Career Timeline of Sydney Brown (American football): Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sydney Brown (American football) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sydney Brown is a Canadian professional American football safety currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He gained recognition playing college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini before entering the professional league. Brown's position as a safety highlights his role in the defensive backfield, focusing on preventing pass completions and making tackles.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: Freshman Season at Illinois

In 2018, as a true freshman at Illinois, Sydney Brown started all 10 games he played, recording 55 tackles and one interception.

2018: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

In 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Sydney Brown in the third round (66th overall) of the NFL draft. He became the last of five defensive backs drafted from the same Illinois' secondary spanning from 2018 to 2020.

2019: Chase Brown Joins Illinois

In 2019, Sydney Brown's brother, Chase, joined Illinois after a year at Western Michigan. During the 2019 season, Sydney started 10 of 11 games, recording 88 tackles, three interceptions, and one interception returned for a touchdown.

2020: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

2020: COVID-19 Shortened Season

In the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Sydney Brown started all six games, finishing with 36 tackles.

2021: Continued Performance at Illinois

In 2021, Sydney Brown started all 12 games and had 81 tackles and one sack.

2021: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

2022: Senior Year at Illinois

In 2022, Sydney Brown returned to Illinois for his senior year.

2022: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

2023: Ranked Prospect in CFL Draft

In 2023, Sydney Brown was ranked the #3 Canadian prospect ahead of the CFL draft, but ultimately went undrafted.

2023: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

October 19, 2024: Activation from Reserve/PUP List

Sydney Brown was activated from the reserve/PUP list on October 19, 2024.

2025: Touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 28, 2025, in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sydney Brown returned a punt that was blocked by teammate Cameron Latu 35 yards for a touchdown in the Eagles 31–25 win.