Browne makes peace with victim’s role in highlight-reel moment

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This article was published 05/08/2010 (5597 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BEFORE exploring the position Brady Browne finds himself in again this weekend, let’s start things off with a name: Nik Lewis.

"I knew you bring it up," the Winnipeg Blue Bombers safety bellowed, pretending to be upset at the request for a walk down a recent memory lane. Browne was the player who Lewis, the high-stepping Calgary Stampeders receiver, jumped over during Winnipeg’s 23-20 loss last Saturday.

Here’s Browne’s take on what happened: He saw Lewis catch the ball and turn up field. He went in high for the hit and instead of wrapping his arms around a player in a red jersey, he came up empty. Lewis bounded right over Browne — an impressive feat that had more to do with the athleticism of the receiver than the safety’s tackling ability.

Roughly 300 text messages from friends (according to Browne) and a few uncomfortable moments in the film room later, Browne has come to grips with his role in the split-second highlight-reel moment.

"I’m getting offers from track coaches who are down some equipment," Browne laughed Wednesday. "They’re wondering if I can come down for practice and help with the hurdles. Seriously, though, Nik is a great athlete and a great player… the sad part is, I didn’t even go low on him."

Browne says in typical football madness — when he’s not about to hit a guy who can make himself completely disappear — he prepares for two things before impact: Either the receiver or running back will try to "juke" him (which means avoid the tackle) or "truck" him (square up and take the collision).

"The way he was running, I thought he was going to drop his shoulder and make the big collision," Browne said. "I was like ‘Let’s party.’ Instead, he jumped over my head. Yeah, so that’s forever now.

"Thanks for bringing it up."

Browne has a knack for being in the middle of things, a trait that dates back to his first few weeks as a member of the Manitoba Bisons. When he first joined the Herd in 2004, the Bison coaching staff — specifically defensive co-ordinator Stan Pierre — loved the way Browne approached the position.

Fearless, but not reckless.

"He was never afraid to get beat," Pierre recalled. "He threw it out there and gave it his best shot. More often than not, it would result in him making a play. He takes on the challenge."

The 27-year-old, who will make his third CFL start for the Blue and Gold when the club takes on Hamilton Saturday (replacing Ian Logan, who’s out at least the next two games with a reoccurring hamstring injury), says his style of game — making a big hit or blocking a punt — is the result of his mindset.

"You can’t be scared to be out there," Browne said. "I’ve always approached it that way. It’s funny, every time I’m on the field, I’m visualizing myself making a play — whether it’s at safety or on special teams. It sounds dumb, but I always see myself making that big play."

The next two games (and possibly beyond) are the next two auditions for Browne to grab what he really wants: A starting safety job in the CFL. This is a chance to assert his standing, and that’s both exciting and gut-wrenching.

Logan, who believes Browne should be starting in the CFL, is his best friend on the team, and the two have helped each other learn at the position.

"It’s unfortunate that it’s my best friend who’s hurt and it’s because of that I have the opportunity to start, but in an eight-team league, sometimes you have to wait for an injury to play," Browne said. "I hate seeing him hurt, though."

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca

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