Jets’ Mory Bamba Creates ‘Bamba Island’ in Preseason Dominance
From Track Star to "Bamba Island": The Mory Bamba Story
Meet the Jets’ Newest Preseason Sensation
Imagine this: You’re a kid who loves running track. You never played big-time college football. You bounce around different schools. Nobody picks you in the NFL Draft. Then—boom—you show up in a preseason game and play like a superstar.
That’s Mory Bamba‘s story.
After the New York Jets’ preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t talk about "Revis Island" (the famous nickname for legendary Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis). Instead, he coined a new term:
"Bamba Island."
What Happened in the Game?
Bamba, wearing number 38, absolutely stole the show. Here’s the stat line that turned heads:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Pass Breakups | 4 |
| Total Tackles | 5 |
| Times Targeted | 9 |
| Receptions Allowed | 3 |
The Play of the Night
On one play, a Buccaneers receiver (Ted Hurst III) looked destined to score a touchdown in the end zone. Bamba recovered at the last second and knocked the ball away. Pure speed. Pure instinct.
The Coach’s Take
"I think some of the young [defensive backs] actually showed up, and he’s the one that really stands out. It’s not just what he did on defense; he did some good plays on special teams too. There were a couple of mistakes he had, too, and I gotta make sure I say that. But for the most part, I thought he showed out tonight."
— Aaron Glenn, Jets Head Coach
[!IMPORTANT]
Key Takeaway from Coach Glenn:
- Standout performance on defense
- Contributed on special teams (crucial for roster spots)
- Made a couple mistakes (honest coaching)
- Overall: "Showed out"
A Teammate’s Prediction
Veteran cornerback Brandon Stephens revealed he knew this was coming:
"Before the game I told him, ‘You’re gonna have a hell of a game.’ And he went out there and did it. … He definitely played his heart out, and it was encouraging to see. We were all happy for him, hyping him up when he came to the sideline."
The Unconventional Journey
Bamba’s path to the NFL is anything but normal. Let’s break it down:
Step-by-Step: The Winding Road
- 2019 — Starts college at Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Division III)… running track & field, not football
- 2020 — Transfers to ASA College (Miami) to start playing football at the JUCO level → Season canceled due to pandemic
- 2021 — Plays first real football season at ASA College
- Spring 2022 — Transfers to Tyler Junior College for one semester
- Fall 2022 — Finally lands at BYU (Division I!)
- 2022–2025 — Spends four years at BYU, but never a true starter
- Senior year: 23 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 starts
- 2026 — Goes undrafted, signs with the New York Jets as a free agent
[!NOTE]
Why is this unusual?
Most NFL players: High school star → Big college program → Drafted early.
Bamba: Track athlete → JUCO → JUCO → Division I backup → Undrafted → NFL shot.
The "Wow" Numbers That Got Him Noticed
Despite limited college production, Bamba’s athletic testing at BYU’s Pro Day made scouts perk up:
| Test | Bamba’s Result | NFL Context |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.27 seconds | Would’ve tied for 2nd fastest at NFL Combine |
| Broad Jump | 11 feet, 1 inch | Would’ve been 2nd best among cornerbacks at Combine |
Pro Day times are often slightly faster than official Combine times, but still—that’s elite speed.
Why Speed Matters for His Roster Chances
Bamba is listed at 6-foot-2—that’s tall for a cornerback. Combine that height with 4.27 speed, and you have a rare athletic profile.
But here’s the reality: He’s fighting for a roster spot as an undrafted rookie. His best path?
Special Teams → The "Secret" Way to Make the Team
- Gunner on punt coverage (speed + size = nightmare for returners)
- Kickoff coverage (fly downfield, make tackles)
- Punt return blocker (use that height and jump)
"Obviously, when you see a 4.2, it draws attention. Also with the broad jump. It was just a good way to showcase my athleticism. I knew it would probably at least get me in the door."
— Mory Bamba
Bamba’s Mindset: Faith & Process
"It’s been kind of unpredictable. I just keep my faith in God. Track was something that I really love, but also I knew what I was capable of doing as a football player. I gave that a shot in 2021, and so far I’ve just been trusting the process. The potential was always there, for sure. It was just a matter of getting out there and putting it against a pretty good team."
Summary: Where Things Stand
| What’s Going For Him | What He Must Prove |
|---|---|
| Elite speed (4.27 forty) | Consistency over full season |
| Ideal size (6’2") | Technique & discipline |
| Special teams value | Fewer "rookie mistakes" |
| Coach & teammate trust | Beat out other bubble players |
| One electric preseason game | Do it again… and again |
Bottom line: Bamba’s in the door. Now he has to stay inside.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Who is Mory Bamba?
A: An undrafted free agent cornerback for the New York Jets who had a breakout preseason game with 4 pass breakups and 5 tackles against the Buccaneers.
Q: Why is it called "Bamba Island"?
A: It’s a play on "Revis Island" (Darrelle Revis’s nickname). Coach Aaron Glenn coined it after Bamba shut down his side of the field in the preseason game.
Q: Did he get drafted?
A: No. He went undrafted in 2026 but signed with the Jets as a free agent shortly after.
Q: What’s his background before the NFL?
A: He started as a track athlete at Division III Wisconsin-Oshkosh, then played JUCO football at ASA College and Tyler Junior College, then spent four years at BYU (Division I) but was never a full-time starter.
Q: What are his chances of making the final 53-man roster?
A: It’s an uphill battle for any undrafted rookie, but his elite speed, size, special teams ability, and strong preseason debut give him a real shot—especially if he keeps stacking good days.
Final Thought
From a Division III track meet to "Bamba Island" at MetLife Stadium.
One preseason game doesn’t make a career. But it does make people pay attention. And for a kid who "just kept trusting the process"—that’s the first step toward making the dream stick.
Keep an eye on #38. This story might just be getting started.