Former CMU football player returns as honorary captain
Offensive lineman Derek Smith and Jacob Brown watch as the student section is thrown t-shirts for the t-shirt toss on Sept. 1 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
The Central Michigan football team welcomed back a familiar face for Thursday night’s opening game against Presbyterian at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Former Chippewa wide receiver and tight end Jacob Brown was in attendance as the team’s first honorary captain of the season.
Brown played for CMU from 2001-2005 and caught 48 passes for 622 yards. His best season came as a senior when he converted from wide receiver to tight end and caught 32 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns.
Brown met head coach John Bonamego during the summer of 2015. He said he was instantly impressed with Bonamego’s passion for CMU.
“I knew right away he was back for business. He’s a former Chippewa. He knows what it means to be a Chippewa and bring that pride back,” Brown said. “I could tell he installed the pride and professionalism back in the team. That’s what we alumni love to see.”
Brown was a part of the program’s turn-around in 2005, which was its first winning season in seven years (6-5). CMU went on to win three Mid-American Conference championships over the next four seasons (06’, 07’, 09’). Brown said he was proud to be a part of the change.
“Just watching those teams and watching the comebacks and seeing them be the championship team we knew we were was a great asset for us,” he said.
Brown played for head coaches Mike DeBord in 2001-2003 and Brian Kelly during his final two seasons. He said while he enjoyed playing for them, they didn’t understand the CMU tradition like Bonamego does.
“(Bonamego) understands what it means to be an alum,” he said. “He’s demanding that (his players) take pride in their school and take pride in what he takes pride in, which is Central Michigan football. The other guys did too, but it’s different when you’re an alum and went to school here.”
The Bridgeport High School graduate currently works as the director of interactive media with Campbell Marketing and Communications in Dearborn.
Brown said he likes his job, but would “love” to come back and work at CMU down the road.
“Whether it be teaching a class or help coach out, I would love to come back and help the Chippewas move into the next era,” he said.
