Preston Brown (linebacker) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Preston Brown

Brown with the Buffalo Bills in 2014
No. 52, 54
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1992-10-27) October 27, 1992 (age 33) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	251 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school:	Northwest (Cincinnati)
College:	Louisville (2010–2013)
NFL Draft:	2014 / Round: 3 / Pick: 73
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2014–2017) Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2019) Oakland Raiders (2019) Jacksonville Jaguars (2019)
Career highlights and awards
NFL tackles co-leader (2017) Second-team All-AAC (2013) Second-team All-Big East (2012)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 609 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 5 Interceptions: 5 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Michael Preston Brown (born October 27, 1992) is an American former professional football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Preston Brown was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 NFL Draft. He also played college football for the Louisville Cardinals.

Early Life and High School Football

Preston Brown grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to Northwest High School. There, he played both running back and linebacker for the football team. He was recognized as a top player in his district. He also got to play in a special All-Star game.

Experts saw him as a promising player. He first planned to go to the University of Cincinnati. But later, he decided to play for the University of Louisville instead.

College Football Career

Preston Brown played college football for the Louisville Cardinals from 2010 to 2013.

2010 Season: Starting Out

In his first year, Brown played in all 13 games. He was a linebacker and also played on special teams. He made 10 tackles during the season. He got his first tackle against Kentucky.

2011 Season: Making a Mark

Brown played in all 13 games again, starting in 11 of them. He had a great game against Murray State, making 12 tackles. He also got his first college sack against Syracuse. He was named the Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with 84 tackles, which was second-best on his team.

2012 Season: A Breakout Year

In 2012, Brown became the main middle linebacker. He had an amazing season. He made a career-high 17 tackles against South Florida. In a big overtime win against Cincinnati, he had 13 tackles and an interception. For these great performances, he won his second Big East Player of the Week award. He helped Louisville reach the Sugar Bowl. In the Sugar Bowl, Louisville surprised everyone by beating Florida. Brown made 13 tackles in that important win. He ended the regular season with 87 tackles.

2013 Season: Senior Year Success

Brown returned for his senior year and continued to lead his team. He had 98 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and 5 sacks. He also forced 3 fumbles and recovered 2 of them. One of his fumble recoveries was special: he ran it back 48 yards for his first touchdown! This touchdown helped Louisville win a close game against Memphis. Louisville finished the season by winning the Russell Athletic Bowl against Miami. Brown had 7 tackles and 1 sack in that game.

Over his four years at Louisville, Preston Brown played in 52 games. He made a total of 301 tackles. He also had 7 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries (including one for a touchdown), and 1 interception.

Professional Football Career

Before the NFL Draft, experts thought Preston Brown was one of the best inside linebackers. They expected him to be picked in the third or fourth round.

Buffalo Bills (2014–2017)

2014 Season: Rookie Year

The Buffalo Bills picked Preston Brown in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft. He was the 73rd player chosen overall. He signed a four-year contract with the Bills.

Brown quickly became an important player. He made his first professional start in the very first game of the season. He had 7 tackles in that game. In Week 2, he had a season-high 13 tackles against the Miami Dolphins. By Week 7, he became a regular starter. In Week 8, he made his first NFL interception against the New York Jets. He finished his first season with 109 tackles, which was the most on the Bills team that year.

2015 Season: First NFL Touchdown

In 2015, Brown continued as a starting inside linebacker. In Week 3, he had an amazing game against the Dolphins. He made 7 tackles, broke up 2 passes, and had 2 interceptions. One of those interceptions he ran back 43 yards for his first NFL touchdown! He finished the season with 120 tackles, 2 interceptions, and that exciting touchdown.

2016 Season: Leading Tackler

Preston Brown remained a key player for the Bills in 2016. In Week 2, he had a season-high 16 tackles against the Jets. He also got his first NFL sack against Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 8. He ended the season with 139 tackles, showing how important he was to the defense.

2017 Season: Top Tackler in the League

In 2017, Brown became the starting middle linebacker. He had a fantastic season, making a career-high 144 tackles. This number tied him for the most tackles in the entire NFL that year! His strong play helped the Bills reach the playoffs. It was his first time playing in an NFL playoff game. The Bills played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wildcard Game.

Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2019)

In 2018, Preston Brown signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He started seven games for them before a knee injury ended his season early. He signed another contract with the Bengals in 2019. In Week 2 of 2019, he had 14 tackles against the San Francisco 49ers. He was later released by the Bengals in November 2019.

Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars (2019)

After leaving the Bengals, Brown briefly played for the Oakland Raiders in November 2019. He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in December 2019.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Playoffs