Dave Brown (quarterback)

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Dave Brown
Date of birth February 25, 1970
Place of birth Flag of United States Summit, New Jersey
Position(s) Quarterback
College Duke
Stats
Statistics
Team(s)
1992-1997
1998-2001
New York Giants
Arizona Cardinals

David Michael Brown (born February 25, 1970 in Summit, New Jersey) is a former professional American football quarterback in the NFL who played for the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals. He was chosen by the Giants in the first round of the 1992 Supplemental Draft from Duke. He played his high school ball at Westfield High School in Westfield, New Jersey.

Brown was marked as an underachiever in his years with the Giants. He did not instill much confidence in his teammates and seemed to lack the big play potential. His first start came on December 12, 1992, when he was forced into the lineup in the stead of injured Phil Simms and Kent Graham, dropping a 19-0 decision to the Phoenix Cardinals.

He officially won the starting job in 1994 and helped guide his team to a 9-7 record and a season-ending six game winning streak. However, the Giants won only a combined 11 games in the next two seasons and their offense finished worst statistically in the league in 1996. Brown never seemed to win over the fans, much after he was signed to a long term deal in the 1995 offseason.

After injuring his chest during a game against the Cowboys, Brown lost his starting job in 1997. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals where he finished his career in 2000. While Brown himself struggled, many might argue that the talent around him, in particular the offensive line and wide receivers was inferior to the talent of the league. Several poor offseasons, poor draft picks and a lack of protection didn't help Brown become successful. In addition, Head Coach Dan Reeves never exuted much confidence in the signal caller, thus further hurting his overall confidence.

One of the finer moments of Brown's career was in 1999 when he and the Cardinals swept the Giants for the first time in more than 15 seasons. Brown played one half of football in each victory. At Giants' Stadium, until being replaced at halftime by Jake Plummer, Brown completed 11 of 17 passes for over 100 yards. He then watched his team takeover in the second half for a commanding 34-24 victory.


Preceded by
Phil Simms
New York Giants Starting Quarterbacks
1994-1996
Succeeded by
Danny Kanell