No. 38, 31 | |||||||||
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Position: | Safety | ||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||
Born: | Maywood, Illinois, U.S. | May 22, 1988||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
Weight: | 207 lb (94 kg) | ||||||||
Career information | |||||||||
High school: | Maywood (IL) Proviso East | ||||||||
College: | Notre Dame | ||||||||
Undrafted: | 2010 | ||||||||
Career history | |||||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR |
Sergio Brown (born May 22, 1988) is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL Draft. He was also a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills.
Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, where he played as a wide receiver and defensive end. Following high school, he chose to play college football for the University of Notre Dame after receiving scholarship offers from several major Division I programs. In his freshman and sophomore seasons for the Fighting Irish, he was a reserve free safety and gunner on the special teams unit. As a junior in 2008, Brown rose to a starting position, participating in 13 games including a victory against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl. In 2009, he recorded 37 solo tackles and led the FBS Independent conference in forced fumbles with two. After going undrafted in the following year's draft, Brown signed with the Patriots on April 29, 2010.
In September 2023, Brown became a subject of a manhunt after a missing persons report for him was filed following the death of his mother, Myrtle Simmons-Brown. On October 10, 2023, he was arrested in San Diego on charges of first-degree murder.
Early life
Sergio Brown was born on May 22, 1988 in Maywood, Illinois[a] to Myrtle Simmons and Mario Brown.[1][2][3] His father was the first African-American basketball player at Texas A&M.[3][4] His older brother, Nick, was a USA Junior National Champion in track and field and competed at the University of Illinois.[5]
Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, where he starred in football, basketball, and track and field.[6] He played wide receiver, safety, quarterback, placekicker, and punter for Proviso alongside future professional basketball player Brian Carlwell.[7][8] As a senior, he recorded eight touchdowns as a receiver, five interceptions for touchdown returns as a safety, and was named a Second Team All-State defensive pick by the Chicago Tribune.[9][10]
Brown was also a standout track and field athlete. In his senior year, he was a state qualifier in the long jump, achieving a career-best leap of 21 feet, 9 inches and recorded a 4.38 second 40-yard dash.[9][11]
Brown did not initially attract much attention from recruiters; by the end of May 2005, he had not received a scholarship offer. However, following an impressive performance at a Nike combine in Michigan, Brown received offers from several Division I football programs, including Notre Dame, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Purdue.[12][13] He was evaluated as a three-star recruit and ranked 32nd nationally at his position by Rivals.com, while 247Sports ranked him as the 31st best safety recruit in the nation.[13][14] On September 27, 2005, Brown committed to Notre Dame.[13]
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sergio Brown Safety |
Maywood, Illinois | Proviso East High School | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 184 lb (83 kg) | 4.38 | Sep 27, 2005 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: Rivals: 32 (S), 9 (Illinois) 247Sports: 31 (S), 7 (Illinois) ESPN: 46 (S) | ||||||
Sources:
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College career
Freshman season (2006)
As a true freshman at Notre Dame, Brown played in eleven of twelve games as a substitute free safety and gunner.[15] For the 2006 season, he recorded a total of three solo tackles and one assisted tackle over three games against Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Air Force.[16]
Sophomore season (2007)
As a sophomore, Brown remained a substitute, playing in nine games as the team finished with a record low 3-9 win–loss record.[17] He recorded four solo tackles and three assisted tackles for a total of seven over six games against Georgia Tech, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Boston College, and USC.[18]
Junior season (2008)
Brown was promoted to starting nickel back safety in his junior season, and played in all twelve regular season games. In his first career start against San Diego State, Brown made a season-high six total tackles and deflected two passes in a 21-13 victory.[19] The Fighting Irish improved their record from the previous year, finishing with a balanced 6-6 record. This performance secured them an invitation to play in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl, where they achieved a decisive 49-21 victory over the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. During the game, Brown contributed with six individual tackles, one pass deflection, and a blocked punt.[20]
