Ivory Lee Brown facts for kids

Ivory Lee Brown, born on August 17, 1969, was a talented American football player. He played as a running back in two professional leagues. These were the National Football League (NFL) and the World League of American Football (WLAF). He played for the Phoenix Cardinals in the NFL. He also played for the San Antonio Riders in the WLAF. Ivory Lee Brown is also the uncle of famous NFL running back Adrian Peterson.

College Football Journey

Ivory Lee Brown was born in Palestine, Texas. He was a very sought-after running back in high school. In 1986, during his senior year, he ran for an amazing 1,800 yards. He was considered one of the top football recruits in Texas.

Brown had planned to go to Texas A&M University. However, he had some trouble with his college entrance exams. Because of this, he went to Tyler Junior College first. While there, he was recruited by Coach Archie "Gunslinger" Cooley. Coach Cooley had previously coached Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. He brought Brown to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

In 1989, Brown's first year at UAPB, he was incredible. He led the NAIA (a college sports organization) in rushing yards. He gained 1,465 yards that season. He averaged 8.3 yards every time he carried the ball.

Professional Football Career

Playing in the NFL

Brown was chosen by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 1991 NFL Draft. He was picked in the seventh round. This was the 171st pick overall. He was placed on the team's practice squad. This meant he did not play in any games during his first year.

Time in the WLAF

In 1992, Ivory Lee Brown joined the San Antonio Riders. This team was part of the new World League of American Football. He joined to replace another running back who had left. Brown had a fantastic season with the Riders. He won the league's rushing title. He gained 767 yards that year.

Brown's great playing helped the Riders have a good record. They won 7 games and lost 3. Because of his excellent performance, he was named first-team All-World League. This gave him a chance to return to the NFL.

Back to the NFL

After his success in the WLAF, Brown returned to the Cardinals. He became a possible starting player. This happened because their main running back, Johnny Johnson, did not show up for pre-season practice.

Brown played in seven games during the 1992 NFL season. He started five of those games. However, he did not make the Cardinals team in 1993. After that, he retired from playing professional football.

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