![]() “That’s everything you wanted coming through. That woulda been the golden star for tonight. It’s a unique opportunity, so I wanted it to work out for the both of us. “Just the anxiety for myself and my brother, right? Because he’s worked equally as hard if not harder to be in the position. I would’ve been more relieved to hear his name called than mine. “You’ve got a venue and you’ve got people here. “It is mixed emotions because it kind of takes away from the night because the dream was for us to be drafted on the same day,” Sydney said. He was clearly excited for himself but also a bit muted as his brother is in professional limbo for one more day. Yet, everyone in the room also felt for Chase's wait for his NFL fate.Įven Sydney quickly acknowledged the bittersweetness of Friday night for his family. Dozens of family, friends and close acquaintances - including childhood friends from London, their host family from prep school in Florida and Illinois coach Bret Bielema and strength coach Tank Wright - celebrated Sydney’s breakthrough to his long-held dream. ![]() Yet, it was hard to ignore the dichotomy in the room. It’s definitely a great reflection of the people they’ve been around.” But it’s not surprising because you know the type of kids we’ve had and who they are. He brings something different to the game, a physicality that is hard to find. He called me about all our players, but I could tell there was a genuine interest in Sydney. Illinois coach Bret Bielema, who made his first trip to see the Browns in Canada for the draft, told Illini Inquirer: “Sydney is such a unique player, the impact he plays with. But it just marks the start of a new journey for myself.” “I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity. “It’s something I’ve never felt in my life, just a sense of relief because this entire process has been extremely stressful,” Sydney told Illini Inquirer. Four picks later, the London (Ontario) native officially was welcomed to the NFL. But he had the Eagles pegged as a possibility, so he was somewhat disappointed when they traded down from No. Sydney said he only met with the Eagles once: at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February. On the other end, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianniinformed him that, yes, he was now a member of the defending NFC champion. “It was like holding your breath for a long time,” Raechel told Illini Inquirer.īut 140 minutes and 35 picks into Friday’s second day of the 2023 NFL Draft, Sydney received the call - the call he’d waited on all night, all of his life, really. Meanwhile, Raechel would often stare over at Sydney, clearly worried about his state of mind, and reassure him with gentle rubs of his shoulder. ![]() The hard-hitting safety, who usually takes out his aggression on opposing team ball carriers and receivers, was left to channel his emotion with stares into the distance, deep sighs, glances down at his phone, fidgeting and long looks at a projection screen displaying the NFL Draft broadcast. And as the draft made the turn from the second round into the third round, Sydney clearly was getting agitated. But Sydney, an All-American safety at Illinois, clearly expected to be selected on Friday night. 47 overall (second round) by the Washington Commanders, and Sydney and Raechel gave a quick smile and applause.Ĭhase, who ran for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns at Illinois last season, said before Day Two of the NFL Draft started that his expectation was that he’d have to wait another day to hear his name called. The only temporary relief for those on the couch was when the twins' Illinois teammate Quan Martin was selected No. ![]() Her right hand often sat on Chase’s left knee. Her left arm draped Sydney for most of the first two hours. Raechel Brown sat between her two talented twin sons, Sydney and Chase Brown, and rarely detached contact from either All-American. But at the center of what can best be described as a nightclub inside a pole barn, the tension slowly built on a brown leather sofa. ILDERTON, Ontario - Most of the party in this palatial compound in a rural community outside of London (Ontario) was carefree, feasting and imbibing during what most thought would be a celebratory night.
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