Ron Brown: A Legendary Athlete and Devoted Philanthropist

Born in Los Angeles in 1961, Ron Brown was a gifted athlete who achieved world-record speed. He attended Baldwin Park High School, where he lettered in football and track, setting a school record in the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.4 seconds.

College Years and Early Career

Ron attended Arizona State University (ASU), excelling in both football and track and field. As a football player, he transitioned from cornerback to wide receiver in his senior year, catching 19 passes for 395 yards and five touchdowns. His college football highlight came in the 1982 Fiesta Bowl, where he caught a 52-yard touchdown pass, leading the Sun Devils to victory.

In track and field, Ron set the school record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.15 seconds.

This achievement led him to compete in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he won Olympic gold and set a World Record in the 4 x 100-meter relay.

Professional Football Career

Ron signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a second-round draft pick in 1985. During his four-year tenure, he achieved numerous accolades, including:

• Returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in one game, tying a 19-year record
• Being named NFC Offensive Player of the Week, All-Pro, and selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team as a kick returner
• Catching a career-high 26 passes for 521 yards
• Winning the NFL’s Fastest Man competition

Philanthropic Work and Post-Athletic Career

After retiring from professional sports, Ron dedicated himself to philanthropic work, focusing on social causes and youth development. Currently, Ron serves as the CEO of Players Congress-Football Legends and as the Business Affairs Director for the NFL’s “Goals for Life” program. Additionally, he dedicates his time to mentoring at-risk students through his partnership with Athletes for Life, providing support to high school scholars within the Compton Unified School District.

Ron has also partnered with various organizations, including:

• Charter Schools for drop-out teens
• Unity 1
• Teen Savers – Drug and Intervention Programs
• Project Touch – Supporting Homeless Centers
• Fresh Skate Park – Supplying Portable Skate Parks
• Action Sports Youth Programs
• Blue Lotus – Energy Drink
• Choices – An Interactive Decision-Making workshop
• Brown & Associations – Supporting Neighborhood Recovery Programs
• Crescent Financial Group – Creating Business Plans and Private Placement for Funding Small Business

Ron Brown’s remarkable athletic career and commitment to philanthropy have made him a legendary figure, inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence and give back to their communities.