From Rome, Georgia to the NFL, Ronnie Brown shares his faith and focus

Former Auburn All-American running back, and number 2 overall NFL draft pick in 2005, Ronnie Brown, spoke to a group of high school football players at the Calhoun 7-on-7 camp on Thursday July 13th. Brown shared his story of FOCUS with the student athletes and included finding Christ during his years at Auburn.

Brown was invited to speak by the Calhoun FCA and head coach Hal Lamb, who once coached Brown’s older brother. Brown remembered his time as a water boy on the field before going on to star at Cartersville High School, winning a State Title and being recruited by over a dozen Division 1 schools. Unfortunately an offer never came from his favorite school, Florida State University, and Brown’s coaches didn’t feel that his first love of baseball would lead him to a scholarship, so Brown settled on Tennessee only to change his decision just four days before signing day.

Sharing with the crowd of over 100 athletes the story of his struggle, only to end up at Auburn and watch them sign phenom freshman, Cadillac Williams, Brown dealt with countless episodes of indecision and self-doubt. His weekly meetings with the team chaplain helped him solidify his faith in Christ and his faith in his decision to remain at Auburn.

After an injury sidelined his teammate, Williams, Brown went on to gain over 100 yards in the 2nd half of a losing effort against Florida but made his mark and launched a career that led to the the #2 overall NFL Draft pick and a career with the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers.

Brown’s message resonated with coaches and players alike as he remembered his freshman year of high school and setting a goal to become a Division 1 running back. “Every decision after that revolved around accomplishing that goal.” said Brown. Brown emphasized the importance of having a goal and committing yourself to working toward it. He used his message of FOCUS to guide the players on their own path to becoming one of the most “dangerous players in the world.”

Brown’s football career highlights:

Brown finished seventh in Auburn school history with 2,707 rushing yards and fifth with 28 rushing touchdowns. He twice earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2002 and 2004.

In the NFL Brown had 5,400 yards rushing with 38 touchdowns and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008.