Earnest Brown IV Bio
Earnest Brown IV is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 8, 1999, in Aubrey, Texas, Brown IV was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 174th overall pick. He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats from 2017 to 2020. Brown IV won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams during his rookie season, contributing to the team’s championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Early Life and Background
Earnest Brown IV grew up in Aubrey, Texas, where he attended Billy Ryan High School in Denton. During his high school career, Brown IV developed into a highly regarded football prospect, earning a four-star recruit ranking from 247Sports.com. His performance on the field demonstrated the defensive skills and physical attributes that would later translate to the collegiate level.
Brown IV’s recruitment process culminated when he committed to play for Northwestern University on March 22, 2016. His decision to join the Wildcats represented a significant step in his football journey, transitioning from Texas high school football to Big Ten Conference competition.
College Career at Northwestern
Brown IV joined the Northwestern Wildcats football program as part of the 2017 recruiting class. Over four seasons with the program from 2017 through 2020, he developed his skills as a defensive end in one of college football’s most competitive conferences. The Big Ten environment provided him with consistent competition against top-tier offensive talent, helping prepare him for the professional level.
His college career served as the foundation for his NFL aspirations, showcasing his ability to play at a high level against formidable opposition. The experience gained at Northwestern proved instrumental in his eventual transition to the NFL.
Earnest Brown IV Career
Los Angeles Rams (2021–2023)
Brown IV began his NFL career when the Los Angeles Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on May 16, 2021. During his first season, he appeared in five games as a rookie, learning the professional game while contributing on special teams and defensive snaps when called upon.
The highlight of his time with the Rams came in February 2022, when he won Super Bowl LVI as the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. This championship victory marked the crowning achievement of his rookie season and gave him valuable playoff experience. Following the Super Bowl win, Brown IV signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on February 15, 2022, securing his spot on the roster for the 2022 season.
In 2022, he appeared in seven games after being promoted from the practice squad to the active roster on December 24. His tenure with the Rams concluded in January 2024, when he was released and re-signed to the practice squad. After his practice squad contract expired following the season, Brown IV became a free agent.
San Francisco 49ers (2024)
On February 15, 2024, Brown IV signed with the San Francisco 49ers, joining another NFC contender. However, his time with the 49ers was brief, as he was waived on May 14, 2024. The short stint provided him with exposure to a different defensive system but did not result in significant playing time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024)
Brown IV continued his NFL journey by signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 22, 2024. His season with the Buccaneers was interrupted by injury, as he was placed on injured reserve on September 6. He was activated on October 20 and appeared in three games during the regular season. On December 31, the Buccaneers re-signed him to their practice squad to close out the year.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2025–Present)
On January 1, 2025, Brown IV signed with the Dallas Cowboys, joining his hometown team. Texas has been home for Brown IV since his birth in Aubrey, making the move to Dallas a return to his roots. He was initially released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad the following day.
The opportunity to play for the Cowboys represents a meaningful chapter in his career, providing him with a chance to compete in one of the NFL’s most storied franchises while representing his home state. His journey through multiple organizations has given him diverse experience in different defensive schemes and team cultures.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Brown IV’s career came in Super Bowl LVI, where he earned a championship ring as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. Winning a Super Bowl during his rookie season provided him with invaluable experience and a championship pedigree that many players never achieve. The Rams’ victory over the Bengals in a closely contested game remains the pinnacle of his professional accomplishments.
Earnest Brown IV Career Wins
Brown IV’s professional career has been highlighted by his Super Bowl LVI championship victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Beyond the championship, he has accumulated appearances across multiple NFL seasons with various teams, contributing on special teams and defensive units when opportunities arose. His career path has included stints with the Rams, 49ers, Buccaneers, and Cowboys, each providing unique experiences in different defensive systems.
Championship Highlight
Super Bowl LVI stands as Brown IV’s most significant career achievement. The Rams’ 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13, 2022, delivered the franchise’s second Super Bowl championship. As a member of the team during the 2021 season, Brown IV contributed to the defensive effort that secured the championship, earning him a place among Super Bowl champions.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Brown IV’s transition to the Dallas Cowboys following his time with the Buccaneers. Joining the Cowboys’ roster on January 1, 2025, he reported to training camp with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a team with strong defensive traditions. The Cowboys feature one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises, and Brown IV’s addition brought depth to their defensive line rotation.
After being released during final roster cuts on August 26, Brown IV was re-signed to the practice squad, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development and contributions. This pattern of moving between active rosters and practice squads has characterized his career, reflecting both the competitive nature of the NFL and his persistence in earning opportunities.