Sergio Brown
{{Short description|American football player (born 1988)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Sergio Brown
| image = Sergio Brown.JPG
| caption = Brown in 2011 with the New England Patriots
| number = 31, 38
| position = Safety
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|5|22|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Maywood, Illinois, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 207
| high_school = Proviso East (Maywood)
| college = Notre Dame
| undraftedyear = 2010
| pastteams =
- New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2011}})
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2014}})
- Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2015}})
- Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2016}})*
- Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2016}})
| status =
| highlights =
| statweek =
| statseason =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 144
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 2.5
| statlabel3 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue3 = 4
| statlabel4 = Pass deflections
| statvalue4 = 10
| statlabel5 = Interceptions
| statvalue5 = 1
| pfr = B/BrowSe00
}}
Sergio Brown (born May 22, 1988) is an American former professional football player who was a safety 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 after 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. Brown was a reserve for his first two seasons before being named a starter in his junior year, where he appeared in 13 games including a victory against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the 2008 Hawaii Bowl. In his senior season, he led all FBS Independent schools in forced fumbles. After going undrafted in the following year's draft, Brown signed with the Patriots in April 2010. He last played professional football in the 2016 NFL season.
In September 2023, Brown was reported missing after his mother was found dead outside of her home; he was later located in Mexico. During the period of his disappearance, Brown posted several cryptic messages on social media. In October 2023, Brown was apprehended by Mexican authorities. He was later extradited to the United States and arrested on charges of first-degree murder and concealing a homicide.
Early life
Sergio Brown was born on May 22, 1988, in Maywood, Illinois{{Efn|ESPN lists Brown's birthplace as Oak Park, Illinois.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/13541/sergio-brown |website=ESPN |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102063258/https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/13541/sergio-brown |archive-date=November 2, 2018}}|name=Birthplace discrepancy}} to Myrtle Simmons and Mario Brown.{{Cite web |title=Sergio Brown Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012171031/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00.htm |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference}}{{cite web|title=First African American to play basketball at A&M dies of cancer |work=The Bryan-College Station Eagle |date=October 10, 2002 |url=http://www.theeagle.com/aandmnews/101002basketball.htm |accessdate=January 26, 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061230231449/http://www.theeagle.com/aandmnews/101002basketball.htm |archivedate=December 30, 2006 |url-status=dead }} His father was the first African-American basketball player at Texas A&M.{{cite web |url=https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/10/06/12-years-to-the-day-sergio-brown-delivers-for-colts/16829631/ |title=Colts' Sergio Brown delivers on anniversary of his father's death |first=Zak |last=Keefer |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=October 6, 2014 |accessdate=April 3, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331212928/https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/10/06/12-years-to-the-day-sergio-brown-delivers-for-colts/16829631/ |archive-date=March 31, 2022}} His older brother, Nick, was a USA Junior National Champion in track and field and competed at the University of Illinois.
{{cite web|last=Murray|first=Troy|title=Illini track star Nick Brown perseveres amid tragedies|publisher=The Daily Illini|date=December 5, 2006|url=http://media.www.dailyillini.com/media/storage/paper736/news/2006/12/05/Sports/Illini.Track.Star.Nick.Brown.Perseveres.Amid.Tragedies-2522019.shtml |accessdate=January 26, 2024|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214242/http://media.www.dailyillini.com/media/storage/paper736/news/2006/12/05/Sports/Illini.Track.Star.Nick.Brown.Perseveres.Amid.Tragedies-2522019.shtml|archivedate=September 27, 2007}}
Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, where he starred in football, basketball, and track and field.{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Hansen |first1=Eric |page=C5 |title=Irish |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-irish/139614823/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |date=April 6, 2007 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127030218/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-irish/139614823/ |url-status=live }} He played wide receiver, safety, quarterback, placekicker, and punter for Proviso alongside future professional basketball player Brian Carlwell.{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Hansen |first1=Eric |title=Wade, Brown working toward roles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-wade-brown-worki/139609728/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |date=6 April 2007 |page=C1 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127030216/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-wade-brown-worki/139609728/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Vanderberg |first1=Brad |title=Pirates deliver knockout punch to Morton |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-life-pirates-deliver-knockout-punch/139628565/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The Life |date=5 October 2005 |pages=38 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127030215/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-life-pirates-deliver-knockout-punch/139628565/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{cite news |last1=Wieneke |first1=Bob |title=Brown runs in to ND plans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-brown-runs-in-to/139633545/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |date=2 October 2005 |pages=SS4 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127030220/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-brown-runs-in-to/139633545/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=The 2005 Tribune All-state football team |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/high-school/ct-spt-2005-prep-foot-all-state-team-htmlstory.