Over thirteen games, Brown logged 21 solo and seven assisted tackles for a total of 28 tackles, averaging over 2 tackles per game.[21][22] He led the FBS Independent conference in pass deflections, with six total for the 2008 season.[15]
Senior season (2009)
In his last season at Notre Dame, Brown had a standout season, starting in all twelve games as a member of the team's leadership committee.[23] In a November 7 game against the Navy Midshipmen, Brown achieved a career-high of 9 total tackles.[24] He ended his senior season with a total of 49 combined tackles, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles, leading the FBS Independent conference in forced fumbles and achieving a 10th place ranking in solo tackles with a total of 37.[15]
Professional career
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 ft 0+5⁄8 in (1.84 m) |
210 lb (95 kg) |
31+1⁄2 in (0.80 m) |
10+1⁄4 in (0.26 m) |
4.49 s | 1.56 s | 2.56 s | 4.10 s | 6.58 s | 35.0 in (0.89 m) |
10 ft 3 in (3.12 m) |
15 reps | |
All values from Pro Day[25][26] |
New England Patriots
After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, Brown signed with the New England Patriots on April 29, 2010. He was waived during final cuts on September 4, 2010, and re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day. After spending the first six weeks of the season on the practice squad, Brown was promoted to the 53-man roster on October 23. He made his NFL debut the next day against the San Diego Chargers, recording four tackles in the game. In total, Brown played in 11 games for the Patriots in 2010, all as a reserve. He finished the season with 11 tackles.
With the release of Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders during the offseason, Brown became the starting strong safety for the season opener. In his first game, he recorded 6 tackles. Brown recorded his first career interception against the Chargers in the second game of the season.
Sergio Brown was waived[27] by the Patriots on August 31, 2012, during final cuts before the beginning of the 2012 NFL season.
Indianapolis Colts
Brown signed with the Indianapolis Colts on September 1, 2012.[27]
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brown signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 11, 2015.[28]
On April 18, 2016, the Jaguars released Brown.[29]
Atlanta Falcons
On August 20, 2016, Brown was signed by the Falcons.[30] On August 27, 2016, Brown was waived by the Falcons.[31]
Buffalo Bills
On November 2, 2016, Brown was signed by the Buffalo Bills.[32]
Legal issues
In September 2023, Maywood, Illinois police issued a missing persons report for Brown after they found his mother dead near a creek behind her home. The Cook County Medical Examiner's determined she died from injuries related to an assault, ruling the manner of death as a homicide.[33][34][35][36][37][38] In October 2023, Brown was deported from Mexico following a scuffle with Mexican police[39] and taken into custody in California pursuant to an arrest warrant for first-degree murder issued in Illinois.[40][41][42] Before his arrest, Brown had published messages on Twitter calling his mother's death "Fake news. For tabloids."[43] As of October 11, 2023, Brown was in the custody of the San Diego Sheriff's office, with a court hearing scheduled November 13, 2023 to adjudicate his extradition to Illinois.[41] Prosecutors allege he was using his mother's credit card in Mexico in the days following her death.[44][45] On October 25, 2023 Illinois Circuit Court Judge Teresa Gonzalez ordered Brown to be held without bond on charges related to killing his mother and hiding her body, saying he’s a flight risk and poses a threat to the community.[46] On December 6, 2023 Brown pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in his mother's death, and his next court date was scheduled for January 24, 2024.[47]
Notes
- ^ ESPN lists Brown's birthplace as Oak Park, Illinois.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Sergio Brown". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ a b "First African American to play basketball at A&M dies of cancer". The Bryan-College Station Eagle. October 10, 2002. Archived from the original on December 30, 2006. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ Keefer, Zak (October 6, 2014). "Colts' Sergio Brown delivers on anniversary of his father's death". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- ^ Murray, Troy (December 5, 2006). "Illini track star Nick Brown perseveres amid tragedies". DailyIllini.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ Hansen, Eric (April 6, 2007). "Irish". The South Bend Tribune. p. C5. Retrieved January 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hansen, Eric (April 6, 2007). "Wade, Brown working toward roles". The South Bend Tribune. p. C1. Retrieved January 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Vanderberg, Brad (October 5, 2005). "Pirates deliver knockout punch to Morton". The Life. p. 38. