additional dollars in addition to his regular salary as part of the NFL's performance-based pay program, which rewards players based on playing time and salary levels.
Brown didn't hate getting the bump in pay. He was also happy about his jump in play, although he's not too interested in talk about exceeding expectations already.
Heck, he's just two years into his career.
"I am just getting started," Brown said. "It has only been two years of film, so to be back in Nashville again and be able to go into my third year, some guys haven't made it this far. It is a blessing and I just want to keep improving my game and keep on contributing and help us win. But to be able to be on the field and contribute as much as I do as a late-round guy, it's nice I guess."
Ryan Succop, Brett Kern, Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans and Sharif Finch headlined Day 3 of the 2019 Academy Sports + Outdoors Titans Caravan in Sparta and Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Photos: Susanna Nickel)
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A fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of UCLA, Brown spent the early part of the offseason in California training with NFL players like Kenny Clark, Caleb Benenoch, Malik Jackson, Malcolm Smith, David Bakhtiari, and Lance Kendricks, in addition to Titans teammate Matt Dickerson, his former teammate at UCLA.
One of his missions is to improve his stamina, so he'll be able to do even more.
"Just being able to just go hard and full speed every play when I am on the field," Brown said. "It just gives me the ability to make more plays and keep longer focus."
More than anything, Brown just wants to keep getting better.
He's already looking forward to Year 3.
"I just want to keep getting better and improving on my skills and each and every weekend I want to help the defense," he said. "I just want to keep doing me. Keep on doing what I do in this defense, and keep making plays and being a great teammate to my guys in the locker room.
"And hopefully we can keep winning games and this year get back in the playoffs."
TitansOnline.com looks back at linebacker Jayon Brown's 2018 season. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) runs a drill with running back Akrum Wadley, left, during NFL football training camp Monday, July 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Officials break up Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown, left, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive guard Ryan Jensen, right, in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski))
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) warms up during NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) gets set to run a drill during NFL football training camp Saturday, July 28, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) warms up during NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley (72) and linebacker Jayon Brown (55) stand with head coach Mike Vrabel during the playing of the national anthem before a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Dare Ogunbowale (44) runs a drill with Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during a combined NFL football training camp Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans payers, including Jayon Brown (55) and Jurrell Casey (99) stand for the national anthem before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Justin Watson (17) is stopped by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski))
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass as he pursued by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake (32) pushes Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55), during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson))
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) looks to pass as he pursued by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel stands between Rico Gafford (40) and Jayon Brown (55) during the national anthem before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans' Jayon Brown is congratulated by Kevin Byard (31) after intercepting a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is upended by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) jogs off the field after sustaining an injury during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and linebacker Sharif Finch (56) line up for a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass as he is grabbed by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is upended between Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55), defensive back Kevin Byard (31) and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99), right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) in the first half during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with linebacker Jayon Brown before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is pursued by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks for a receiver as he is grabbed by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass as he is grabbed by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) advances the ball while guard Zack Martin (70) looks on and Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) attempts a tackle during the second half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. The Tennessee Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown defends during the second half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. The Tennessee Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown defends during the second half of an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans in Arlington, Texas, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. The Tennessee Titans won 28-14. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is pursued by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) celebrates after the Titans sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) on a run during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Tennessee Titans linebackers Kamalei Correa (44) and Jayon Brown (55) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is upended while rushing for yardage between Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard (31), linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebackers Rashaan Evans (54) and Jayon Brown (55) celebrate after a play against the New York Jets in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) is hit by Tennessee Titans defenders Brian Orakpo (98) and Jayon Brown (55) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
New York Jets quarterback Josh McCown (15) is brought down by Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) celebrates after the Titans sacked New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) blocks Tennessee Titans' Jayon Brown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) rushes in during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) scores a touchdown on a 22-yard pass interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. At right is outside linebacker Kamalei Correa (44). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) runs the ball after recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown, left, poses for a photo with Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Myles Jack (44) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Tennessee Titans won 30-9. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) scores a touchdown on a 22-yard pass interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. At right is outside linebacker Kamalei Correa (44). (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and defensive end Jurrell Casey (99) celebrate a sack against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown, left, hugs running back Derrick Henry as they leave the field after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 33-17.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, right, shakes hands with inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) after an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 33-17.(AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrate a turnover during an NFL game against the Houston Texans, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Houston. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
