Quincy Williams Warns Jets Before Browns Return to MetLife Stadium

Cleveland Browns linebacker Quincy Williams prepared for his Week 5 return to MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets, his former team, after spending five seasons in New York before joining Cleveland in 2026.

Williams, a First Team All-Pro in 2023 with the Jets, signed a two-year contract with the Browns and entered the matchup with 23 combined tackles through four games, according to team coverage cited by Browns Nation.

Williams told reporters after practice on October 9 that he had been anticipating the reunion since the schedule was released.

"I had it circled on my calendar since the calendar came out," Williams said, according to Heavy.

The linebacker said his motivation came from facing former teammates rather than any lingering dispute with New York. He spent five seasons with the Jets and recorded 554 total tackles, 58 tackles for loss and 27 pass breakups in 78 games, according to the Jet Press.

"My biggest thing last year was practice against them be like, ‘All right, if I don’t resign y’all, I know y’all gonna have a nightmare playing against me,’ Williams said of my mindset. So, nightmare starts on Sunday." Williams said.

Williams also described his relationship with former teammates Geno Smith and Braelon Allen, while noting they would now line up as opponents.

"jokes" Williams used to describe some of the conversations with the Jets during the week.

He said Smith and Allen were still close friends, but he planned to compete aggressively against them.

"dawgs" Williams said when referring to Smith and other current Jets players he knows.

Williams identified getting pressure on Smith as a key personal objective against New York.

"The biggest thing with him is got to get a sack on him. No. 1, he’s my boy. And then also, he’s playing from a rival team now to me," Williams said.

The linebacker also discussed facing the Jets running game, including Braelon Allen starting while Breece Hall was injured.

"Man, if he got the ball, he getting hit. I don’t care. But altering their offense, they still going to run with their run.

That’s the biggest thing about the Jets, no matter who’s back there. Whether Isaiah [Davis] is back there, too, though. They got another running back, Isaiah.

He’s real good. Also, practiced against those guys for five years. Went against them in training camp and stuff.

So, kind of got my mind set on what type of backs they are. And then also, a couple of tight ends that they got here." Williams said.

Williams said the reunion was not driven by resentment after he left New York in free agency and joined Cleveland.

"at all." Williams said when asked about hard feelings toward the Jets.

"Life happens. The biggest thing is what you do with the opportunity that you’re given," Williams said.

"I got an opportunity here at the Browns. So, now I’m going to show by the way I play and let the film speak for itself with the opportunity I’ve been given." Williams said.

Williams also used a comic-book reference while discussing his return to New York.

"And going back to Gotham City. I’m The Joker. So, it’s kind of like my home," Williams said.

He added that the emotional aspect of the matchup would not change his approach to football.

"That’s the reason why. But the biggest thing is not letting the game get bigger than the game. Of course, everybody talked to me throughout the week.

I let them know that it’s not a concern for me. It’s more just playing my game with just a little bit more passion. So, doing my job with just a little bit more passion.

Complete my assignment, making my tackles as normal with just a little bit more passion." Williams said.

Williams said he and his new teammates had fun with the storyline before the game.

"dark alley" Williams said when describing the atmosphere surrounding the matchup.

"new squad" Williams said when referring to his Browns teammates.

"dark alley game" Williams said while discussing the reunion matchup.

Williams said his focus remained on proving himself through his performance rather than making the game personal.

"middle finger" Williams said while describing what his play could represent against the Jets.

"going to ride" Williams said when discussing his support for Browns defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.