Sep 20, 2021
Eric WoodyardESPN
DETROIT — Early in the morning, around 6 a.m. Pacific time, John Brown’s phone rang.
It was his older sister, delivering the devastating news that his younger sister, Yolandra “Loni” Brown, had died unexpectedly on Aug. 31.
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An hour later, that same morning, he received a group message notification from his eldest son, Equanimeous St. Brown, telling his parents and two siblings some more disheartening news: He had been waived by the Green Bay Packers.
“I just want to let you guys know I got released,” Equanimeous texted. “Don’t worry about me too much. I’m OK.”
It was also the 57th birthday of Miriam, John’s wife.
“That was the worst day of my life,” John recalled.
He couldn’t get out of bed for two days.
Eventually, John picked himself up and is now preparing to make the trip to Lambeau Field for Monday Night Football when the Detroit Lions face the Packers (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).
The contest marks an unexpected division rivalry within the family, with Amon-Ra St. Brown being a promising rookie receiver for the Lions while Equanimeous, now signed to Green Bay’s practice squad, is looking to make an active NFL roster.
“It’s a good feeling, we’re proud of them,” John Brown said.
The game also signifies a culmination of the vision Brown had for his sons, since the former two-time Mr. Universe and three-time Mr. World prepped his three boys — Equanimeous, Osiris and Amon-Ra — for a national stage at an early age.
“It’s gonna be dope. Exciting,” Amon-Ra told ESPN. “Obviously, I wish my brother was on the active roster so I could play against him, but even still, just watching my brother play in Green Bay the last three years and finally getting a chance to play against Aaron Rodgers, guys who I have watched my whole life…
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