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From the Sidelines: What can Brown do? Just about anything

Sports reporter

I've never met Ben Brown. I've never seen him play. And if you asked me to name the best player in Tabor College's backfield last year, my answer would have been Roger Butler.

None of that matters.

One phone conversation with the Green Bay Packer rookie free agent, and it's obvious this man is something special.

Maybe he has us all fooled. But if so, call him a magician.

We're talking about a man who once worked three jobs in 2003 to support his wife and young child. A man who after taking three years off from school, went back to finish his degree. In the process he made a highlight film of himself that was sent to all 32 NFL teams, and eventually resulted in the contract with the Packers. We're talking about a man who answered some of my interview questions with "Yes, sir."

Now, he may not know we are the same age, but that doesn't matter. In the past three years of interviewing college and high school athletes, not once have I ever heard, yes sir.

Nor should I have. I don't expect it, never have, never will.

But for Brown, there is no other way.

The former Bluejay who used to open holes for Butler as a full back, is actually getting practice reps with the Packers at running back. A position thinner than thread for the Packers.

That spells good news for Brown and his attempt to make the roster this fall. He will find out in a few weeks during mini-camp if he will be on the active roster come the start of the season.

Word out of Packer town is he has a shot at making the team. Coaches, local media, and fans have been impressed with the four or five touches he gets each day, and his almost uncanny desire to succeed.

In Brown's words this is his last shot and his family has to eat.

While I hope he makes the team and retires 15 years from now a Packer, I think for once, Brown might be wrong about something.

While it could be his last shot at football, he's got all the chance in the world to succeed in life.

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