Canadian running back Chase Brown marked a career milestone in the NFL during Sunday’s game, showcasing his impressive speed with a 54-yard touchdown reception. The significant play contributed to the Cincinnati Bengals’ 34-14 win against the Indianapolis Colts. Brown, wearing the number 30, displayed remarkable acceleration, being recorded at a velocity of 22.05 mph, as evidenced by Next Gen Stats. This feat ranked him as making the second-fastest run by a ball carrier this season in the NFL.
The electric moment occurred in the first quarter when Brown took a screen pass and dashed down the right sideline, eventually evading a tackle with a strategic inside maneuver which sent Colts’ safety Rodney Thomas II off course. This play solidified the game’s opening score.
Brown ended the day as the team’s top receiver, with three catches totaling 80 yards, in addition to managing eight carries for 25 yards on the ground. Coach Taylor commended Brown’s diligent focus on recovering from his injury and his ability to make the most of opportunities when called upon.
The 5-foot-9, 209-pound speedster from London, Ontario, was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, celebrated for his athletic prowess at the Combine with top-notch performances in vertical and broad jumps, a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, and leading all running backs with 25 reps in the bench press.
Before joining the NFL, Brown had a standout season with the University of Illinois in 2022. Achieving consensus second-team All-American status, he concluded the year fourth in the nation in rushing yards and as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award. Post-transfer from Western Michigan University, Brown culminated his NCAA tenure with a solid record of 3,558 rushing yards across 47 games.
Chase, along with his twin brother Sydney, who was a 2023 third-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles, endured challenges including homelessness on their path to professional football. The twins moved to Florida during their high school years to chase their NCAA Division I scholarship dreams.