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=21 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407200011/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/high-school/ct-spt-2005-prep-foot-all-state-team-htmlstory.html |archive-date=April 7, 2022}} 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 recording a 4.38 second 40-yard dash.{{cite news |title=Sports - High School |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-sergio-brown-long-jump/139626862/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=21 May 2005 |pages=3–8 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127030219/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-sergio-brown-long-jump/139626862/ |url-status=live }}
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.{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com|last1=Sakamoto |first1=Bob |title=College choice all business for Deerfield QB |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-college-choice-all-busin/139611286/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=26 August 2005 |pages=8–6}}{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown, 2006 Safety, Notre Dame |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/sergio-brown-27236?view=pv |website=Rivals.com |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127001524/https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/sergio-brown-27236?view=pv |archive-date=27 January 2024}} 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.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown, Proviso East, Safety |url=https://247sports.com/Player/sergio-brown-40521/high-school-66817/ |website=247Sports |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127004911/https://247sports.com/Player/sergio-brown-40521/high-school-66817/ |archive-date=27 January 2024}} On September 27, 2005, Brown committed to Notre Dame.
{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2006}}
{{College athlete recruit entry
| recruit = Sergio Brown
| position = Safety
| hometown = Maywood, Illinois
| highschool = Proviso East High School
| feet = 6
| inches = 1
| weight = 184
| 40 = 4.38
| commitdate = September 27, 2005
| 247 stars = 3
| rivals stars = 3
| espn grade = 77
}}
{{College athlete recruit end
| 40 = yes
| year = 2006
| rivals ref title = 2006 Notre Dame Football Commitment List
| scout ref title = 2006 Notre Dame College Football Recruiting Commits
| espn ref title =
| rivals school = notredame
| 247 school = notredame
| espn schoolid =
| 247 overall = 31 (S), 7 (Illinois)
| rivals overall = 32 (S), 9 (Illinois)
| espn overall = 46 (S)
| access-date = January 26, 2024
}}
College career
As a true freshman at Notre Dame, Brown played in eleven of twelve games as a substitute strong safety and gunner.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1.html |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725045605/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1.html |archive-date=July 25, 2017}} 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.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2006/ |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725045607/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2006/ |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |language=en}} As a sophomore, Brown remained a substitute, playing in nine games as the team finished with a record low 3-9 win–loss record.{{cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273140087 | title=Air Force 41, Notre Dame 24 – Fighting Irish suffer school-record ninth loss this season |publisher=ESPN | date=November 11, 2007 | access-date=January 26, 2024| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071113165258/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273140087| archive-date=November 13, 2007 | url-status= dead}} He recorded four solo and three assisted tackles for a total of seven over six games against Georgia Tech, Penn State, Purdue, UCLA, Boston College, and USC.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2007/ |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725045608/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |language=en}}
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.{{cite web |title=San Diego State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 6, 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-notre-dame.html |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722101742/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-09-06-notre-dame.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |language=en}} 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.{{cite web |title=Notre Dame 49-21 Hawai'i (Dec 24, 2008) Play-by-Play |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/283590087 |website=ESPN |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127023107/https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/283590087 |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} Over thirteen games, Brown logged 21 solo and seven assisted tackles for a total of 28 tackles, averaging over two tackles per game.{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Alec |title=Colts Safety Sergio Brown Makes Most of Opportunity |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/sports/underdog-story-colts-sergio-brown-makes-most-nfl-opportunity/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=Indianapolis Monthly |date=14 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012180834/https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/sports/underdog-story-colts-sergio-brown-makes-most-nfl-opportunity |archive-date=October 12, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown College Gamelog - 2008 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2008/ |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725045610/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2008/ |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |language=en}} He led FBS Independent schools in pass deflections, with six total for the 2008 season.
