After playing six seasons in Atlanta and nine in MLS, Brooks Lennon put together a list of teams he thought were good fits to continue his career.
deal
The Crew sat right at the top with their immaculate training facility, an energetic stadium, passionate fans and a playing style that caught Lennon’s attention. His decision to sign June 9 became an easy one when the Crew extended a one-year deal plus two club options.
“When I knew my time with Atlanta was coming to an end, I put [together] a list of teams that I would like to see myself go to, and that I could see myself contributing to most," Lennon said Aug. 3. "Columbus was at the top of that list.”
Lennon, 28, made his Crew debut Aug. 1 with a late appearance subbing for Jamal Thiaré at Nu Stadium in Miami to help secure a 2-2 draw against Lionel Messi and the reigning MLS champions.
Not a bad way to start.
“Mostly I was very impressed how the team came back twice after going a goal down,” Lennon said. “That shows the spirit and the fight in this team, and that’s very important to have in these MLS games, especially coming down the stretch and where we are in the [standings] … fighting for a playoff position.”
The newest additions are already getting after it 😤
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 2, 2026
3️⃣ debuts last night in Miami for Brais Méndez, Lautaro Giaccone, and Brooks Lennon ✨ pic.twitter.com/4iLFYnMQ8Y
Lennon played just four minutes in Miami, entering the game shortly after fellow newcomer Brais Mendez scored an equalizer in the 84th minute, but his role could widen going into the start of Leagues Cup play Aug. 4 against Atlas FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Once his conditioning fully returns after a nagging groin injury that delayed his Crew debut, Lennon can fill a key role at wing back for interim coach Laurent Courtois.
“Laurent has a very specific style of play that he wants to implement,” Lennon said, “and ever since I’ve arrived, not only in training but in every aspect of the game, I see that style being implemented by the guys on the field. That’s very good to see, because it’s a clear message to the players on the [field] that everyone knows where everyone’s supposed to be, and you can rely on each other.”
The Crew can rely on Lennon’s energy whenever he’s called upon. His speed be game-changing, flipping the field with runs up the wing to either create a goal or shift momentum.
“I think I’m a spark plug type of player,” Lennon said. “I think my attributes are a little bit different than some of the other guys on the roster, and I think that’s why they brought me in here. … I pose a threat with runs in behind [defenders] and my delivery [of crosses] in the box, so hopefully the fans and everyone can see that spark.”
Atlanta United saw it for the past six years.
Lennon scored nine goals, tallied 36 assists and started 153 of 171 appearances for AUFC, which qualified for the MLS playoffs in 2021, 2023 and 2024. His departure from Atlanta began with a shoulder dislocation in the 2024 playoffs that required surgery, which delayed his start to 2025-26 and preceded the club’s decision to not pick up his contract option.
Free to choose his next MLS destination, Lennon eyed Columbus.
“Just the style of play that the Crew and coach want to play [were appealing] with high wing backs,” he said. "
Dispatch Blue Jackets/Crew reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Can Brooks Lennon give Columbus Crew a spark?
