WINDSOR
Daniel Brown, a Windsor native and 2010 graduate of Isle of Wight Academy, recently scored the first touchdown of his NFL career as a tight end for the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a game against the Tennessee Titans.

The 6-foot-5, 227-pound former James Madison University wide receiver signed with the Bears in late 2015 after being released from the Baltimore Ravens, which whom he had made his NFL debut earlier that year after graduating JMU.

Now, IWA’s entire student body is teeming with excitement over Brown’s success, including his former high school coach, Dale Chapman.

“It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime kind of things,” Chapman said. “He’s the only player I’ve ever had to play at that level collegiately and then go onto play professionally.”

According to Chapman, Brown began his road to playing professional football on IWA’s JV football team, joining their varsity team as a high school sophomore.

“He was an absolute leader,” Chapman said. “He was the quarterback for our JV team until his varsity time started. During his senior year, we were the state runners up. He always kept his nose clean, never got into any trouble, just the kind of kid you would want as your leader and your quarterback.”

During his time at JMU, he broke several receiver records, and during one game against West Virginia, he suffered what could have become a career-ending injury, but was able to recover.

“He was still one of the best wide receivers James Madison ever had,” Chapman said.

Chapman added that, despite his fame, Brown has not let his successes on the field go to his head.

“When he came home, he would help his friends work on the farm,” Chapman said. “If anybody deserves this shot, I truly believe it’s him.”