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St. Cloud State University
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Browner makes appearance at football finals
By Matt Janda
Published:
Monday, October 21, 2002
The NFL came to Selke Field Thursday afternoon, in more ways than one.
Campus Rec and the NFL combined for the kickoff of the NFL’s nation-wide College Flag Football program. The 2002 SCSU flag finals were the first ever games played in the program, which will initially include 32 university campuses of all sizes, culminating in an exhibition of two randomly selected teams at the Super Bowl in San Diego.
Featured among the afternoon’s festivities was an appearance by former Viking, six-time All-Pro safety Joey Browner. Browner was on hand to meet and greet the smattering of spectators for the tripleheader of final match-ups.
The NFL’s foray into the burgeoning intramural football market raises the obvious question of the league’s angle.
“All ages of people are NFL fans, even kids are playing intramural football,” said NFL rep. Jim Tucker. “Why not brand it NFL College Flag Football and bring it to life, and bring out a player like Joey Browner and turn it into a big event?”
Whatever the NFL’s intentions, it should be said that there were many excellent give-aways at the event, including a mesh laundry bag filled with Playstation 2 demo discs, a Super Bowl Highlights DVD, water bottle and t-shirt. Free Chipotle burritos were available to those who braved the Minnesota cold to see their friends compete in the flag championship.
The College Flag Football program plans to expand to 64 teams next season and will eventually have a national championship.
The unchallenged highlight of the day, however, was Browner’s appearance. Browner, whose name will forever be associated with inflicting pain, is widely considered to be one of the better safeties in the modern era of football. His 37 interceptions are fourth on the Vikings’ career list and his level of play was a far cry from what passes for a Minnesota secondary these days. Browner now lives in Pierz, spending most of his time doing charity work.
“I do youth camps, I do motivational speaking like going to prisons and encouraging people to change their lives,” Browner said. “I do a lot of different things, mostly work for myself.”
For a man who caused so many injuries on the field, it is somewhat ironic that most of the autographs Browner signed read ‘God bless you,’ an indication of Browner’s faith and gratitude for his opportunities.
“Without that spirit being there, I wouldn’t have been able to play,” he said. “I give thanks every day for that blessing. I hope that blessing (can be seen) in other people, so I just pass it on.”
Thursday’s weather was Minnesota-like to say the least, and coupled with minimal promotion, probably greatly affected the attendance at the flag finals. Those in attendance were more than glad to see the backbone of the great Viking defenses of the late 80’s, and the feeling was mutual. Browner said that he misses the fans the most.
“Without the fans, there wouldn’t be a game,” he said. “Even now in life, the fans remembering you out there playing let you know you did something right out there. But you still have to walk among the people, because that’s what life’s all about.”
The 2002 flag football champions were The Hands Team in Men’s A, Phi Tau in Men’s B, and Venus in the Women’s division.
