WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Neighborhood hero. Prince of Indy.

Those are just a couple of the nicknames the Indianapolis Colts have given cornerback JuJu Brents. The Indianapolis native and former Warren Central standout is embracing the hometown hero role both on and off the field.

On the field, Brents returns to the Colts for his third season in the NFL, healthy and ready to prove himself after missing most of his sophomore season with a knee injury.

Brents tore his MCL and meniscus in last year’s season opener against the Houston Texans. After spending most of the year on the injured reserve list, Brents was able to play in the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now, he’s back at camp competing for a starting spot on his hometown team.

“I’m just appreciative and blessed to be able to be back out here with the guys and be able to compete,” Brents said.

Brents is in a tough cornerback competition with Jaylon Jones and this year’s third round draft pick Justin Walley. All the players welcome the competition, knowing it will make them all better at their craft.

“I think if you’re a competitor, you love this kind of competition,” Brents said. “I think for me, it’s just a challenge every single day. But it makes us better though. It’s good competition, and it’s healthy. Essentially we just look at it like we’re all helping each other by competing every single day.”

Head coach Shane Steichen said Brents’ biggest goal will be staying healthy. But so far, so good for Indy’s hometown favorite.

“He’s been good so far,” Steichen said. “Obviously learning a new defense, taking that in stride. He’s made some good plays out there. We need to continue that.”

Brents’ Colts teammates are also glad to have their “Neighborhood Hero” back in action.

“It’s cool having JuJu back on the field. Such a great guy, such a great pro. He’s a pro’s pro. And I like the way he approaches the game,” veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II said. “I can’t wait to see the ceiling that he reaches in the league. I can’t wait to see the ceiling that he reaches being an Indianapolis Colt. I’ve got a lot of confidence and excitement just to see all the plays that he’s going to be able to make over the course of his career.”

“I’m sure everybody can see it, man,” Jones said. “Just that aggressive mentality and just being a good brother, man. He comes in and he helps people and he’s just a good guy.”

The offseason wasn’t all about getting stronger and healthier for Brents. It was also about giving back to the city of Indianapolis. Brents helped more than 1,000 kids get ready for the start of school with a backpack giveaway and free haircuts at his church New Beginnings on 21st Street.

Being a fixture in the community is a top priority for Brents.

“I just remember being that little kid just going up and seeing guys in the NFL or whatever professional sport it may be, just knowing, telling myself as a kid, ‘I’m going to be that guy one day.’ Like when I do get in that position, I want to be able to give back,” Brents said. “So, me being local, being in Indy, what better way to be able to give back to the community.”

Brents hopes to give the Indy community plenty to cheer about on the field this season, as well.

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