In May 1897, Brown was given a trial by Southern League champions Southampton and travelled to Hampshire with Arthur Chadwick of Burton Swifts.
Despite being described in the local press as "an average type player",[1] Brown was signed on a professional contract and made his debut at inside-right in a 2–0 defeat at Tottenham on the opening day of the season, 18 September 1897.
[2] Brown returned in January 1898, now playing at outside-right, ousting Jimmy Yates from the side and went on to make a total of twelve league appearances, scoring twice (in consecutive matches in April).
Brown also made one FA Cup appearance, when he replaced the injured Joe Farrell in the semi-final replay against Nottingham Forest, when the "Saints" were rather controversially eliminated when goalkeeper George Clawley had his eyes "choked with snow" in a blizzard and conceded two goals in the final minutes of the game.
He then had seasons at Bristol Rovers, where he was known by the nickname 'Daddy' Brown, and Queens Park Rangers, before winding up his career at Swindon Town.