Jason Brown (American football)

Jason W. Brown (born May 5, 1983 in Henderson, North Carolina) is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina.

Early years
Brown attended Northern Vance High School in Henderson, North Carolina, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He was a standout not only in football but also in track and field. He holds four state championships; three in discus and one for shot put.

College career
Brown did not miss a game during his career at North Carolina. He was named First-team All-ACC in 2004. Brown first saw action in his freshman year at right tackle against Florida State. Brown started his career at Carolina as a tackle then guard. Out of necessity he was later moved to center where he played the remaining three years of his college career.

2005 NFL Draft
Along with Chris Spencer, Brown was considered one of the best centers available in the 2005 NFL Draft. He was projected a mid third round pick, and was eventually selected in the fourth round (124th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens
Jason Brown started all 16 games at guard in the 2007 season after spending 2005 and 2006 as a backup to Ravens starter Mike Flynn. He later started all 16 games in the 2008 season as center. He was considered to be one of the best offensive lineman coming into Free Agency the following season.

St. Louis Rams
Brown visited the Rams in the first day of free agency February 27, 2009. The next day he agreed to a five-year deal worth $37.5 million, including with $20 million guaranteed. The deal would make Brown the highest paid center in the NFL. He was expected to be the St.Louis Rams starting center. However, on March 10, it was reported that the contract has been disapproved by the league and the two sides were working to correct the issue. The deal was finally approved by the NFL on March 12.

On March 12, 2012, he was released by the Rams.