Saying goodbye to a CFL legend Brown makes it official

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This article was published 22/03/2012 (5294 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Admittedly nervous, Doug Brown opened his own retirement speech with this dandy:

"They say you come into the game alone and you walk out of it alone, but I definitely don’t feel that way today."

The future Hall of Famer’s words reached an audience of former coaches, former teammates, fans watching via webcast and current colleagues (more on that later), most wishing him nothing but the best as he moves onto the next chapter of his life, but he was really only speaking to one person in his final address as a Bomber player.

Richard Harris, who died suddenly from a massive heart attack following a practice last July, wasn’t at the team complex Wednesday, but the popular defensive line coach was a big part — the biggest part — of the official goodbye.

"We made a promise to one another, a pact between us," the 6-foot-8, 290-pound Brown told those assembled in the room. "He always told me that he didn’t want to coach a defensive line group that I wasn’t a part of and I always told him that I didn’t want to play for anybody that wasn’t him."

As most know, the 37-year-old defensive tackle was thinking about getting out of the game prior to the 2011 season. The body was no longer able to deliver on what the mind requested and the hours spent in the gym weren’t translating into the established levels of production on the field.

The idea of retirement was in his head after the 2010 season.

When Harris died, Brown’s mind was made up.

"I knew I would never play another season of professional football," he said.

The Brown-Harris connection has been well-documented over the years. The two came into the league at the same time, but for different teams. When they finally came together in 2006, the player enjoyed his best years as a professional under Harris’ tutelage, a five-season block (2006-10) that celebrated Brown as a CFL all-star every single year.

Brown recounted a story from last off-season, when Harris was wrestling with the idea of joining his pal Greg Marshall in Regina. Marshall, the new Roughriders head coach, pushed hard for his friend to move west, but Harris decided to stay.

Not because of the Bombers, but because of Brown. Sappy, yes, but that was the relationship.

"Richard would be pretty happy to see Doug sweating up there today, no question," Bombers offensive lineman Glenn January said. "It was a very unique relationship between them."

Brown said Harris gave him some perspective on life outside of football.

"If anything, he taught me that the relationships you make in your profession, whether it’s this game or another, those are the most important things you hold onto and cherish," he said. "It’s not just what you accomplish, it’s the people you meet along the way and how they impact your life."

Words like "cornerstone" and "jackpot" were floated out by the organization to describe Brown Wednesday, terms that described not only his stature in the Bombers defence but his value to the on-field product.

Perhaps head coach Paul LaPolice summed Brown up best.

"He was a great football player. Not just a great Canadian football player," he said. "He is certainly going to go down as one of the best players to play in this organization and I think he’s dear to a lot of our hearts because he’s made Winnipeg his home and he’s embraced the community."

With the gridiron officially turned off, Brown now ventures into a new game: Television.

He’ll be a part of the rotation of analysts on TSN this summer, finding time between his weekly column at the Free Press and radio show on CJOB. Brown, who wasn’t keen on moving into the coaching department, has also had preliminary discussions with the Bombers about a role within the organization. Both sides plan to revisit those talks at a later date.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca

WHAT DID BROWN DO FOR YOU?

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon:

"We’re really going to miss what you represent as a CFL player. All the work you do in Winnipeg, for the community, working with kids, reading to them, teaching them in clinics…. while I think we’re going to miss you I don’t think we’re saying goodbye. What we are saying is congratulations on an amazing career."

Veteran offensive lineman Glenn January: "Doug is going to leave a huge void in that locker- room. He was a guy who led by example, but at the same time, he wasn’t afraid to let somebody know if they stepped out of line."

Bombers GM Joe Mack: "There was never a time where I ever questioned Doug’s intensity and his willingness to try and make us a championship-calibre team. Doug always conducted himself as a champion."

On Twitter

Bombers QB Alex Brink: (@AlexBrink10): "Lucky to have played w/ Doug Brown… not only one of the best ever, but by far the classiest individual I’ve been around. RH is smiling down."

Edmonton DT (and former Bomber) Don Oramasionwu: (@DonnyO93): "The best DT in CFL history retires today, lucky to have learned from a legend in my first 3 years in the league."

Bombers veteran C Obby Khan: (@obbykhan60) "Players come and go but it is rare that a Great Player comes, stays and Dominates the way Doug Brown has. We are gonna miss the Big Bird."

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in 1997 (fifth overall)

Traded to Winnipeg prior to the 2001 season

Seven CFL all-star nominations (2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Eight division all-star nominations: (2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)

Outstanding Canadian player award in 2001 (he was runner-up in 2006 and 2007)

Runner-up for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive player award in 2008

THE NUMBERS

NFL — Spent the 1997 season on the Buffalo Bills practice roster; in 1998, he played 10 games with Washington, recording 16 tackles and five assists; in 1999, he dressed for 10 games, picking up one tackle and one fumble recovery.

CFL — Spent 11 seasons with Winnipeg; played 188 regular-season games, missing just 10 due to injury; recorded 52 career sacks (good for third on the Bombers franchise list) and 429 career tackles.

FUN FACT

Brown’s last official tackle came on Nov. 5, 2011 at McMahon Stadium, when he brought down Calgary running back Jon Cornish following a six-yard gain. The next play, Brown took a roughing the passer penalty on Stamps quarterback Drew Tate.