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.{{cite web |last1=Vitovitch |first1=Frank |title=2009 Notre Dame Captains - Notre Dame Football |url=https://www.uhnd.com/football/2009/08/16/09-captains-named/ |website=UHND |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815164252/https://www.uhnd.com/football/2009/08/16/09-captains-named/ |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |date=16 August 2009}} In a November 7 game against the Navy Midshipmen, Brown achieved a career-high of 9 total tackles.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown College Gamelog |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2009/ |website=Sports Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725045605/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/sergio-brown-1/gamelog/2009/ |archive-date=July 25, 2017 |language=en}} 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.
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 5/8
| weight = 210
| dash = 4.49
| ten split = 1.56
| twenty split = 2.56
| shuttle = 4.10
| cone drill = 6.58
| vertical = 35.0
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 3
| bench = 15
| arm span = 31 1/2
| hand span = 10 1/4
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=79171&DraftYear=2010 |title=2010 Draft Scout Sergio Brown, Notre Dame NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |website=draftscout.com |access-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124201137/http://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=79171&DraftYear=2010 |url-status=live }}
}}
=New England Patriots=
==2010 season==
Brown signed with the New England Patriots on April 25, 2010, as an undrafted free agent.{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Hansen |first1=Eric |title=Looking beyond spring |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-south-bend-tribune-looking-beyond-sp/139652406/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The South Bend Tribune |date=26 April 2010 |pages=C5}} He was waived during final cuts on September 4, 2010, but was re-signed to the team's practice squad two days later.{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Manza Young |first1=Shalise |title=Patriots cut into LB depth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-patriots-cut-into-lb-de/139652658/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=5 September 2010 |pages=D4 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063920/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-patriots-cut-into-lb-de/139652658/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Walker |first1=Monique |title=Revolving door slows as Patriots' roster takes shape |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-revolving-door-slows-as/139652710/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=6 September 2010 |pages=C8 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063917/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-revolving-door-slows-as/139652710/ |url-status=live }} Following an injury to Jarrad Page and the release of running back Thomas Clayton, Brown was promoted to the 53-man roster and signed a 4-year, $1.82 million contract with the Patriots on October 23.{{cite web |title=Patriots Sign S Sergio Brown to 53-Man roster |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-s-sergio-brown-to-53-man-roster-114841 |website=www.patriots.com |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413134812/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-s-sergio-brown-to-53-man-roster-114841 |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |title=Sergio Brown lauded as 'great example' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4686020/sergio-brown-lauded-as-great-example |website=ESPN |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004234907/https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4686020/sergio-brown-lauded-as-great-example |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |language=en |date=26 October 2010}}{{cite news |last1=Vega |first1=Michael |title=Time well spent: Practice squad led Brown to 4-year deal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-time-well-spent-practi/139652960/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=30 October 2010 |pages=C1, C5 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063919/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-time-well-spent-practi/139652960/ |url-status=live }} He made his NFL debut the next day against the San Diego Chargers, recording four tackles, including a late game third-down tackle on Chargers tight end Antonio Gates.{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Monique |title=Meriweather plays it safe |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-meriweather-plays-it-sa/139653090/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=25 October 2010 |pages=C9 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063918/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-meriweather-plays-it-sa/139653090/ |url-status=live }} By the end of the 2010 regular season, Brown had 11 tackles and one fumble recovery in 11 career games played as a reserve.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2010/ |website=Pro Football Reference|access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127054057/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} He made his NFL playoff debut on January 16, 2011, in a 21–28 loss against the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional round, recording one tackle in the contest. Collectively, the Patriots finished with the first seed in the American Football Conference (AFC), with a league-best regular season record of 14–2.{{cite web |title=2010 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2010.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173155/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2010.htm |url-status=live }}
==2011 season==
