NASHVILLE – Willie McGinest is able to say he knew Titans linebacker Jayon Brown way back when.
And because of it, he smiles when talking about Brown's success.
"He has always had the mentality, and the work ethic, from youth football to high school, all the way up," McGinest said of Brown. "He's a guy who never gave up on himself. He always worked. He always walks around with a smile, but he will work his butt off. I'm really proud of Jayon."
McGinest, an analyst with NFL Network, played from 1994-2005 with the Patriots before playing three more seasons with the Browns (2006-08). McGinest played in two Pro Bowls while in New England, and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, where he was teammates with Titans coach Mike Vrabel. He's in the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
McGinest is also close with Brown, who just finished his second season with the Titans.
Brown said he wears No.55 because it's the number McGinest wore during his playing days.
Like McGinest, Brown is from Long Beach, California, and he went to Long Beach Poly High School. McGinest has been close friends with Brown's father, Jason, since they were youngsters.
"Willie has always been around my family growing up, so he's pretty much my uncle," Brown said. "He's helped me out throughout my career, and even today we'll go over film.
"He gives me tips when I need them, when I ask for them. Even when I don't ask for them, he'll give them to me," Brown continued, smiling. "He's a guy who has tried to help me throughout my career, and he's helped me a lot."
Brown, a fifth round draft pick from UCLA in the 2017 NFL Draft, made a big leap for 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.
"He can be really good," McGinest said of Brown. "He is still learning the game. They ask him to do a lot – he's a cover guy, he can play the run, he can cover a tight end and a back if you need him to. He never has to come off the field, so he is still growing, and he is still learning. I think the sky is the limit."
Seeing Brown excel has been fun for McGinest to watch.
Watching how he's done it makes him even prouder.
McGinest and Brown both made their comments from Super Bowl LIII earlier this month.
"A lot of people always identify players just because of the football side of it," McGinest said. "But this kid has a great personality. He has a great outlook on life, he's happy, and he loves doing what he is doing. And he'll grind - he'll work. I think when you have special guys like that you know they are going to have a bright future, and I kind of knew that with him.
"He's just a great kid, on and off the field."
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)
