John Brown, the father of NFL players Amon-Ra St. Brown and Equanimeous St. – Brown, ignited a social media storm when comments he made last year about ‘breeding’ for athletic prowess resurfaced. The remarks, which originated from a podcast interview with his sons, drew widespread controversy for their racially charged undertones and the way they reduce athletic achievement to genetics.
In the interview, which took place on his sons’ podcast, John Brown discussed how he managed to raise three sons who all found success in sports. When asked about the secret to his success, he responded with a statement that has since been widely circulated on social media. ‘Look at you – good athlete, good athlete,’ he said of his sons, before elaborating on the idea of ‘breeding’ as a key factor in producing successful athletes. This statement, combined with his comments on the role of genetics in athletic potential, has sparked a heated debate about the implications of such statements.
While the remarks are about 11 months old, they still generated significant online discussion. Former Notre Dame quarterback Malik Zaire and Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed were among those who reacted. The conversation has been polarizing, with some supporting John Brown’s views on genetics and others condemning them as potentially harmful and racially charged. The comments have also drawn attention to the broader debate on race and athletic ability, with critics arguing that such statements can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of certain groups.
Despite the controversy, the family has remained unapologetic. Amon-Ra and Equanimeous’ mother, Miriam Brown, is originally from Germany, and their brother, Osiris, played college football at Stanford. Amon-Ra St. Brown was an All-Pro wide receiver last year, while Equanimeous St. Brown was with the New Orleans Saints last season. The family’s response to the controversy has been to emphasize their support for their sons’ success and their commitment to their families.
As the conversation surrounding John Brown’s comments continues to evolve, it remains a stark reminder of how deeply racial and genetic discussions can divide opinions. The situation also highlights the broader challenges facing the sports world in dealing with such sensitive topics and the importance of fostering inclusive and respectful discourse.