Everette Brown is a leader, both on the field and in the community. When he's not on the field, you can find him at class or volunteering around Tallahassee. He is on track to graduate in December, only 3 1/2 years after he arrived on campus. The redshirt junior defensive end took time to talk with theACC.com about all of his activities.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I bring a silence presence with me wherever I go. A lot of people think that it's what I say or do, but it is really just how I carry myself.
When and how did you start playing football?
Quick Facts
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite Pro Athlete: Michael Jordan
Favorite Musical Group: Jay-Z
Favorite Pregame Meal: Spaghetti and boneless chicken breast
Favorite Place on Campus: Crenshaw Lanes (bowling alley) |
I started playing football in sixth grade, playing Pee Wee. I started with flag football and then moved up to tackle. My dad put me in all sports; he was actually my flag football coach.
Did you play any other sports in high school?
My first two years I played football, then basketball, then baseball. My last two years I played football and basketball and ran track. I ran the 4x100 and 4x200 relays and I high jumped. I was a lot smaller then.
Where else did you think about going to school?
I was recruited by a lot of great schools. It came down to Florida State, Penn State, Virginia Tech and North Carolina. All of them are good schools, but the tradition here at Florida State and the atmosphere I felt when I went on my visit - I went with my gut decision. My parents talked about how far away it was, but I knew it would work and knew they would support me 100 percent no matter where I went. Coming down to play for Coach Bowden was a great opportunity. He is a legendary coach.
What do you do when you're not playing football?
If I'm not asleep, I play with my dog. I have a show dog, a female blue pit bull. I spend a lot of my down time with her. I relax, go to the movies, go bowling - hang out with my teammates.
What are some of the things you do in the community?
I've been to the muscular dystrophy camp. I go out to elementary schools. Here in Florida they have the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test), which is an exam you have to pass to get to the next grade. They have pep rallys there and I go and give pep talks. I tell them things that were instilled in me when I was young like getting a good night's sleep, eating a good breakfast and ultimately believing you can do it. When I go out to the schools I try to leave a lasting impression on the kids, but at the same time give them motivation. It is a great opportunity for me to give back to the community. I get as much out of it as they do.
When and how did you start your community service?
I've been active ever since I got to Florida State. John Lata, the Director of Student Services, has done a great job of reaching out to me and getting me started in community service. I am a Florida State athlete, and I can use that to go out in the community and give back what my parents and what people came and spoke to me about, when I was younger - my role models. I can go out and give back to the kids and use that as a platform.
What is the most memorable moment from all of your community service?
The muscular dystrophy camp. You hear that the kids love it and you hear commercials and see pictures, but you never know what its like until you have that experience interacting with the kids. Some of them were as old as me or older. I was almost 19 going on 20 years old and some of them were 20 or 21 years old but you wouldn't know it because they hadn't developed physically. They were still happy inside and they were using the ability they had the best they could. It made me realize, out there on the football field, the bumps and bruises, it could be a lot worse where I couldn't even run. I used that to motivate myself. I was really touched (by) going to the muscular dystrophy camp.
How do you balance school, football and all of the community service?
It is really tough and time consuming. You have to be focused. It comes naturally for me. I wake up in the morning and go to class. Then I eat lunch. If I have a break between lunch and meetings then that's when I fit in my community service. Then I'll go to practice and study hall. Eventually it all runs together and becomes (like) clockwork and you always want something to do.
What do you want to do with the social science major?
I want to play football as long as I can. It is a great opportunity and it's a lot of fun. I graduate this December which is three and a half years. Under the social science department, my main focus is sociology. It deals with everyday problems like obesity, the economy and government issues - things you use in everyday life. I am going to use that, but first I'm going to get my master's in sports management. Then I can use those two together to become an associate athletic director, hopefully at the college level. Hopefully I can use my sociology degree as well as my community service experience to mentor the student-athletes and help them develop.
What is the best advice you have ever received from a coach?
The biggest thing I've picked up on and grown since I came here is getting to know God and your religion. Every Friday night (Coach Bobby Bowden) gives a testimony. I really look forward to that. You can use the testimony he gives in your every day lives. It is so much greater than football. It helps me see the big picture instead of living for the now.
Walk us through a home game day at Florida State. Some traditions, what you're thinking, what you see from people when you get to the stadium.
When we travel, we travel big. I don't know of any other schools that travel like we do. With all of the police escorts, it is a non-stop bus ride to the stadium. We are never stuck in traffic. Coach Bowden is in the police car. The police, they do a great job of escorting to the stadium. The closer we get to the stadium, the more fans we have, especially in Tallahassee. The bus slows down and you just have to let it all in. You know there is a team behind the team. You know when the bus pulls up and you get off, there is always a long line of fans as we walk into the stadium. When you get into the stadium, the locker room is perfect. The equipment managers do a great job. Everything is laid out for you, it is just a great game day atmosphere. Of course, at the start of the game, when Chief Osceola comes out on the horse and throws the spear in the ground, the place is electrified. It always intimidates the opponents.
What does the team still hope to accomplish this season?
We have a lot to accomplish. We have done (well) but we have to do better. Ultimately, that is just keep winning. We have to go out with a chip on our shoulder, week in and week out, that we're still Florida State. So many people have started not respecting us, so we have to go every week and make people respect Florida State. That is what we remind ourselves before every game. Before we go out on the field, we say "We are Florida State," then we go out and take care of business.
Brown and the Seminoles are off this weekend and return to action on Thursday, October 16 at NC State. The game will be televised on ESPN at 7:30.
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