Detroit Lions rookie WR Amon Ra St. Brown is half German, and can speak fluently the language. Miriam visits her son in Detroit before the Green Bay Packers game. She wishes him luck and tells him to beat the Packers - all in German. His mom speaks only German. Video by Eric Woodyard (0.26).
DETROIT -- John Brown's phone rang at 6 AM Pacific Time.
His older sister was the one to break the news that Yolandra Loni Brown had unexpectedly died on August 31st.
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One hour later, the Green Bay Packers sent him a group message.
Just wanted to let you know that Equanimeous has released me. Don't worry too much about me. I'm fine.
Miriam, John’s wife, also celebrated her 57th birthday.
John recalled that it was the most difficult day of his life.
For two days, he couldn't get out from his bed.
John eventually got up and made the trek to Lambeau Field to watch Monday Night Football, when the Detroit Lions take on the Packers (8:15 pm). ET, ESPN
This contest will mark an unexpected division rivalry within this family. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a promising rookie receiver for Lions, while Equanimeous is now signed to Green Bays' practice squad and looking to join the active NFL roster.
John Brown stated, "It's a great feeling. We are proud of them."
This game is also a culmination in the vision Brown had of his sons. Brown, a former Mr. Universe and Mr. World, prepared his three boys, Equanimeous and Osiris, for a national stage from an early age.
It's going to be amazing. It's going to be exciting, Amon-Ra said to ESPN. Although I wish my brother was still on the active roster, it is exciting to finally be able to play against Aaron Rodgers.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (left) and Equanimeous St. Brown (right) worked together to achieve their goal of joining the NFL as young men. John Brown
Brothers bond
Amon-Ra (and Equanimeous) lived nearly 300 miles apart, and had different schedules with their respective teams. However, they found time to bond during training camp.
They competed in games like FIFA or Call of Duty, but rarely spoke about football.
Amon-Ra pointed out that the Packers' schedule is slightly different from the Lions. He would leave earlier than us, as he did on many days. He would tell me that I should get up and that meetings would continue, but it would be for small things.
Equanimeous brought up football after news of a fight at Lions practice reached Green Bay via social media. Amon-Ra and Ifeatu Melifonwu, a rookie cornerback, were engaged in an open-field blocking drill during Lions padded practice's first day. With neither side refusing to give up, the action heated up and punches soon flew.
Equanimeous stated that you have to be strong for yourself. Some coaches don't mind fighting, others don't like it. But, it is football. It's a physical sport. S--- happens. He's my brother, so I know he won't back down from anything.
Equanimeous, who grew up in the same Orange County household, California, and Osiris, their middle brother, would dominate Amon-Ra's sports activities.
Osiris spoke of Amon-Ra's competitiveness because of that. It was great to be around you all the time. We are older and more powerful than anyone else, so he had to work harder to keep up with us.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will play against the Packers Monday Night Football. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
For respect
Amon-Ra spent his free time exploring downtown Detroit two days after making his NFL debut against San Francisco 49ers.
Amon-Ra stated that it felt like another preseason match, with more fans.
Amon-Ra is a favorite of the Lions. Jared Goff, the 49ers' quarterback, targeted him four times. He caught two passes for 23 yards. But that could change in Week 2.
Amon-Ra [St. Brown] did an excellent job but it was AmonRa's first NFL game against a very strong team. The Lions coach Dan Campbell stated that AmonRa played a solid defense. He's not any different from the other guys. This is something you can build on. He really did compete. He fought. He has to pay attention to all the little details.
Equanimeous is in Green Bay and things are different. After being on the team the past three seasons, he is now on the practice squad. Equanimeous will be watching from the sidelines, or in a booth, while Amon-Ra takes to the field Monday night.
Equanimeous stated that every day it is a reminder. Each time I go to my locker, it is in a different place so I have to work harder and prove myself. All I can do now is to keep my feet on the ground until they give me another chance.
Amon-Ra also got a reminder that, although football was their lifelong passion, it is also a job.
It was a frustrating experience for me too. But it is a business and they will always find someone to replace my work, Amon-Ra stated.
Amon-Ra visited his father John Brown (left) and his mother Miriam (right) in Detroit before his Monday Night Football debut. Eric Woodyard
In any case, they were winners
Detroit (0-1) has an opportunity to give Green Bay's seemingly fragile squad a second consecutive loss. Since 2006, the Packers have not started 0-2 -- the second-longest active streak for the New England Patriots.
Green Bay was defeated 38-3 by the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. However, Rodgers, the reigning MVP has won seven consecutive games as a starter on Monday Night Football.
Although the Lions lost four consecutive games to Green Bay, they now have some new fans with the inclusion of the youngest brother St. Brown.
It's clear to me. I root for the Detroit Lions. No question about it, Miriam said, smiling. Because [Amon Ra] is playing, and the other is not. It's easy.
John added that both were winners.
