Mike Brown is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on February 13, 1978, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale. Brown played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout player for the Cornhuskers.
Brown was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Bears' defense, starting 16 games in his rookie season and recording 96 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Brown continued to be a consistent performer for the Bears over the next few seasons, earning a reputation as one of the league's top safeties.
In 2004, Brown had a breakout season, recording five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He was named to the Pro Bowl and was also named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November. Brown's strong play helped lead the Bears to the playoffs, where they defeated the Carolina Panthers in the divisional round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the conference championship game.
Brown's career was hampered by injuries in the following seasons, as he missed significant time due to various ailments. However, he remained a key player for the Bears when healthy, and he recorded four interceptions in 2006 despite playing in only six games.
After the 2008 season, the Bears released Brown, and he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in all 16 games for the Chiefs in 2009, recording 77 tackles and one interception. However, the Chiefs released Brown after the season, and he was unable to find another team willing to sign him.
Overall, Brown had a successful NFL career, recording 20 interceptions, 7.5 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles in 100 career games. He was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to make big plays in key moments. Despite his injury issues, Brown was a fan favorite in Chicago and remains a beloved figure in Bears history.
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