Ivory Lee Brown


Ivory Lee Brown is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League and World League of American Football. He played college football for the Golden Lions football|Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions]. Afterwards, he played for the Phoenix Cardinals of the NFL and the San Antonio Riders of the WLAF. Brown is the uncle of former NFL running back Adrian Peterson.

College career

Brown was born in Palestine, Texas, and was a highly recruited running back out Palestine High School. He rushed for 1,800 yards as a senior in 1986, and was the rated the #2 recruit in Texas. Brown originally intended to sign with Texas A&M University out of high school, but due to SAT problems, he attended Tyler Junior College instead. While at junior college, Brown was recruited to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff by head coach Archie "Gunslinger" Cooley. Cooley had formerly coached Pro [Football Hall of Fame]r Jerry Rice at Mississippi Valley State University, and had recently come to UAPB, which was an NAIA school at the time. In 1989, Brown's first season with the Golden Lions, he led the NAIA in rushing with 1,465 yards, averaging 8.3 yards per carry.

Professional career

NFL

Brown was selected by the 1991 [Phoenix Cardinals season|Phoenix Cardinals] in the seventh round of the 1991 NFL draft. He was placed on the team's developmental squad, and did not see any playing time during his rookie season.

WLAF

The San Antonio Riders of the fledgling World League of American Football signed Ivory Lee Brown in 1992 to replace running back Ricky Blake, who had signed with the Dallas Cowboys at the conclusion of the 1991 season. Brown played with the Riders in 1992 and won the league's rushing title with 767 yards. Brown's efforts helped the Riders to a 7–3 record, and he was named first-team All World League, giving him an opportunity to return to the Cardinals for the 1992 NFL regular season.

Return to the NFL

Brown emerged as a potential starter due to running back Johnny Johnson's unexpected pre-season holdout. Brown played in seven games, starting five, during the 1992 NFL season, but did not make the Cardinals roster in 1993 and later retired. He had 68 carries for 194 yards and two touchdowns in his NFL career.