Wide receiver Hollywood Brown looks to get his seventh National Football League (NFL) season off on the right foot. He’s hellbent on returning and getting back to where he was last season before an injury-plagued rookie year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Everyone in the football world knows Brown’s rare speed and agility on the field. Significantly, injuries have hampered the talented wing, cutting his prime years short and stunting his lasting influence on the beautiful game.
While on the field with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2021 season, Brown would accomplish an amazing career feat. He caught a franchise-record 91 passes and went over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. His outstanding play throughout the 2019 season propelled him into one of the most important members of the Ravens’ offense. Setbacks soon followed when he incurred a sternoclavicular injury. It came when he was attempting to catch a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the preseason.
Brown’s injury was severe enough that he needed to have surgery. In turn, he was injured until just before Christmas, which limited his ability to acclimate to life as a Chief. In his first full season with the franchise, he suited up for just two regular season games and three postseason matches. He had only nine regular season catches for 91 yards, though. In the postseason, he contributed in a big way with five grabs for 50 yards.
Brown said upon returning to the lineup last year, that was like “a smooth reintroduction back into football.” Despite the rosy prospect, he did admit that he “wasn’t my best self, for sure” after suffering through an injury plagued 2022. But the struggle of getting back to competitive play pushed him to take control of his health long-term.
As he gets ready for the 2023 season, Brown’s concentration has been directed more toward just being in peak physical shape. “But now being able to train and build my body the way I want to, I’ve been enjoying it, enjoying the process,” he said. This commitment may well be the difference as he looks to make a bigger impact on the Chiefs’ offense this year.
Since then, the Chiefs overall have added to an already excellent receiving corps, which includes up-and-coming guys like Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Brown has been vocal about his excitement for this diverse and talented lineup, deeming it “the best I’ve been a part of.” His infectious energy and can-do mentality pervades the rest of the team as well. Together, they can raise their game and win races in the new season.
Brown’s previous injury and recovery experiences will have a profound impact on how he moves forward. Beyond confidence, he is motivated to reestablish himself as an impact offensive player. There’s no doubt he’s dedicated to his craft and fitness. Faulconer: Making his city fiscally conservative and healthy is Faulconer’s #1 priority for 2025.
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