Exclusive: Auburn University Safety Jaylin Simpson Reflects on Senior Season, Preparing For The NFL Draft & More
In the second season of this engaging audio series, host and renowned sports analyst Monica McNutt profiles Black collegiate athletes, delving into their goals, struggles, and victories.
For the last episode of the season, we have our very special SZN Opener guest host, Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants. The NFL linebacker talks with Auburn University’s Jaylin Simpson about wrapping up his senior year and preparing for the NFL Draft.
Simpson leaves Auburn as one of the highest-ranking safeties entering the NFL Draft
Simpson was an all-around athlete who played football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and track while growing up in Brunswick, Georgia. Around the time of his sophomore year of high school, he says, “I fell in love with football.” I just love defense … I ended up getting an offer and the rest is history.”
The senior at Auburn University is coming to the end of his finest year to date. Overall, Simpson says, “I’m proud of my team and of myself.” “I enjoyed leading my team during my senior year, and I’m excited to see what this next level is like.”
Along with other NFL Draft prospects, Simpson will participate in the 2024 Senior Bowl in February. Simpson’s on-field prowess throughout his time with the Auburn Tigers made him a strong candidate for the draft. Simpson is a senior safety.
For his on-field achievements, Simpson was named to the All-SEC team in December, along with two of his Tigers colleagues, Jarquez Hunter and Rivaldo Fairweather.
Declaring for the draft: “I’m ready to get out there and display myself in the best way I can.”
The Auburn player has a lot to look forward to as he turns his attention away from collegiate football. “I’m simply eager to watch myself develop and work,” he says. “I’m eager to start training, establish a schedule, go out there, and give the best performance of my life.”
Linebacker Thibodeaux of the NY Giants gives Simpson words of wisdom and support as he moves through this new phase. When entering a professional league, there are several decisions to make, including selecting agents, trainers, and financial advisors.
As a player and a man, Thibodeaux said, “you want to make sure that you give them every ounce of confidence in you, your ability and your character.”
“Make sure you’re asking the right questions … make sure you’re cross-referencing,” he adds. “You’re still dealing with people at the end of the day. So whether it’s a trainer, whether it’s an agent, whether it’s a marketing agency—make sure you like the people and you know they can represent you when you’re not in the room.”
Simpson also shares how COVID affected his college experience, what it was like to declare for the 2024 draft, and his mixed feelings about NIL.
