Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Chase Brown

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 8, 2025

How Chase Brown built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Chase Brown is a Canadian professional American football running back currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. He played college football at Western Michigan and Illinois, where he excelled, particularly in his final season in 2022. During that season, he rushed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him the Jon Cornish Trophy. Brown was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 2017: Committed to Western Michigan University

In October 2017, Chase Brown verbally committed to play college football at Western Michigan University.

2018: Played for Western Michigan Broncos

In 2018, Chase Brown played for the Western Michigan Broncos football team, rushing for 352 yards.

October 2019: Eligibility Granted on Appeal

In mid-October 2019, Chase Brown's application for immediate eligibility was initially denied but later granted on appeal.

2019: Transferred to Illinois

In 2019, Chase Brown transferred to Illinois, joining his twin brother Sydney.

2019: Entered NCAA Transfer Portal

In early 2019, Chase Brown entered the NCAA transfer portal from Western Michigan.

November 14, 2020: First 100-yard Game Against Rutgers

On November 14, 2020, Chase Brown had his first 100-yard game against Rutgers, totaling 134 rushing yards.

October 2, 2021: Career-High Rushing Yards Against Charlotte

On October 2, 2021, Chase Brown rushed for a career-high 257 yards against Charlotte, which was the fourth-highest single-game rushing total in Illinois history.

2022: Outstanding 2022 Season

During the 2022 season, Chase Brown achieved several milestones including rushing for 151 yards and three touchdowns in the opener against Wyoming, winning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, and being named Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week after rushing for 199 yards against Indiana. He also surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, finishing the season with 1,643 yards and winning the 2022 Jon Cornish Trophy.

2022: Jon Cornish Trophy Winner

In 2022, Chase Brown rushed for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns, culminating in him winning the Jon Cornish Trophy.

October 28, 2023: Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 28, 2023, Chase Brown was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

2023: Drafted by the Montreal Alouettes

In 2023, Chase Brown was drafted in the 7th round (59th overall) by the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL Draft.

2023: Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals

In 2023, Chase Brown was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

2024: 2024 Season Performance

In 2024, Chase Brown began as the second running back for the Cincinnati Bengals. He had a breakout game in Week 4, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. After Zack Moss's injury, Brown became the starting running back and finished the season with 990 rushing yards, 360 receiving yards, and 12 combined touchdowns. An ankle injury caused him to miss the final game.