Ray Brown (offensive lineman) facts for kids

Leonard Ray Brown Jr. (born December 12, 1962) is a former American football player and coach. He played for 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Ray Brown was a guard and tackle. Later, he became a coach, with his last job being the offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown played college football for the Memphis Tigers. He then transferred to the Arkansas State Red Wolves. The St. Louis Cardinals picked him in the eighth round of the 1986 NFL draft. He also played for the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.

Ray Brown's Football Journey

Starting His College Career

Ray Brown went to Marion High School. There, he played as a running back and tight end. After high school, he played college football for The University of Memphis. He later moved to Arkansas State University. At Arkansas State, Coach Larry Lacewell helped him change his position. Ray became an offensive lineman, which means he helped block for his team.

Playing in the National Football League

Ray Brown played for several teams during his long NFL career.

St. Louis Cardinals: First NFL Team

The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Ray Brown in 1986. He was picked in the eighth round of the NFL Draft. He wore number 62 for the Cardinals. In his first year, 1986, he played in 11 games and started 4 of them. In 1987, he played in 7 games. In 1988, the team became the Phoenix Cardinals, and he played in 15 games.

Washington Redskins: First Time Around

In 1989, Ray Brown joined the Washington Redskins. He played in 7 games that season. In 1990, he did not play in any games. He missed the entire 1991 season because of an elbow injury. But he came back strong the next year. For the next four seasons, he played in every single game.

San Francisco 49ers: A New Chapter

In 1996, Brown started playing for the San Francisco 49ers. He played in all 16 games that year. In 1997, he played in 15 out of 16 games. Even in his 13th year in the NFL, at age 35, he played all 16 games. He played three more seasons for the 49ers. In 2001, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl. Ray Brown was 40 years old when he made the Pro Bowl, making him one of the oldest players to do so.

Detroit Lions: Two Seasons

Ray Brown played for the Detroit Lions for two seasons. He was with the team from 2002 to 2003.

Washington Redskins: Coming Back Home

Brown returned to the Redskins for the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He announced he was retiring on January 14, 2006. He had played for 20 seasons in the NFL. On the day he retired, he started a playoff game for the Redskins. At 43 years old, he was one of the oldest players to start a playoff game.

Ray Brown's Coaching Career

After his long playing career, Ray Brown became a football coach.

Coaching for the Washington Redskins

In 2006, Brown worked as a special assistant coach for the Washington Redskins.

Coaching for the Buffalo Bills

On January 17, 2008, Ray Brown became the assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills. He left the team when the head coach, Dick Jauron, was no longer with the Bills.

Coaching for the San Francisco 49ers

Brown returned to the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. This time, he was their offensive line coach.

Coaching for the Carolina Panthers

On January 25, 2011, Brown was named the assistant offensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers. In the 2015 season, Brown and the Panthers made it to Super Bowl 50. This big game was on February 7, 2016. The Panthers played against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos won the Super Bowl with a score of 24–10.

Coaching for the Arizona Cardinals

On February 14, 2018, Ray Brown was hired by the Arizona Cardinals. He became their offensive line coach.