Ralph Brown (cornerback) facts for kids

Ralph Davis Brown II, born on September 16, 1978, is a former American football player. He played as a cornerback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. In 1999, he was recognized as an All-American, meaning he was one of the best college players in the country. He played professionally for teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.

Early Life and High School Football

Ralph Brown was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in Baldwin Park, California, and went to Charles Bursch Elementary School. Later, he attended Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, California.

High School Achievements

At Bishop Amat, Ralph was considered one of the top defensive backs in the country in 1995. He was even named to USA Today's second-team All-America squad. During his senior year, he was amazing at running the ball, gaining 2,246 yards. He scored the winning touchdown in the Lancers' Division I championship game in 1995.

Ralph earned several awards, including CIF Southern Section Player of the Year. He also received the Los Angeles Times Back-of-the-Year honors. He scored 29 touchdowns that season, including a school record of 6 touchdowns in one game! On defense, he made 57 tackles and caught six interceptions. Ralph also played track for three years. In his sophomore and junior years, he was named all-state as a cornerback.

College Football Career

Ralph Brown went to the University of Nebraska. He played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team from 1996 to 1999.

College Highlights

During his college career, Ralph made 143 tackles. He is third on the Cornhuskers' all-time list with 11 interceptions. He also holds a school record with 50 pass deflections, which means he knocked down 50 passes thrown by the other team.

In 1999, he was named a first-team All-American. This means he was recognized as one of the best college football players in the entire country. He was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football. From 1997 to 1998, he was a first-team All-Big Twelve Conference player. Ralph was also part of the Big Twelve Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll in 1997.

Starting as a Freshman

Ralph was one of only six new players who played for the Huskers in 1996. He was the only one who earned a starting spot right away. He was the first player at Nebraska since World War II to start his very first game as a freshman.

College Statistics Overview

The table below shows Ralph Brown's performance during his college football career.

Notes - Statistics include bowl game performances.

Professional Football Career

Ralph Brown was chosen by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the 2000 NFL draft. He was the 140th player picked overall.

Time with the New York Giants (2000-2003)

Ralph played four seasons with the Giants. In his first year (2000), he played in two games, mostly on special teams (plays like kickoffs and punts). He had to leave a game early due to an injury and was placed on injured reserve, meaning he couldn't play for the rest of the season.

In 2001, he played in eight games. The year 2002 was his best with the Giants. He played in all 16 games and started two of them. He finished with 25 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He also helped on special teams.

In his last season with the Giants (2003), Ralph played in 11 games and started seven. He showed a knack for making big plays. He finished the season with 41 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and even scored one touchdown!

Other NFL Teams

After the Giants, Ralph Brown played for several other NFL teams:

• The Minnesota Vikings from 2004 to 2005.
• The Cleveland Browns in 2006.
• The Arizona Cardinals from 2007 through 2009.

NFL Career Statistics

These tables show Ralph Brown's statistics from his time playing in the NFL.

Regular Season Statistics

Playoff Statistics

See also

• History of the New York Giants (1994–present)