John Brown denies sickle cell trait as cause of injuries, blames cyst
Mar 19, 2018, 6:13 PM | Updated: 9:52 pm
FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2017, file photo, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) makes a catch during NFL football training camp in Glendale, Ariz. Brown, who played four seasons with Arizona, signed a one-year contract this week with the Baltimore Ravens. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown addressed his sickle cell trait Monday with reporters, denying it as the cause of his injuries the past two seasons.
“Sickle cell was never part of the problem,” he said during his introductory press conference with the Baltimore Ravens. “It was just something we couldn’t decide on or what they could find.
“So, they just used it as a ‘sickle cell trait’ until they found I had a cyst in my spine.”
Brown was diagnosed with the trait in October of 2016 after his sore hamstrings led to blood tests. Shortly after, doctors discovered a cyst on his spine, which he said was the cause of his pain and discomfort.
The cyst was drained following the 2016 season, bringing him immediate relief.
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“I couldn’t get it going,” Brown said in May. “I’m just thankful. God put me in the right situation at the right time with the right people, the coaches and the trainers, they were on it heavy and they found out the situation and once the cyst got removed, I was back to normal like in 24 hours.”
Despite the treatment, Brown continue to battle leg injuries in 2017.
Strained quadriceps kept him on the sideline the first three games during the preseason, and two more in September. Both Brown and former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians admitted in August the injury was hampered by the sickle cell trait.
“If he can’t run he can’t play,” Arians said. “Now, if he can’t run long enough (when he returns), you’ve got to replace him.”
In 2015, Brown caught 65 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns, his best during his time in Arizona. But injuries limited his production to 60 catches for 816 yards and five touchdowns the following two seasons combined.
Brown signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Ravens on Friday, ending his time in Arizona after four seasons.
Though the sickle cell trait remains, he insists it won’t cause issues ahead of the 2018 season.
“I’m fine,” he said. “I’m healthy, and I know how to handle the situation.”
