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The University of Mississippi Athletics
We Are Family
9/4/2006 | Football
By Robert Reece
Athletics Media Relations
Family is a traditional American value and is often associated with football. Fathers bring their sons to games, husbands bring their wives, and uncles bring their nephews. But, when we think of football players, family isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind. For senior defensive back Bryan Brown, family, both on the field and off the field, comes first.
Brown grew up in a very close family and was taught by his grandparents that families depend on each other for survival.
"I've grown up to be a family guy," Brown said. "My family is very tight knit. If you take one of us out, you are going to have to take all of us out. Growing up, my grandpa and grandma always taught me that you have to stick together as a family. You have to do that in order to survive in life. That has helped me in football during the five years I have been here."
His brother's children are often at Ole Miss home games, and they love to see "Uncle B" in action on the field. They also enjoy seeing him on the NCAA football game. With this being his last season to suit up for the Rebels, Brown is hoping to give his family plenty to cheer about on the sidelines as he battles for more playing time.
"My youngest two nephews come to a lot of the games," Brown said. "They love to see me out on the field. They like to buy the NCAA game just to see me on it."
In football you have preseason camp, the regular season and then off-season workouts. With all that, Brown spends most of his time around the team and coaches. Much the way his off-the-field family has stuck together throughout his life, Brown's on-the-field family has teamed together to form a much-improved defense.
Brown saw action in all 11 games in 2005 and helped the Rebels finish the season 14th in the nation in pass defense, 27th in total defense and 31st in scoring defense. He posted a career-high six tackles, including five solo in a start at Tennessee.
In the 2004 meeting with Tennessee, Brown recorded his first career interception and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown to give the Rebels a 17-14 lead with 11:01 remaining in the game.
Brown played in all 13 games in 2003, drawing two starts, as the Rebels posted a 10-3 record, including claiming a share of the SEC Western Division and winning the 2004 SBC Cotton Bowl.
When he does have time away from football and school, Brown enjoys spending it with his brother's children.
He takes up a lot of time with his two nieces and four nephews, who keep him grounded and help him to remember that family is important and that there is life outside of football. Brown often plays basketball and football with his nephews and video games, which Brown admits he's not very good at. Brown also gives advice on the rigors of college football to his oldest nephew, 18-year old Desmond.
Brown would like to finish his career the way he started it, by helping his football family post a winning season and go bowling. But, no matter what happens, he'll always feel a sense of family when he hears his nieces and nephews yelling "Uncle B" from the stands.
