Anthony Shaquille Brown (born December 15, 1993) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL) in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.
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Early life
Brown attended Hillsborough High School, where he played football. He was a two-year starter and received second-team All-Hillsborough County honors. As a junior, he tallied 69 tackles, one interception, one pass defensed and four receptions for 52 yards. In his last year he was a two-way player, posting 25 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed, 911 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 18 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown. He also practiced track.
College career
Brown accepted a scholarship from Purdue University. He became a starter as a sophomore, registering 69 tackles (second on the team), 3 tackles for loss, 3 passes defensed and one forced fumble. The next year, he posted 54 tackles (fifth on the team), 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 10 passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. As a senior, he made 60 tackles (fourth on the team), 4 interceptions (first interceptions of his career) and 6 passes defensed.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys selected Brown in the sixth round with the 189th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. Brown was the 27th cornerback drafted in 2016. On May 18, 2016, the Cowboys signed Brown to a four-year, $2.47 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $134,947.
Throughout training camp, Brown competed to be a backup cornerback against Josh Thomas, Isaiah Frey, Dax Swanson, and Deji Olatoye. Head coach Jason Garrett named Brown the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to start the regular season. He began the season behind Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, and Orlando Scandrick.
He made his professional regular season debut in the Cowboys’ season-opener against the New York Giants and made one solo tackle during their 20–19 loss. On September 25, 2016, Brown earned his first career start in place of Orlando Scandrick who was inactive due to a hamstring injury. Brown finished the Cowboys’ 31–17 victory against the Chicago Bears with four combined tackles. In Week 6, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 30–16 win at the Green Bay Packers. Brown began to see extended play beginning in Week 9 of the season after Morris Claiborne sustained a groin injury the previous week. On December 11, 2016, Brown recorded two solo tackles, broke up a pass, and made his first career interception as the Cowboys lost 10–7 at the New York Giants in Week 14. Brown intercepted a pass attempt by Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, that was originally intended for wide receiver Victor Cruz in the fourth quarter. He finished his rookie season in 2016 with 55 combined tackles (40 solo), eight pass deflections, and one interception in 16 games and nine starts.
The Dallas Cowboys finished first in the NFC East with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. On January 15, 2017, Brown recorded one tackle during a 34–31 loss to the Packers in the NFC Divisional Round.
Brown entered training camp as a possible candidate to win the role as a starting cornerback after Brandon Carr departed in free agency. He competed against Orlando Scandrick, Nolan Carroll, Chidobe Awuzie, and Jourdan Lewis. Head coach Jason Garrett named Brown the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Orlando Scandrick, Nolan Carroll, and Chidobe Awuzie.
Pittsburgh Steelers
On August 30, 2023, Brown was signed to the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released on September 14.
San Francisco 49ers
On September 19, 2023, Brown signed a one-year contract with the 49ers, but was released on September 21. On September 22, the 49ers re-signed Brown to a one-year contract. He was released by the 49ers on October 31.
New York Jets
On November 28, 2023, Brown was signed to the New York Jets practice squad. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season and thus became a free agent upon the expiration of his practice squad contract.
Carolina Panthers
On August 3, 2024, Brown signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was placed on injured reserve on August 19. He was released on December 17.