Brown was born in Charleston, South Carolina.[3] Growing up in Alvin, South Carolina, he attended Macedonia High School and was a high school All-American linebacker his senior year. He also contributed on offense by playing tight end. Brown earned Gatorade Player-of-the-Year accolades in his senior year. He played in the Shrine Bowl. Brown was also an accomplished basketball star, playing in the North/South All-Star game. Throughout his high school career, he maintained a 4.0 grade point average.
He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in integrative arts in 2000.
Professional career[]
Pre-draft[]
At the Penn State Pro Day, Brown measured 6'4⅞", 271 pounds, ran a 4.52 seconds forty-yard dash, had a vertical leap of 37" and bench-pressed 225 pounds 26 times.[5]
Cleveland Browns[]
Brown was drafted by the Browns first overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, making him the eleventh defensive lineman to be taken first overall in the 70-plus year history of the NFL Draft.[6]
Brown had a productive rookie season, recording 69 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. His second season was cut short due to injury, but Brown recorded 4.5 sacks in 5 games. Brown had problems staying healthy for the rest of his career, and struggled on the field. From 2002-2004, Brown only played in 26 games and recorded just 8 sacks. He finished his professional football career with the Broncos in 2005.
↑2011 NCAA Football Records Book, Award Winners, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, p. 11 (2011). Retrieved June 25, 2012.
↑King, Peter. (04-17-2000). Mum's His Word Sports Illustrated.com. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
