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Almost all jets have three ways of slowing down after touchdown: brakes, spoilers, and thrust reversers. Here's a great example of what the reversers look like in action on a Boeing 777.
Thrust reversers work by redirecting a portion of the airflow in a jet engine outward and forward, helping slow the jet down after touchdown. It also helps prevent the brakes from wearing down as quickly, because pilots don't need to use only brakes to slow down after touchdown.
Colin is a Boldmethod co-founder and lifelong pilot. He's been a flight instructor at the University of North Dakota, an airline pilot on the CRJ-200, and has directed the development of numerous commercial and military training systems. You can reach him at colin@boldmethod.com.