Prior to the start of the 2011 NFL season, the Patriots released safeties Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders, promoting Brown to second-string safety behind Patrick Chung.{{cite web |last1=Reiss |first1=Mike |title=Meriweather told he's to be released |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4701740/meriweather-believes-release-possible |website=ESPN |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023858/https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4701740/meriweather-believes-release-possible |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |language=en |date=3 September 2011}}{{cite web |title=Patriots Release James Sanders - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/report-patriots-to-release-james-sanders/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127071226/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/report-patriots-to-release-james-sanders/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |date=29 August 2011}} In a game against the San Diego Chargers on September 18, Brown started a game for the first time, recording a combined seven tackles and his only career interception in the contest.{{cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots - September 18th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nwe.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425004851/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nwe.htm |archive-date=25 April 2023 |language=en}} Over the 15 regular season games that he appeared in, Brown started three games, making 37 total tackles. He played in all three playoff games for the Patriots, including a 17–21 loss against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2011/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2011/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} For the second season in a row, the Patriots finished as the first seed in the AFC, with a record of 13–3.{{cite web |title=2011 New England Patriots Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2011.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=January 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127052536/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nwe/2011.htm |url-status=live }} On August 31, 2012, Brown was waived by the Patriots before the beginning of the 2012 NFL season.{{cite news |title=NFL transactions |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-nfl-transactions/139688604/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=1 September 2012 |pages=C8 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127204715/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-nfl-transactions/139688604/ |url-status=live }}
=Indianapolis Colts=
==2012 season==
The Colts claimed Brown off waivers on September 2, 2012, where he would play as a gunner and backup safety to fellow Notre Dame alum Tom Zbikowski.{{cite news |title=Indy claims three players off waivers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-indy-claims-three-play/139689251/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Daily Journal |date=3 September 2012 |pages=9 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127214739/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-indy-claims-three-play/139689251/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Phil |title=McAfee earns his keep: Punter, coverage unit have contributed to victories |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-mcafee-earns-his-k/139698456/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=11 December 2012 |pages=C4 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128002344/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-mcafee-earns-his-k/139698456/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |title=Pro football: Colts at Patriots |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-pro-football-colts-at/139689994/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Boston Globe |date=18 November 2012 |pages=C10 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127213236/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-pro-football-colts-at/139689994/ |url-status=live }} In his first regular season with the Colts, Brown played in all 16 games, recording 11 total tackles and a pass deflection; however, he did not start in any contests.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2012/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127065428/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2012/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} During a November 19 match against his former team, the Patriots, Brown delivered a hit on former teammate Rob Gronkowski while blocking for an extra point play, breaking Gronkowski's arm.{{cite news |last1=Hirschhorn |first1=Jason B. |title=Sergio Brown tweets about Rob Gronkowski hit |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/11/17/7236633/sergio-brown-rob-gronkowski-hit-twitter |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=SB Nation |publisher=Vox Media |date=17 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121184315/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/11/17/7236633/sergio-brown-rob-gronkowski-hit-twitter |archive-date=21 January 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Underhill |first1=Nick |title=Rob Gronkowski injury: Former New England Patriots S Sergio Brown delivered the hit |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2012/11/rob_gronkowski_injury_former_n.html |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=Masslive.com |date=19 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330054621/https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2012/11/rob_gronkowski_injury_former_n.html |archive-date=30 March 2023 |language=en}} He made a single tackle in a 9–24 loss against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card game. The Colts ended the season with an 11–5 record, second in the AFC South division.{{cite web |title=2012 Indianapolis Colts Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2012.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406064456/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2012.htm |url-status=live }}
