The Patriots acquired linebacker Chad Brown as a free agent in the 2005 offseason. Brown was named to three Pro Bowls in his 13-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks.
Brown, who won a national championship at the University of Colorado, played alongside former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson with the Buffaloes. He also played in Super Bowl XXX with the Steelers. He has recorded 1,043 career tackles and 78 sacks in his NFL career, and has started every game in which he has played since his rookie season. His career sack total is more than any other active NFL linebacker. Brown once notched 4.5 sacks in a single game against Cincinnati in 1996. Off the field, the California native and Colorado resident operates a Web site that sells exotic pets, specializing in snakes and reptiles. He also enjoys snowboarding, BMX biking and is learning to play the drums.
Brown sat down with us to answer some questions about his life on and off the field.
FAVORITES
What is your favorite sports team other than the Patriots? The Colorado Buffaloes of my alma mater, the University of Colorado.
Who is your favorite athlete to watch play? Tiger Woods. It is so mentally hard to continue to do what he does.
What is your favorite movie? The Insider, with Russell Crowe. I love the moral of the story and the fact that Russell Crowe gets you to buy that character.
Who is your favorite musical artist? It's a tie between Prince and Bob Marley.
What is your favorite Web site? My website, ProExotics.com.
What is your favorite post-game meal? Light seafood or Sushi. I'm not usually that hungry after a game.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? Relax.
Where is your favorite vacation spot? Any island that's hot; like Trinidad.
OFF THE FIELD
Which teammate is the most fun in the locker room? I've got to go with Jarvis Green. My locker is next to his. He's always making me laugh.
You run a website (ProExotics.com) that specializes in exotic snakes and reptiles. If you were a snake, what kind would you be? I would be a Scrub Python from Australia. They're fast, mean and athletic.
What is one thing you've always wanted to do but either couldn't or just haven't yet? I've always wanted to truly travel. Not to be a tourist, but to truly travel: eat where the locals eat; hang out where they hang out. But it takes time ... months.
What is something that the fans probably don't know about you? Well, I'm new here, so they don't know anything about me yet. One thing is I'm shy and quiet.
What is something difficult about you that your wife has to put up with? I'm pretty good around the house. I don't leave my underwear hanging around, so I'm doing okay.
What is the best thing about living in Colorado? The Rocky Mountain sunshine.
ON THE FIELD
What is the hardest hit you've ever given and the hardest hit you've ever taken? They're the same. I accidentally collided with Winston Moss, my teammate on the Seattle Seahawks. I had a concussion and he broke his neck. It was a hard hit for both of us.
From which player or coach have you learned the most in your career? I'd say Jeff Brownfield, my high school coach.
You had 4.5 sacks in a single game once (Cincinnati, 10/13/96).Was that your best game? Or was there a better one? That was my best statistical game, but I've played much better games overall.
Which young Patriots teammate can we expect to hear from in the future? Ryan Claridge, the rookie linebacker.
JUST FOR FUN
Snowboarding at Vail or mountain biking at Moab? That's a tie. Both are fantastic.
Sack the quarterback or pick him off? Sack him.
Play in the rain or play in the snow? Rain.
Read the newspaper or watch the news? Read the paper.
Go out to a movie or stay in and watch a DVD? Stay at home.
Family vacation or romantic getaway? Family vacation, because you can still find time to get away, especially if you have someone to watch the kids.
Early riser or night owl? Neither.
Highlights show or watch the game? Watch the game.
