From Pasadena to Florham Park: Two Undrafted Receivers Living Their NFL Dreams

Rookie pass-catchers go from NFLPA Bowl to 53-man roster in seven-month span

It didn't happen overnight. In fact, the recent news is a culmination of an seven-month-long journey that started in Pasadena. 

Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee's paths to NFL roster spots converged this past January. As under-the-radar draft prospects, the two men earned invitations to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl — a week-long all-star experience for college seniors with big-league aspirations.

Months before landing with the New York Jets as undrafted free agents, the two receivers gained some name recognition while competing for the NFLPA Bowl American Team coached by former Titans and Rams boss Jeff Fisher. 

"We came in together. We played at the NFLPA game together, so we already had a bond," said Brownlee while speaking to reporters after surviving Gang Green's roster cutdown.

Brownlee, a JUCO product by way of Southern Mississippi, accounted for a game-high 78 receiving yards on three catches in the American Team's 19-17 triumph on January 28. Gipson, a 4,000-yard college receiver for Stephen F. Austin at the Division I FCS level, made a 48-yard reception in the all-star showcase and also returned punts. 

Despite their impressive pre-draft performances, Brownlee and Gipson were not amongst the 259 players selected at the three-day NFL Draft. As fate would have it, they both inked rookie deals with the Jets and they immediately went to work with 53-man roster spots in their crosshairs. 

"I think with both of those young, undrafted wide receivers that made the team, they both came in with the right mindset and mentality. They kind of attacked it as pros from Day 1 while having that youthful energy," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas on Thursday in Florham Park.

During offseason workouts and practices, the two underdogs displayed a level of determination and ability that was noticed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On the final day of OTAs, the future Hall-of-Fame field general shouted out the two rookies for their work.

Third-year head coach Robert Saleh has watched Brownlee and Gipson successfully navigate through their first NFL training camp and conquer the challenges faced by undrafted rookies.

"Tremendous work by them, obviously to open up with an impression during OTAs. I thought Brownlee and X [Gipson] both did a nice job putting themselves on the map early to get us excited about them going into training camp, and they’ve answered the bell since," said Saleh.

Brownlee may have made the "catch of training camp" in the final practice prior to the Hall of Fame Game. The Southern Miss product made a spectacular, one-handed grab over cornerback Craig James down the right sideline.

The improbable reception brought back memories of the one-hander that Brownlee secured on a throw from Zach Wilson toward the end of OTAs.

"In practice, it seemed like once every other day he was coming down with an unbelievable catch that was heavily contested," said Saleh. "He’ll continue to get better again with his mindset."

Brownlee led the Jets in receiving yards through four preseason contests, totaling 10 catches for 102 yards.

Gipson finished the summer with 97 receiving yards buoyed by a standout performance in the preseason finale against the New York Giants. The former two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year registered four first downs while making seven receptions for 79 yards in the exhibition game formerly known as the "Snoopy Bowl."

Although he was trending toward making the roster throughout the offseason, Gipson's final preseason showing may have solidified his spot and allowed for his dream to become reality.

"That's all I ever wanted when I was a kid growing up. I've been working hard my whole life to try to get to this moment," said Gipson after he made the team.

While Brownlee and Gipson appear to share the same mindset, their on-field skills sets differ greatly. 

The 6-foot-2 Brownlee, who produced one of the top vertical jumps amongst the WR group at the 2023 NFL Combine, possesses a larger-than-average catch radius and an ability to "make really tough, contested catches" according to Saleh.

"He's a big body with really soft hands," said Douglas. "He has good route skill for a bigger guy."

Meanwhile, the 5-foot-8 Gipson can win with speed and quickness. Whether it's beating the defender on a long ball or using his elusiveness to get to the sticks, Gipson has flashed his ability over the past four months. 

"He’s got great feel for space in the pass game," said Saleh.

Allowing Gipson to separate from other receivers on the 90-man roster, the rookie showed the willingness to return kicks and punts. 

"X [Gipson] has shown dynamic ability in the return game. He’s a really good football player," said Saleh.

Gipson has been the primary return specialist for the duration of training camp and could retain that role for the regular season despite the presence of former Kansas City Chiefs' return man Mecole Hardman.

"We’re going to work through it. Mecole still has something to say about it, but [Gipson] he’s got that versatility, along with what he’s shown on offense," said Saleh. "Still some decisions to be made, nothing set in stone with regards to the return game and all that, but knowing that he’s an option is a good thing."

Gipson seems to be on board with any decision that Saleh makes.

WR/RS Xavier Gipson (82) / © Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

"Whatever role I have to play to help us win, I'm willing to take that role on," said Gipson, who also made it a point to mention how welcoming his fellow receivers have been.

Whether it's reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson or 13th-year veteran Randall Cobb, Gipson has admittedly benefitted from the guidance.

"They are amazing people, on and off the field. They took me in, helped me out," said Gipson.

His old friend Brownlee is still around in Florham Park, too.

"Knowing all the hard work we [Xavier and I] put in. Staying on each other, just making sure we're holding each other accountable at practice, and even in the film room," said Brownlee of the relationship that started this past winter in southern California. "It feels good to know I got my dawg with me and I don't have to go through it by myself."

It truly is an unlikely story about two lesser-known prospects on an improbable journey that has taken them both to the same NFL destination, and there's more waiting to be written.

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