Ray Brown (offensive lineman) facts for kids

Ray Brown (born December 12, 1962) is a former American football player and coach. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. Ray was a guard and tackle. After his playing career, he became a coach. His last coaching job was with the Arizona Cardinals.

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

Ray Brown's Playing Career

Starting in College Football

Ray Brown went to Marion High School. He played as a running back and tight end there. After high school, he played college football at The University of Memphis. He then moved to Arkansas State University. There, his coach, Larry Lacewell, helped him become an offensive lineman.

Playing in the National Football League

Ray Brown had a long career in the NFL. He played for several teams over 20 seasons.

St. Louis Cardinals Years

The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Ray Brown in 1986. He played 11 games in his first year, starting 4 of them. In 1987, he played in 7 games. When the team moved and became the Phoenix Cardinals in 1988, he played in 15 games.

Time with the Washington Redskins

In 1989, Ray Brown joined the Washington Redskins. He played 7 games that season. He missed the 1990 season and the 1991 season due to an elbow injury. When he returned in 1992, he played in every game for the next four seasons.

San Francisco 49ers Success

Ray Brown moved to the San Francisco 49ers in 1996. He played all 16 games that year. In 1997, he played in 15 games. Even at 35 years old, he played all 16 games in his 13th NFL season. 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 played in the Pro Bowl, making him one of the oldest players to do so.

Detroit Lions Seasons

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

Return to the Washington Redskins

Ray Brown played for the Redskins again in 2004 and 2005. He announced his retirement on January 14, 2006. This was after 20 seasons in the NFL. On the same day, 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 retiring as a player, Ray Brown began coaching.

Coaching the Washington Redskins

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

Coaching 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 was fired.

Coaching the San Francisco 49ers

Ray Brown returned to the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. He was hired as their offensive line coach for that season.

Coaching the Carolina Panthers

On January 25, 2011, Ray Brown joined the Carolina Panthers. He was their assistant offensive line coach. In the 2015 season, Ray Brown and the Panthers reached Super Bowl 50. The Super Bowl was played on February 7, 2016. The Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos with a score of 24–10.

Coaching the Arizona Cardinals

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