finale

Former RBC star Donnie Brown is at the top of the Indianapolis Colts’ depth chart at the running back position.
But even a new system, excellent coach, and what Brown calls “a great backfield, with guys that bring many different things to the
table” (including second-year Syracuse alum Delone Carter, rookie Darren Evans, from Virginia Tech, and free-agent Mewelde
Moore, to name a few), Brown knows that holes need to be opened in order for a running game to succeed. Fear not. Grigson and
Pagano have anticipated and addressed this crucial team component in the draft and off-season signings.
“We have some big guys up front,” Brown told the media throng, alluding to the size of lineman such as 6’ 3” 300 lb. center Samson
Satele, acquired from the Oakland Raiders, rookie Steven Baker at 6’ 8” 301 lb., and 6’ 7” 315 lb. tackle Anthony Castonzo. “There
are some horses up there.”
So the horses are in the barn, and the table is set for the Colts’ upcoming 2012 NFL season. To what degree a rookie quarterback,
managing an explosive passing game, and newly recharged running game, along with an attacking style defense, under a new regime,
solidifies is anyone’s guess. Are there specific goals in place for this team to achieve?
“Just to get better everyday,” said Brown. “That’s our goal, that’s our mindset, every meeting, every walk-through, every practice. Just
get better and take it one day at a time.”
It is not surprising, for those of us who have had the opportunity to listen to Donald Brown answer questions in the past, and hear him
take the humble, pragmatic approach in his replies. Do not for one-minute make the mistake of thinking humble and desire are
mutually exclusive. Lesser men would be on to their next career by now if presented with some of the obstacles Brown has
encountered in his NFL life, including injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and torso, and a lack of playing time at the beginning of last
season.
During some of these more difficult times, some of the sentiment surrounding Brown was that even if he never plays another down in
the NFL, he owes no one anything. Here is a professional athlete who stands at only 5’ 10”, but is a legend at his high school and in
his community, led the nation in rushing in college while earning his degree on a full scholarship, and has already made a very good
living while providing us with some extremely memorable moments in the National Football League. But that scenario does not speak
to the heart of Donald Brown. Look up the meaning of the name Donald, and you’ll know exactly what I mean. You see, right now he
is occupying the spot at the top of the depth chart, and I think he likes the view from there