Ex-Hawk Browner gets 2nd chance at Super Bowl ring with Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Brandon Browner received a Super Bowl ring last year even though he was watching from home 3,000 miles from the Seattle Seahawks when they won the title.

Now the hard-hitting cornerback has a shot at more diamonds and another title, going face-to-face with receivers when the New England Patriots play his former team Sunday.

It’s a matchup Browner craved after missing last season’s Super Bowl while under suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy and then signing with the Patriots in March.

“It’s crazy, man,” Browner said. “I really had that vision when I signed here. Hopefully, we’d meet up with my old boys and it happened to work out that way.”

While Seattle was pounding Denver 43-8 in New Jersey to win the championship, Browner watched from his Los Angeles-area home, frustrated he couldn’t be on the field.

His indefinite suspension cost him the last two regular-season games plus three postseason games. In March, the indefinite exile was revised to four more games. Ten days later, he signed with the Patriots. After serving the suspension, he was inactive for two games then took over at cornerback opposite Darrelle Revis.

“He deserves a lot of credit to sit out four games and then come back and fall back right in stride,” Patriots safety Devin McCourty said. “He hasn’t missed a beat since he’s been back.”

At 6-feet-4 and 221 pounds, Browner has a physical style that can intimidate opponents but also hurt the Patriots. He committed 13 penalties while playing in nine regular-season games. But he hasn’t backed off.

“He’s brought an edge to the defense,” McCourty said.

Now he has added incentive, a chance at a second straight NFL title against a team he has no ill feelings for.

“I was blessed and fortunate,” said Browner, who served another four-game suspension in 2012 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. “I was suspended over there and I was still able to get a ring. That was a decision by the coach and the owner to give me that. They didn’t have to.”

Since joining Revis, McCourty and safety Patrick Chung, Browner has solidified an already strong secondary that has great depth with Kyle Arrington, Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan.

McCourty said it’s the most complete secondary he’s been part of in five NFL seasons, all with the Patriots

Next up is Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, a constant threat to run who can turn busted plays into critical ones — like his 2-point conversion pass after a scramble in Seattle’s 28-22 win over the Green Bay Packers for the NFC championship.

Browner will try to cover his receiver for as long as it takes to keep Wilson from completing a pass.

“Brandon Browner is a great professional,” Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia said, “a guy that’s very intense, has a great work ethic, really studies hard, has a very competitive side and really wants to try to get everything right.”

Last season, Browner teamed with Seattle’s star cornerback Richard Sherman in what became known as a “Legion of Boom” secondary.

This season he’s partnered with Revis, a cornerback considered by many to be better than Sherman.

“I’m older than Richard,” said the 30-year-old Browner, who spent four years in the CFL with one Grey Cup championship before signing with Seattle in 2011, “I came in starting. Richard was one of the backups. So I couldn’t take too much from him but I’ve always been a fan of Revis’ technique.”

Browner has a different style from both. He’s bigger and more physical, a cornerback in a safety’s or small linebacker’s body.

And he brings another asset, a burning desire to contribute to a Super Bowl champion after missing that opportunity last year.

“It means a lot,” Browner said. “I’m fortunate to be back in this thing the following year with a good football team, and with a bond that I’ve built with these guys like the one I built with the guys over there. It’s a good feeling.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.