==2013 season==
In the 2013 preseason, Brown incurred a hamstring injury during practice; he was later cleared to play in the Colts' season opener against the Oakland Raiders on September 8.{{cite news |title=Health already problem: Colts' McKinney on injured reserve list for 2nd straight year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-health-already-problem/139699256/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Daily Journal |date=31 July 2013 |pages=11 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128002341/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-health-already-problem/139699256/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Mike |title=Colts Depth Chart |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-colts-depth-chart/139699593/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=8 September 2013 |pages=D4 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128002343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-colts-depth-chart/139699593/ |url-status=live }} During the regular season, Brown played in 14 games, logging seven tackles and two fumble recoveries. In the postseason, he made one tackle in the Colts' 45–44 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card game.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2013/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=27 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063923/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} The Colts matched their previous season's performance, finishing with an 11–5 record and ranking first in the AFC South.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts 2013 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2013/gamelog/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420052005/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2013/gamelog/ |url-status=live }}
==2014 season==
In the 2014 season, Brown played in 15 regular season games, starting eight, with 33 total tackles including 24 solo tackles and nine assists.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2014/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127065426/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} He recorded one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and recovered one fumble for 26 yards in a November 3 game against the New York Giants.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants - November 3rd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411030nyg.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507030226/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411030nyg.htm |url-status=live }} Following a touchdown by running back Jonas Gray during a November 16 game against the Patriots, Rob Gronkowski forcefully blocked Brown out of bounds, resulting in Gronkowski receiving an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a $8,268 fine.{{cite web |title=WATCH: Rob Gronkowski Demolishes Sergio Brown - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/watch-rob-gronkowski-demolishes-sergio-brown/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210020044/https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/watch-rob-gronkowski-demolishes-sergio-brown/ |archive-date=10 February 2024 |date=17 November 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Fiammetta |first1=Mike |title=Sergio Brown responds to Rob Gronkowski's postgame comments |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2014/11/17/sergio-brown-rob-gronkowski-patriots-colts-2014 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=Sports Illustrated |date=17 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210021328/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2014/11/17/sergio-brown-rob-gronkowski-patriots-colts-2014 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |language=en-us}}{{cite web |last1=Breech |first1=John |title=Rob Gronkowski fined $8,268 for kicking Sergio Brown out of the club |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rob-gronkowski-fined-8268-for-kicking-sergio-brown-out-of-the-club/ |website=CBS Sports |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102203150/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rob-gronkowski-fined-8268-for-kicking-sergio-brown-out-of-the-club/ |archive-date=2 January 2022 |language=en |date=22 November 2014}} Brown participated in all three playoff games, adding one solo tackle in a 7–45 loss against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. For the third consecutive year, the Colts ended the regular season with an 11–5 record and topped the AFC South standings for the second straight year.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts 2014 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2014/gamelog/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505031121/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2014/gamelog/ |url-status=live }} Following the end of the season, Brown was not resigned and became an unrestricted free agent.{{cite news |last1=Stellino |first1=Vito |title=Jaguars safety Sergio Brown has eyes on starting role |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/03/12/jaguars-safety-sergio-brown-has-eyes-starting-role/15654239007 |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=The Florida Times-Union |archive-date=February 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226062219/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/03/12/jaguars-safety-sergio-brown-has-eyes-starting-role/15654239007/ |url-status=live }}
=Jacksonville Jaguars=
==2015 season==
