Heroes in professional football frequently arise not only on the pitch, but also in the hearts of the communities they serve.
Brown is one such figure, a source of inspiration whose path extends beyond football.
Brown had a catastrophic loss when he was 15 years old, which shaped the course of his life.
His father, a former NFL player, died from diabetic ketoacidosis complications, leaving behind a legacy and a young kid who is grieving.
But, from the ashes of sorrow, Brown built a path marked by resilience and compassion.
Reflecting on his turbulent history, Brown says, “I’m someone who’s seen a lot, been through a lot, and I’ve learned to use that anger, pain, and sadness as fuel for what I do in my daily life.”
Brown is driven by a desire to turn personal misfortune into a force for good, thus he uses his experiences to advocate for individuals suffering from type 1 diabetes.
Motivated by a desire to alleviate the pains carried by numerous families dealing with diabetes, Brown lends his voice to organisations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which strive to provide solace and support to those in need.
“I don’t have type 1, but for me, getting involved was to bring peace to those family members, those brothers, sisters, moms, dads, cousins, uncles, aunties, grandmothers, friends, that deal with it on the daily, because it is very stressful, and at times you feel somewhat hopeless and you don’t know if there is light at the end of the tunnel,”Brown affirms.
For Brown, the journey is very personal, a tribute to his late father, brother, and other NFL players facing similar struggles.
Through his work with JDRF, he hopes to not only honour their legacies, but also pave the path for a future in which affordable treatment choices are available to everyone.
As Brown progresses both on and off the pitch, his dedication to activism demonstrates the enduring power of perseverance and compassion.
In his steadfast dedication to advocating the cause of diabetes awareness, he exemplifies the real spirit of a hero–a beacon of hope illuminating the path forward for future generations.
