CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY PART II

In Part II of our Championship History, we look at Trent Brown’s decorated football career, as well as his transition from a hardnosed defensive back to one of Alberta’s heavy hitters in injury law. Read part one here.

Continuing Family Tradition

Trent Brown was born and raised in Edmonton, quickly showing promise as yet another talented athlete in the Brown family. By the time he entered university, he was turning heads as a football player, quickly joining the University of Alberta Golden Bears.

Like his father and grandfather, Trent showed blazing speed, making him a dangerous weapon on both sides of the ball. However, his ability to disrupt opposing offences by intercepting passes and delivering timely hits cemented his reputation as a defensive force in university football. He terrorized opposing offences between 1985 and 1989, twice becoming a CIAU All-Canadian cornerback. He finished his university career holding the U of A record for career interceptions with 15, a record that stood for more than a decade.

Trent signed a CFL contract with the Edmonton Eskimo football team prior to the 1991 season. He quickly made his presence known with the same fast, hard-hitting style that brought success in university, becoming a regular contributor on defence and special teams. Even early in his pro career, Trent showed no fear even when taking on bigger, stronger opponents, often leaving them flat on their backs, wondering who (or what!) hit them. As he grew stronger and more experienced, Trent developed into a defensive threat, capable of delivering devastating hits to unsuspecting receivers.

Championship Green and Gold

By 1993, Brown had become a fixture in Edmonton’s defence. Led by Hall of Fame quarterback Damon Allen, Edmonton finished the 1993 regular season with five consecutive wins, followed by a 51-13 blowout of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West semi-finals. After a hard-fought 29-15 win over Calgary, Edmonton found themselves in the Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Brown and the rest of Edmonton’s defence dominated an inexperienced Winnipeg quarterback, forcing seven turnovers en route to a 33-23 championship victory.

Although 1993 would remain the only Grey Cup championship of Brown’s career, he would continue to establish his reputation as one of the most feared and respected defensive backs in the CFL throughout the 90s. During the decade, he recorded 350 tackles and 10 interceptions, along with four All-Star team selections. Trent became a CFL All-Star in 1996, a two-time Western Division All-Star in 1996 and 1997, and a CFLPA All-Star in 1997. Throughout his playing career, Trent’s intensity and commitment to his team gained him admiration and respect from his teammates, opponents, and CFL fans across the country.

Brown’s dedication to community causes was just as intense as his on-field play. Trent volunteered his time to numerous programs in the Edmonton area, becoming the honorary spokesman for Edmonton’s Boys and Girls Clubs. He also supported the Eskimos Stay in School Initiative, the Ronald McDonald House, United Way, the Carnival of Champions, Alex Taylor Community School, DARE, and Kids with Cancer throughout his career. Even today, he continues to support initiatives undertaken by the Edmonton Football Team and Alberta Golden Bear alumni associations.

A Career Cut Short

Although Trent’s success on the field came from his fearlessness and penchant for devastating hits, his high-impact style had lasting consequences. Like many football players of his era, Brown suffered numerous concussions throughout his pro career. Tests after a 1997 injury revealed a previously undiscovered skull fracture dating back to his university days. This new information, coupled with the wear and tear from years of professional football, ultimately forced Brown’s retirement in 1999. Transitioning to life after football proved difficult for Brown, who credits this experience for his understanding of the deep impact serious injuries can have on individuals and their families.

Moving Forward

After recovering from his injuries, Trent returned to university, completing his Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Saskatchewan. After being called to the Alberta Bar, he joined his father at James H. Brown and Associates, determined to defend accident victims with the same passion and intensity that made him a CFL champion.

Today, Trent’s competitive nature and winning attitude lead James H. Brown and Associates to continually set precedents in Alberta injury law. Drawing on his firsthand experience with serious injury, Trent guides our team in providing legal counsel, support, and strength when our clients need it the most. Brown takes pride in carrying on the James H. Brown & Associates legacy of championing accident victims’ rights and helping them attain the justice they deserve.