"Touchdown" Eddie Brown retires as a Firebird
April 6, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release
INDIANAPOLIS â The Indiana Firebirds announced the retirement of Offensive Specialist "Touchdown" Eddie Brown. Brown was widely considered to be the greatest receiver to ever play Arena Football. Brown signed a 2004 AFL contract and then retired as a Firebird, the only team he has ever played for. The retirement will end a career that set the standard for receiving in the Arena Football League.
Brown leaves the game as the AFL's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (303), receptions (949) and receiving yards (12,726) and ranks second in scoring (2,070). Brown led the league in scoring five out of his ten years in the league, more than any other player. He was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1994, Offensive Player of the Year in 1996 and 1999 and was named MVP of ArenaBowl XIII. He was also named to the AFL's 15th Anniversary All-Time team. Brown is the only player to record over 100 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 35 receiving touchdowns in four consecutive seasons (1996-99) and five out of six (1994-99).
"Eddie was the best receiver to play the game of Arena Football," said Firebirds GM John Kolner. "He had tremendous work ethic at practice and that helped him to be the most dominant player at his position. What made Eddie so amazing was his ability to consistently dominate the game and do it each season. He had a swagger and a desire to win that was unparalleled."
Brown, who was first signed by the then-Albany Firebirds on May 3, 1994, was moved to WR/LB from his OS position after week seven of the 2003 season. Despite the position change, Brown still managed to lead the team in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (17). Brown hauled in a season-high four touchdown receptions against Dallas (April 13th), while recording season-highs in receptions (10) and receiving yards (146) on May 4th versus Georgia.
Brown became the AFL single-season reception leader in 1999, when he recorded 138 catches en route to leading the Firebirds to their only ArenaBowl championship. That season, he marked career-highs with his receptions, receiving yards (1,858) and receiving touchdowns (45). Brown was named MVP of ArenaBowl XIII, catching 12 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns. He has recorded 33 rushing touchdowns and returned eight kicks for scores, five kickoff and three missed field goal returns, during his career.
"Eddie's contribution to the Firebirds organization and the Arena Football League was more than just his on field presence," said Kolner. "Eddie was the face of this organization for many years and has left a mark on this franchise forever. You can't underestimate how important he was to this team, for many different reasons."
Brown, who played college football at Louisiana Tech before embarking on his illustrious AFL career owns or shares league single-game records for total points (54), receiving touchdowns (7) and total touchdowns in a game (9), all of which he accomplished May 18, 1996 against Minnesota.
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