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Ahmad Gardner already has the nickname “Sauce,” but Kwon Alexander has brought his own swagger and energy to Jets training camp.

Alexander donned a gotham green visor at practice on Wednesday, just two weeks after Gang Green signed the veteran linebacker to a one-year deal. Despite his late start, the 2017 Pro-Bowler still has sky-high expectations for himself this upcoming season.

“Pro Bowl is cool, but I’m trying to be All-Pro,” Alexander said. “[I’m] trying to change my whole game, you know, put it all together this year.”

It was hard to miss Alexander at practice — and hard not to hear him, for that matter. When he wasn’t taking reps, predominantly with the first-string players, the 28-year-old could be seen dancing on the sideline, hyping up his teammates and administering high fives to just about anyone he could get his hands on.

“I just like getting guys going,” Alexander said after the practice. “Our job is hard. I just want guys to go out there and have fun and feel like they’re a kid again.”


  Kwon Alexander Noah K. Murray Kwon Alexander Noah K. Murray

Though the newest addition to the Jets’ linebacker room, Alexander has already cemented himself as one of the leaders of the group. He has created a unique handshake with each fellow linebacker on the roster and additionally has taken Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen — both 2021 draft picks who are being converted to linebacker after playing safety in college — under his wing.

“That’s a different position, coming from safety to linebacker, so after practice and stuff like that we’re working on different things to get their eyes right and movement,” Alexander said of the pair. “They’re coming along well, they’ve been working and grinding.”


  Kwon Alexander Bill Kostroun Kwon Alexander Bill Kostroun

Alexander currently sits behind Marcell Harris for the starting weakside linebacker role on the Jets’ unofficial depth chart, though he could easily attain the starting spot with strong preseason play. In 12 games for the Saints last year — eight of which he started — Alexander had 50 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

While the battle for the final starting linebacker spot alongside C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams remains heavily contested, it doesn’t seem that way judging by Alexander’s supportive demeanor. Moments after Nasirildeen broke up a pass thrown by Joe Flacco, Alexander was the first to rush over and hug his teammate.

“When guys make good plays you go out there and celebrate, that’s a big thing about our room,” Alexander said. “Make sure the big plays are seen.”

For now, Alexander is just happy to once again be playing the sport he loves.

“It’s gonna be a fun year,” he said, “and we’re going to be out there having a lot of fun.”

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