On March 10, 2015, Brown signed a three-year, $7 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{cite news |last1=O'Halloran |first1=Ryan |title=Jaguars release safety Sergio Brown |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/04/19/jaguars-release-safety-sergio-brown/15707683007/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=The Florida Times-Union |date=April 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128053526/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/04/19/jaguars-release-safety-sergio-brown/15707683007/ |archive-date=28 January 2024}}{{cite news |via=Newspapers.com |last1=Wilner |first1=Barry |title=Big trades steal spotlight from NFL free agents |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel-big-trades-st/139724926/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |work=South Florida Sun Sentinel |date=11 March 2015 |pages=C2 |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128055155/https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel-big-trades-st/139724926/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=’15 free agency: Thomas, Odrick, Parnell, Skuta, House, Brown finalize deals |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/15-free-agency-thomas-odrick-parnell-skuta-house-brown-finalize-deals-15023062 |website=www.jaguars.com |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208094059/https://www.jaguars.com/news/15-free-agency-thomas-odrick-parnell-skuta-house-brown-finalize-deals-15023062 |archive-date=8 February 2023}} In his only season with the team, he played 15 games and started in four. He accumulated 31 solo tackles, seven assist tackles, and two tackles for loss. Brown also recorded two defended passes and two quarterback hits. In a December 6 game against the Tennessee Titans, Brown achieved a season-high five combined tackles and an interception.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2015/ |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}} The Jaguars finished third in the AFC South, with a season record of 5–11.{{cite web |title=2015 Jacksonville Jaguars Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/jax/2015.htm |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=5 May 2024 |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005193804/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/jax/2015.htm |url-status=live }} On April 18, 2016, the Jaguars released Brown.{{cite web |title=S Sergio Brown released |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/s-sergio-brown-released-17039034 |website=www.jaguars.com |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927025833/https://www.jaguars.com/news/s-sergio-brown-released-17039034 |archive-date=27 September 2023}}
=Atlanta Falcons=
On August 20, 2016, Brown was signed by the Atlanta Falcons.{{cite web |title=Falcons Sign K Graham, S Brown; Waive K Rose |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-k-graham-s-brown-waive-k-rose-17526804 |website=www.atlantafalcons.com |access-date=5 May 2024 |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505024512/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-k-graham-s-brown-waive-k-rose-17526804 |url-status=live }} He was released during final roster cuts on August 27, 2016.{{cite web|title=Falcons Trim Roster to 75 Players|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-trim-roster-to-75-players-17569470|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=August 27, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2018|archive-date=November 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075223/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-trim-roster-to-75-players-17569470|url-status=live}}
=Buffalo Bills=
On November 2, 2016, Brown was signed by the Buffalo Bills.{{cite web |last1=Mundy |first1=Robyn |title=Bills sign S Sergio Brown after Aaron Williams placed on Injured Reserve |url=https://billswire.usatoday.com/2016/11/02/buffalo-bills-sergio-brown/ |website=Bills Wire |publisher=USA Today |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611015406/https://billswire.usatoday.com/2016/11/02/buffalo-bills-sergio-brown/ |archive-date=11 June 2023 |date=2 November 2016}} He played in eight games with no starts, recording five combined tackles for the season.{{cite web |title=Sergio Brown 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2016 |website=Pro Football Reference |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127063921/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowSe00/gamelog/2016/ |archive-date=27 January 2024 |language=en}}
Post-NFL career and personal life
Brown last played professional football in the 2016 NFL season. In 2017, Brown began a position as a digital advertising account manager at Google.{{cite web |last1=Bishara |first1=Motez |title=NFL players learning how not to go broke – with the help of MBAs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/sport/nfl-players-learning-to-invest-wisely/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129010921/https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/21/sport/nfl-players-learning-to-invest-wisely/index.html |archive-date=29 November 2023 |language=en |date=21 September 2017}} He holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Miami.{{cite web |last1=Romero |first1=Dennis |title=Mother of missing ex-NFL player Sergio Brown was killed |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mother-missing-ex-nfl-player-sergio-brown-was-fatally-assaulted-rcna105525 |website=NBC News |access-date=21 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210061333/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mother-missing-ex-nfl-player-sergio-brown-was-fatally-assaulted-rcna105525 |archive-date=10 February 2024 |language=en |date=18 September 2023}}
Legal issues
