Back to the NFL Newsfeed

After a Difficult Start, a Jets Receiver Prepares, Stays Alert and Rises

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Kenbrell Thompkins wakes up at 5 a.m. on weekdays. He dresses, reads some Bible passages and arrives at the Jets’ complex here by 5:45. When he enters the locker room, none of his teammates are inside, not even his fellow receiver Brandon Marshall, who was astounded to discover that someone could beat him there.

After stretching and soaking in a hot tub, Thompkins runs routes in the field house with the backup quarterback Geno Smith. Until he catches 300 passes, Thompkins does not leave.

“Just to get my hands ready for the day,” he said.