- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,194,714
- Reaction score
- 59
PORT HURON — From Big Ten campuses, to the bright lights of the NFL, football has taken Braiden McGregor to every corner of the country.
His heart, however, remains at home. Tuesday, June 23, was proof.
That morning, the New York Jets defensive end and Port Huron native returned to his alma mater, Northern High School, as co-host of a youth football camp.
"It was awesome," said McGregor, who graduated from Port Huron Northern in 2020. "Anytime I can get back and I can just be around these (coaches) and where I came from, it's an escape from what I'm doing. So, I love it, coming back — especially with the kids. I hope they'll have fun (at these camps). I had fun. I hope they had a good time."
McGregor, with the help of Northern's coaching staff, worked with local kids on the fundamentals of football for four hours.
"It was a great morning," Northern coach Brett VanDrew said. "It worked out really well … we talk about it all the time when (McGregor) comes home — it wasn't that long ago that he was one of these little guys out here running around the football field with dreams and ambitions. So, (today) was awesome."
Every participant was given a shirt and treated to pizza afterwards. McGregor covered all the logistical costs. The event was an extension of his non-profit foundation, the McGregor Foundation, which he established last year.
"I just want to give back to Port Huron," McGregor said. "Whether it's a big community night or giving back to youth sports ... that's my No. 1 goal with the foundation. But, at the same time, we're doing it with football, too — giving back to the (Northern) football program. They got me to where I am."
The 24-year-old is entering his third season with the Jets, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Michigan in 2024. On Sept. 9, 2024, McGregor became just the second Port Huron native — and the first since 1933 — to play in an NFL game.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Former PHN star Braiden McGregor relishes increased role as Michigan football chases national title
"It's a blessing," said McGregor, who recorded 15 tackles (seven solo) and one sack across 12 games in 2025. "It's still surreal sometimes. Especially my first game my rookie year. We played Monday night in San Francisco and my first snap was against Trent Williams, which is the (future) Hall-of-Fame tackle.
"There's been the starstruck moments and all that but I'm settling in now. Kind of figuring out, like, 'Okay, I belong here.' It's taken a minute. But it's been fun. It's been, definitely, a total 180 from college. So, a lot of learning experiences, a lot of growing as a man being on my own. But it's been fun."
Perhaps no one had more fun Tuesday than McGregor, who was smiling, laughing and sharing his own experiences with the next generation.
"Being able to give wisdom (is important to me)," McGregor said. "There's a couple of (defensive) lineman out here that are going into high school that are asking me questions ... that's my big thing is just to give these guys confidence.
"It's just (about) being real. Just be a real person with them and show them that, just because I'm in the NFL, I'm still from Port Huron and (I'm going to) come back as much as I can."
Throughout the morning, McGregor also made time to catch up with former coaches.
"It means a great deal to us," VanDrew said. "He's so busy in his professional life. But every time we connect or talk, he's always asking about the program, Northern, the community … we're happy that he was able to come home and be a part of this."
Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @BrendenWelper.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: NFL edge Braiden McGregor passionate about 'giving back' to hometown
Continue reading...
His heart, however, remains at home. Tuesday, June 23, was proof.
That morning, the New York Jets defensive end and Port Huron native returned to his alma mater, Northern High School, as co-host of a youth football camp.
"It was awesome," said McGregor, who graduated from Port Huron Northern in 2020. "Anytime I can get back and I can just be around these (coaches) and where I came from, it's an escape from what I'm doing. So, I love it, coming back — especially with the kids. I hope they'll have fun (at these camps). I had fun. I hope they had a good time."
McGregor, with the help of Northern's coaching staff, worked with local kids on the fundamentals of football for four hours.
"It was a great morning," Northern coach Brett VanDrew said. "It worked out really well … we talk about it all the time when (McGregor) comes home — it wasn't that long ago that he was one of these little guys out here running around the football field with dreams and ambitions. So, (today) was awesome."
Every participant was given a shirt and treated to pizza afterwards. McGregor covered all the logistical costs. The event was an extension of his non-profit foundation, the McGregor Foundation, which he established last year.
You must be registered for see images attach
"I just want to give back to Port Huron," McGregor said. "Whether it's a big community night or giving back to youth sports ... that's my No. 1 goal with the foundation. But, at the same time, we're doing it with football, too — giving back to the (Northern) football program. They got me to where I am."
The 24-year-old is entering his third season with the Jets, who signed him as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Michigan in 2024. On Sept. 9, 2024, McGregor became just the second Port Huron native — and the first since 1933 — to play in an NFL game.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Former PHN star Braiden McGregor relishes increased role as Michigan football chases national title
"It's a blessing," said McGregor, who recorded 15 tackles (seven solo) and one sack across 12 games in 2025. "It's still surreal sometimes. Especially my first game my rookie year. We played Monday night in San Francisco and my first snap was against Trent Williams, which is the (future) Hall-of-Fame tackle.
"There's been the starstruck moments and all that but I'm settling in now. Kind of figuring out, like, 'Okay, I belong here.' It's taken a minute. But it's been fun. It's been, definitely, a total 180 from college. So, a lot of learning experiences, a lot of growing as a man being on my own. But it's been fun."
Perhaps no one had more fun Tuesday than McGregor, who was smiling, laughing and sharing his own experiences with the next generation.
"Being able to give wisdom (is important to me)," McGregor said. "There's a couple of (defensive) lineman out here that are going into high school that are asking me questions ... that's my big thing is just to give these guys confidence.
"It's just (about) being real. Just be a real person with them and show them that, just because I'm in the NFL, I'm still from Port Huron and (I'm going to) come back as much as I can."
Throughout the morning, McGregor also made time to catch up with former coaches.
"It means a great deal to us," VanDrew said. "He's so busy in his professional life. But every time we connect or talk, he's always asking about the program, Northern, the community … we're happy that he was able to come home and be a part of this."
You must be registered for see images
Contact Brenden Welper at [email protected]. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @BrendenWelper.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: NFL edge Braiden McGregor passionate about 'giving back' to hometown
Continue reading...
