Darrell Brown to be Honored as Razorback Trailblazer

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FAYETTEVILLE - Darrell Brown, the first African American football student-athlete in University of Arkansas history, will be honored as part of Razorback Athletics' Trailblazer Series at halftime of Saturday night's football game against Auburn at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Brown arrived at the University of Arkansas in the fall of 1965 and joined the Razorback football team as a walk-on. The Horatio, Ark., native was a member of the freshmen team from 1965-66.

"We are proud to honor Darrell Brown as a true trailblazer in intercollegiate athletics," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "His remarkable story serves as a vivid reminder of the many courageous individuals who helped integrate and foster meaningful change at the University of Arkansas. Darrell Brown's contributions to Razorback Athletics span far beyond the football field and continue to help provide educational and athletic opportunities to a diverse population of more than 460 Razorback student-athletes."

Brown practiced with the Razorback football team throughout the fall and again in the spring of 1966 before suffering a significant injury. At that time, he decided to put aside his athletic aspirations to concentrate on his educational goals. Brown earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in 1969 and then graduated from the UA Law School in 1972.

Although Brown never played a down for the Razorbacks, he helped pave the way for the thousands of African American student-athletes who would soon follow. Little did he know he was also blazing a trail for his own family. Three of Darrell and Angela Brown's children would go on to attend the University of Arkansas, including daughter Dee Dee Brown-Campbell, who earned All-America honors as a track and field student-athlete for the Razorbacks. Darrell Brown Jr. is a practicing attorney and Derek Brown is completing his doctorate at the University of Arkansas.