On September 16, 2023, police in Maywood, Illinois launched a search after family members expressed concern at not being able to reach Brown or his mother, Myrtle Simmons-Brown.{{cite web |title=Mother of missing former NFL player Sergio Brown found dead in Maywood |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mother-of-missing-former-nfl-player-sergio-brown-found-dead-in-maywood/3229946/ |website=NBC 5 Chicago |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109022638/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/mother-of-missing-former-nfl-player-sergio-brown-found-dead-in-maywood/3229946/ |archive-date=9 January 2024 |date=17 September 2023}} Officers discovered the body of Simmons-Brown near a creek behind her home; the Cook County Medical Examiner ruled the death as a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.{{cite web |last1=Feurer |first1=Todd |last2=Le Mignot |first2=Suzanne |title=Former NFL player Sergio Brown pleads not guilty to murder of his mother - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/sergio-brown-arraignment-not-guilty-plea-murder-mother-myrtle-simmons-brown/ |publisher=CBS News|access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216035820/https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/sergio-brown-arraignment-not-guilty-plea-murder-mother-myrtle-simmons-brown/ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |date=6 December 2023}} Brown was not found at the scene of the crime, and was later declared a missing person.{{cite web |title=Missing NFL player Sergio Brown appears to surface after mother’s homicide |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/19/missing-nfl-player-sergio-brown-appears-to-surface-after-death-of-mother |website=The Guardian |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112110121/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/sep/19/missing-nfl-player-sergio-brown-appears-to-surface-after-death-of-mother |archive-date=12 January 2024 |date=19 September 2023}}
Three days later, Brown appeared in an Instagram video tagged in Mexico, in which he claimed that he believed his mother was "on vacation in Sinaloa" and alleged that he had been kidnapped by the FBI.{{cite web |last1=Neath |first1=Amelia |title=Missing ex-NFL star Sergio Brown posts bizarre Instagram after mother found dead |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-nfl-instagram-video-b2414154.html |website=The Independent |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119005216/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-nfl-instagram-video-b2414154.html |archive-date=19 January 2024 |language=en |date=20 September 2023}} Other videos posted to the same Instagram account showed Brown repeatedly dismissing reports of his mother's death as fake news and ridiculing claims of his disappearance by referencing the film Finding Nemo.{{cite web |last1=Rissman |first1=Kelly |title=Sergio Brown allegedly seen partying in Tulum three weeks after mother’s murder |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-nfl-mexico-missing-b2423305.html |website=The Independent |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011171136/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-nfl-mexico-missing-b2423305.html |archive-date=11 October 2023 |language=en |date=3 October 2023}} On October 1, Brown was seen partying at a club in Tulum.{{cite web |last1=Rissman |first1=Kelly |title=Sergio Brown writes bizarre tweet about Mexican cartels after mother’s homicide |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-mexico-nfl-missing-b2426787.html |website=The Independent |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015025751/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/sergio-brown-mexico-nfl-missing-b2426787.html |archive-date=15 October 2023 |language=en |date=9 October 2023}}
On October 7, Brown was detained by Mexican authorities in Mexico City, where he was found in possession of several of his mother's belongings, including her credit cards and cell phone.{{cite web |title=Prosecutors reveal new details in case against former NFL player charged in mother's suburban Chicago murder |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/prosecutors-reveal-details-in-case-of-ex-nfl-player-charged-in-moms-murder/3260390/ |website=NBC 5 Chicago |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030211433/https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/prosecutors-reveal-details-in-case-of-ex-nfl-player-charged-in-moms-murder/3260390/ |archive-date=30 October 2023 |date=25 October 2023}} He was later deported to San Diego following an altercation with Mexican police on a flight to Tijuana.{{cite news |last1=Wendling |first1=Mike |title=Sergio Brown: Ex-NFL player charged with his mother's murder |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67085546 |access-date=October 12, 2023 |publisher=BBC News |date=October 12, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Josh |last2=Levenson |first2=Eric |title=Former NFL player Sergio Brown taken into custody in connection with his mother's death, source says |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/us/sergio-brown-nfl-mother-death/index.html |access-date=October 11, 2023 |work=CNN |date=October 11, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011163212/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/us/sergio-brown-nfl-mother-death/index.html |url-status=live }} On October 24, Brown was extradited to Illinois and formally charged with first-degree murder and concealing a dead body.{{cite web |last1=Wild |first1=Whitney |last2=Kirkos |first2=Bill |last3=Tucker |first3=Emma |title=Former NFL player Sergio Brown, charged with his mother’s murder and concealing her body, remanded without bail, judge rules |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/25/us/sergio-brown-remanded-illinois-murder/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216145840/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/25/us/sergio-brown-remanded-illinois-murder/index.html |archive-date=16 December 2023 |language=en |date=25 October 2023}}
Brown pleaded not guilty on December 6, 2023; he is currently in custody at Cook County Jail awaiting trial.
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100907012756/http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=34194 New England Patriots bio]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Sergio}}
Category:Sportspeople from Maywood, Illinois
Category:Players of American football from Cook County, Illinois
Category:2020s missing person cases
Category:American football safeties
Category:Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players
Category:New England Patriots players
Category:Indianapolis Colts players
Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players