Skip to main content

Advertising

Presented by

The Caw: John Brown Wants You to Call Him 'Smokey;' Here's the Origin

Mar 18, 2018 at 01:47 AM

Author Image

Ryan Mink

Editorial Director

John Brown does not want you to call him John Brown.

Just call me smokey
— Smokey Brown (@Jwalk_back12) March 16, 2018

The natural assumption is he's called Smoke because he's fast. Right?! After all, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine.

Nope. That's not it.

"My grandma's boyfriend when I was first born, that's how I got the nickname, because of my skin color," Brown said with a chuckle.

The nickname has stuck ever since. Just check out the reaction from Ravens safety Tony Jefferson when the Ravens agreed to a deal with Brown.

Smoke pic.twitter.com/7CkjDeb5Hw
— Tony Jefferson (@_tonyjefferson) March 13, 2018

Jefferson was influential in recruiting Smokey to come to Baltimore. The two played together for three years in Arizona.

"I reached out to Tony Jefferson, and he was telling me, 'This is the place to be. You're coming here,'" Brown said. "He kind of told me where I was going to be at – but just hearing the excitement in his voice, I knew this was a place I could call 'home' and I'll be happy."

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Rookie T.J. Tampa Designated for Return From Injured Reserve

Rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa's 21-day practice window is open after returning from an ankle injury.

Derrick Henry vs. Saquon Barkley Is a 'Generational' Throwback Battle

Fullback Patrick Ricard wants to get Derrick Henry the rushing title.

Roquan Smith Returns to Ravens Practice

Michael Pierce was back at practice, but Charlie Kolar did not practice and Arthur Maulet is still sidelined.

Mailbag: Can the Ravens Defense Limit Saquon Barkley?

Will Roquan Smith return to face the Eagles? Could the Ravens make changes at guard? Will the Ravens win the AFC North?

Ravens Eye View: Ravens' Offensive Line Has Become a Strength

A closer look at the fourth-down conversions. Malik Harrison shined stepping in for Roquan Smith. Justice Hill continues to show his all-around game.

Malik Harrison Balls Out in Ravens' Win vs. Chargers

Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews score their highest grades of the season. Chris Board's snaps skyrocket while Trenton Simpson's dip.

What the HarBros Said After Their Third Meeting

John beat brother Jim Harbaugh for a third time, with the stakes not as high as last time.

Derrick Henry, Ravens Ground Game Grinds Down Chargers

Derrick Henry didn't get a touchdown for the first time as a Raven but posted 140 rushing yards.

John Harbaugh's 'No Guts, No Glory' Fourth-Down Call vs. Brother Pays Off

The Ravens went for it on fourth-and-1 from their own 16-yard line in the second quarter.

Derrick Henry Applauds Rushing Leader Saquon Barkley

Ravens RB Derrick Henry gave Eagles RB Saquon Barkley a shoutout after his record-setting 255-yard day.

Ravens Waive Safety Eddie Jackson

The Ravens have signed LB Kristian Welch to the 53-man roster.

50 Words or Less: The Most Consequential Ravens-Chargers Reunion Isn't About Family

There's going to be a chess match between coordinators. The Ravens need to beat the Chargers at their own game. Why this feels like a bounce back game.

Advertising