[6][8] Brown originally intended to sign with Texas A&M University out of high school, but due to SAT problems, he attended Tyler Junior College instead.
[9][10] While at junior college, Brown was recruited to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff by head coach Archie "Gunslinger" Cooley.
[8] Cooley had formerly coached Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice at Mississippi Valley State University, and had recently come to UAPB, which was an NAIA school at the time.
Brown's efforts helped the Riders to a 7–3 record, and he was named first-team All World League,[15][16] giving him an opportunity to return to the Cardinals for the 1992 NFL regular season.
Brown emerged as a potential starter due to running back Johnny Johnson's unexpected pre-season holdout.