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Wieneke, Bob (October 2, 2005). "Brown runs in to ND plans". The South Bend Tribune. pp. SS4. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "The 2005 Tribune All-state football team". Chicago Tribune. June 21, 2011. Archived from the original on April 7, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sports - High School". Chicago Tribune. May 21, 2005. pp. 3–8. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ Sakamoto, Bob (August 26, 2005). "College choice all business for Deerfield QB". Chicago Tribune. pp. 8–6. Retrieved January 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Sergio Brown, 2006 Safety, Notre Dame". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown, Proviso East, Safety". 247Sports. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Sergio Brown College Stats". sports-reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Air Force 41, Notre Dame 24 – Fighting Irish suffer school-record ninth loss this season". ESPN. November 11, 2007. Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "San Diego State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 6, 2008". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Notre Dame 49-21 Hawai'i (Dec 24, 2008) Play-by-Play". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Alec (November 14, 2014). "Colts Safety Sergio Brown Makes Most of Opportunity". Indianapolis Monthly. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2008". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Vitovitch, Frank (August 16, 2009). "2009 Notre Dame Captains - Notre Dame Football | UHND.com". www.uhnd.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "Sergio Brown College Gamelog". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ "2010 Draft Scout Sergio Brown, Notre Dame NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ "Sergio Brown RAS". ras.football. January 20, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ a b "Indianapolis Colts: Sergio Brown". Retrieved March 17, 2017.
- ^ Oehser, John. "'15 free agency: Thomas, Odrick, Parnell, Skuta, House, Brown finalize deals". Jaguars.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- ^ "S Sergio Brown released". www.jaguars.com.
- ^ "Falcons sign K Graham, S Brown; waive K Rose". AtlantaFalcons.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2017.
- ^ "Falcons Trim Roster to 75 Players". AtlantaFalcons.com. August 27, 2016.
- ^ "Bills sign S Sergio Brown". BuffaloBills.com. November 2, 2016.
- ^ Sergio Brown, Ex-N.F.L. Player, Taken Into Custody in Mother’s Death New York Times, Johnny Diaz and Victor Mather, October 11, 2023
- ^ Search for former NFL player continues after mother found dead; cause of death released DARIUS JOHNSON, CBS CHICAGO, September 17, 2023
- ^ Former NFL player Sergio Brown missing and mother's death ruled a homicide, Maywood police say Rebecca Johnson and Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, September 17, 2023
- ^ Former Colts player Sergio Brown missing after mother's murder wthr.com September 17, 2023
- ^ Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown missing, mother found dead in Illinois creek, officials say Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, September 17, 2023
- ^ Gaydos, Ryan (September 20, 2023). "Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown appears to post another rambling video, police probe authenticity of clips". Fox News. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ "Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown scuffles with Mexican officers on plane". CBS8. October 12, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ Wendling, Mike (October 12, 2023). "Sergio Brown: Ex-NFL player charged with his mother's murder". BBC News. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Campbell, Josh; Levenson, Eric (October 11, 2023). "Former NFL player Sergio Brown taken into custody in connection with his mother's death, source says". CNN. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
- ^ Fisher, Mike (October 11, 2023). "Buffalo Bills Ex Sergio Brown in Custody for Mother's Murder". Sports Illustrated.
- ^ Rissman, Kelly. "Ex-NFL star Sergio Brown, missing since murder of his mother, sends bizarre tweet about Mexican cartels". The Independent.
- ^ Ex-NFL player Sergio Brown's DNA appears linked to the homicide of his mom, prosecutors say Associated Press, December 7, 2023
- ^ EX-NFL PLAYER SERGIO BROWN TO ENTER PLEA TO CHARGES OF MOTHER'S MAYWOOD MURDER ABC7 Chicago, December 6, 2023
- ^ Former NFL player Sergio Brown, accused of killing his mother and hiding her body, remanded without bail, judge rules Whitney Wild, Bill Kirkos and Emma Tucker, CNN, October 25, 2023
- ^ Sergio Brown pleads not guilty in mother's murder FOX 32 Chicago, December 6, 2023