Green Bay’s interest in the former Nebraska safety didn’t wane, though. When Brown fell up short of making the Broncos’ 53, the Packers offered him a place on their practice squad.
Brown accepted and spent his entire rookie campaign in Green Bay. He was twice elevated to the gameday roster, recording a tackle on 24 total snaps (eight defense, 16 special teams).
During that time, Brown became a popular fixture in the safety room. That enthusiasm could be seen when he was quickly mobbed by teammates after his third INT.
In the post-practice locker room, McKinney quickly rushed to his locker while chanting “MVP, MVP” over Brown’s media scrum.
“I’m proud of him, and I can’t wait to continue to just see him grow,” McKinney said. “After his third one, I just said, ‘Just stay consistent. Stay focused.’ Because as you make those plays, everybody’s patting you on the back, but you’ve still got to understand, you’re still trying to make the team.”
Brown knows nothing’s given and he’s still competing tooth and nail at one of the Packers’ deepest positions. The upcoming preseason will be huge in his quest to crack Green Bay’s 53.
At the same time, picking off five passes in the first nine practices ain’t a bad way to start. He’s currently one INT ahead of third-year cornerback Carrington Valentine for the team lead.
Brown said he planned to grab some post-practice food with his family prior to the team’s Sunday off day. When the Packers return, preparations will begin for next Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets.
“Man, it’s just fun being around these guys,” Brown said. “I feel like we’ve got a lot of good, diverse team, young team, little mix of old. I feel like everybody’s leaders on our team.
“The vets that been playing, they’re huge and they support all the young guys. This is my second year and, as you see, they’re all coming up, really just seeing the hard work we’re all putting in.”