By: Romin Jimenez
Early Beginnings:
Jalil Brown is currently a junior at our very own McPherson college. Who is becoming a one-man wrecking crew for the McPherson football team. But his journey started when he was just four years old when “his momma” signed him up. Saying “I was good with anything with a ball.” Though he dabbled in other sports, including basketball and track, Brown found himself falling in love with football, especially in high school. “In elementary, it was basketball,” he says, “but in high school, football took over.” That growing passion carried him through years of hard work and led to his plan of earning a college football scholarship. He initially had hopes of playing in Texas but ultimately landed in Kansas, willing to go wherever the opportunity to play presented itself.
Finding His Balance:
Now of course we would all like to stay home and play in our backyard, but Jalil had the opportunity to come here to McPherson and play some meaningful snaps. Those snaps turned into games of the Jalil Brown show. When asked about his mindset heading into games he said doesn’t have an idea of how many yards and touchdowns he wants to try to go for. He said “Those first two drives of the games really tell me how it’s going to go. I don’t really have a goal for stats just trying to score every time I touch the ball.” Jalil said grinning That mentality paid off in a standout performance last season against St. Mary’s, where he posted 23 carries for 193 yards and three touchdowns, along with four catches for 34 yards. “During the game, I didn’t even realize what I was doing,” he says. “Right after, I always want to know the stats, but in the moment, I just play.”
Memory Lane:
When asked to choose a favorite game during his time at McPherson, Brown didn’t hesitate: “Beating Evangel or K-Dub. Just beating a ranked team that felt good.” After a stellar season, Brown earned Co-Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors. While many might be surprised by such accolades, Brown wasn’t. “Those were goals I had before the season,” he says. “I was ready to hit them.” Jalil reflecting on these isn’t to gloat but to show that he really did put the work in. End of the Evangel game he takes a swing pass 60-something yards for a touchdown. A simple play into a career highlight to suck the air out the stadium. Working hard and staying consistent has led to these moments for him and only opens more doors for his future.
First picture: Age 6 Jalil Brown on the little cowboys
Calm Under Pressure:
Playing with Jalil I’ve noticed he is very calm no matter if he just fumbled the ball or broke out a 60-yard run for a touchdown. Which made me intrigued by what goes on in his head and how he is able to keep calm under the pressure of the game. “It’s a mentality thing,” he says. “If I mess up, I know I’ve got a whole other half to make the most of it.” This mindset has had him on a steady line the last two years. What has surprised me about Jalil is not just his talent, but the way he moves through the game with humility and purpose. He’s not loud, not flashy but he shows up and delivers. Of course, he has the game day fits like anyone else but. That same calm and collected mindset carries into other aspects of his life. Off the field, Jalil is a lover of music, especially R&B. If he had the chance to play one song in his helmet throughout a game, he wouldn’t hesitate: “Nothing in This World by Avant and Keke Wyatt.” The smooth, soulful track really reflects who he is as a person and player, soulful, quiet, mellow and powerful.
Second picture: Age 20 Jalil Brown Mcpherson College bulldogs
Looking Ahead:
When asked about his goals and his plans for next year he had said “Making the playoffs and becoming an All-American, Whatever I have to do to get those ’ll do it.” It’s that kind of mindset focused on team success and personal excellence that makes him such an asset to the McPherson Bulldogs. He could be just the 2nd All-American running back McPherson has seen in just 3 years. Quite the treat for the McPherson Bulldog football team.
For future football players looking to attend McPherson College or just athletes in general we can all take a page out of his book. It’s not flashy and loud, that is always the best way to go about things. But with persistence, steady work, and preparation you can be at the top of your game. Jalil isn’t just running back here at Mac, he is a subtle and quiet leader who has earned his stripes and respect through his actions. As he heads into another season with high expectations and even higher goals, one thing is certain: Jalil will keep showing up, carrying the ball with purpose, and doing whatever it takes to win.
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