Marquise "Hollywood" Brown: From Overlooked High School Talent to NFL Star

Marquise Brown, widely known as "Hollywood" Brown, has carved out an impressive career in the National Football League (NFL) as a wide receiver. Currently with the Arizona Cardinals, his journey to professional football is a testament to his perseverance and talent. From being an under-recruited high school player to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick, Brown's story is one of determination and seizing opportunities.

Early Years and High School Career

Marquise Brown's roots are in Hollywood, Florida, where he attended Chaminade-Madonna High School. Despite his athletic abilities, he did not receive any Division I offers upon graduating from high school. Standing at 5'9" and weighing 180 pounds, Brown was often overlooked due to his size. Overlooked by major college programs, Brown's journey began at College of the Canyons.

Junior College and Transition to Oklahoma

After high school, Brown attended College of the Canyons in California. Junior colleges in California do not offer sports scholarships and to make ends meet, Brown worked at Six Flags Magic Mountain. His performance there caught the attention of major programs, and after one year, he received multiple Division I scholarship offers. Brown ultimately committed to the University of Oklahoma.

At Oklahoma, Brown quickly established himself as a premier deep threat, playing alongside quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. In two seasons as a Sooner, he totaled 2,413 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He averaged 19.2 yards per reception with Mayfield and 17.6 yards per reception with Murray, showcasing his ability to make big plays downfield. According to Murray, Oklahoma head coach Riley showed him Brown's highlight reel and immediately knew Brown was going to be special. Brown himself recalls not knowing much about Murray when he arrived at Oklahoma, which he believes helped them connect without any preconceived notions.

NFL Career

Baltimore Ravens (2019-2021)

The Baltimore Ravens selected Brown with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, making him the first wide receiver chosen that year. Over his first three seasons with the Ravens, Brown's role in the offense steadily increased. His targets grew from 71 in his rookie year to 145 in his third season. His air yards also increased, from 841 to 1518. He developed a strong rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson and in his third season, he recorded a top-24 fantasy football season. He caught 46 passes for 584 yards and seven scores as a rookie, later tallying 58 grabs for 769 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020. By 2021, Brown had a breakout campaign, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards. In total, Brown caught 195 passes for 2,361 yards and 21 scores in 46 games with Baltimore.

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Arizona Cardinals (2022-Present)

During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ravens traded Brown and a third-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 23 overall pick. The trade reunited Brown with his former Oklahoma teammate, Kyler Murray. In 2022, playing behind DeAndre Hopkins, Brown's production decreased. He also missed five games due to a foot fracture. In 14 games for Arizona last year, Brown caught 51 passes for 574 yards and four touchdowns despite playing without Murray for most of the season. With Hopkins leaving for Tennessee in free agency in 2023, Marquise Brown stepped into the role of WR1 for Arizona.

Nickname Origin

Brown's nickname, "Hollywood," originated during his time at Oklahoma. Legendary broadcaster Gus Johnson coined the name after a standout play against Kansas State in 2017. Johnson, impressed by Brown's performance and learning he was from Hollywood, Florida, began calling him "Hollywood." The name stuck and has become synonymous with Brown's electrifying playmaking ability. The nickname has become a fitting one, too, as Brown emerged on the national stage as one of the most electric playmakers in all of college football.

Player Profile and Style

Marquise Brown is known for his speed, agility, and ability to create big plays. Despite his smaller stature, he is a competitive and deliberate football player. Brown is also known for his quiet and reserved demeanor off the field. On the field, however, he transforms into a dynamic playmaker. Brown is determined to be a highlight-reel type of player.

Relationship with Kyler Murray

Brown and Murray have a close friendship that dates back to their time at Oklahoma. Murray was excited about the trade that brought Brown to Arizona, noting his trust in Brown's abilities and work ethic.

Community Involvement

Marquise Brown remains connected to his hometown of Hollywood, Florida. On July 4, 2021, the city held "Hollywood Brown Day" to honor him for representing the area. The city also presented him with a key to the city.

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