Former Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson’s professional career is off to a hot start. Playing in his first NFL game, Emerson intercepted a pass and took it all the way back for a touchdown.

Emerson’s Cleveland Browns were in Jacksonville on Friday night for their first preseason game of 2022. Late in the second quarter, Emerson picked off Jaguars QB CJ Beathard. Emerson got the better of former Southern Miss wideout Tim Jones on the play.

Emerson was with the Bulldogs for 3 seasons (2019-21), starting 28 games. In 2021, Emerson had a coverage grade of 89.6, the highest by an SEC cornerback. He finished his MSU career with 154 tackles (6 TFL), 16 passes defended, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble.

Emerson was selected by the Browns with the No. 68 overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.