Darrick Brownlow

Darrick Dewayne Brownlow (born December 28, 1968 in Indianapolis, Indiana) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Illinois.

Early years

Brownlow helped Cathedral High School win the Indiana state high school championship in 1986. He moved on to Illinois University, where he played sparingly as a freshman but excelled on special teams to the point where he was the school's first freshman to be named a game captain.

As a sophomore he led the Big Ten Conference in tackles. In 1990, he finished with 114 tackles, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery. He also placed second in the balloting for the Butkus award.^[1]

He was named by the media to the Illini 1980s All-Decade Team and ranks third on the Illinois` career tackles list.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

Brownlow was selected in the fifth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, after dropping because of size concerns. He had an impact playing on the special teams units, which included blocking a punt that helped upset the Chicago Bears in the Wild Card Playoff win.^[2]

Buffalo Bills

He signed with the Buffalo Bills as a Plan B free agent in 1992.^[3] He was waived on August 31.^[4]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 1, 1992, he was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.^[5] He started the last four games of the 1992 season. Although he was cut on September first, 1993,^[6] he was later re-signed during the second week of the season.

Los Angeles Raiders

In 1994, he signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Raiders and was released on July 14.^[7]

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

Brownlow signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 to help upgrade the coverage units and led the team in special teams tackles with 27.

Washington Redskins

In 1995, he signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins. He received recognition as one of the best special teams players in the league at different times during his six-year career and retired in 1997 after never missing a game.

Personal life

Brownlow currently resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife and three kids. Upon retiring from the NFL, he earned an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and is the owner of several businesses in Indianapolis. He is also an assistant football coach at his alma-mater, Cathedral High School.

References

External links

• Only Thing Illinois` Linebacker Brownlow Lacks Is Publicity