← Previous revisionRevision as of 05:30, 30 October 2026 Line 26: Line 26: * [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2023|2023]]) * [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2023|2023]]) * 2× Third-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2021 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2021]], [[2022 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2022]]) * 2× Third-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2021 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2021]], [[2022 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2022]]) | statweek = | statweek =7 | statseason = 2025 | statseason = 2026 | statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] | statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] | statvalue1 = 188 | statvalue1 = 232 | statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] | statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] | statvalue2 = | statvalue2 = Line 37: Line 37: | statvalue4 = | statvalue4 = | statlabel5 = [[Pass deflections]] | statlabel5 = [[Pass deflections]] | statvalue5 = 16 | statvalue5 = 18 | statlabel6 = [[Interceptions]] | statlabel6 = [[Interceptions]] | statvalue6 = 5 | statvalue6 = 5 Line 44: Line 44: | pfr = BrowJi01 | pfr = BrowJi01 }} }} '''Ji'Ayir A'Veon Brown''' (born January 25, 2000) is an American professional [[American football|football]] [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Lackawanna College|Lackawanna Falcons]] and [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State Nittany Lions]]. Brown was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the [[2023 NFL draft]]. '''Ji'Ayir A'Veon Brown'''{{Cite web |title=Ji'Ayir Brown |url=https://www.49ers.com/team/players-roster/ji-ayir-brown/ |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=www.49ers.com |language=en-US}} (born January 25, 2000) is an American professional [[American football|football]] [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Lackawanna College|Lackawanna Falcons]] and [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State Nittany Lions]]. Brown was drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the [[2023 NFL draft]]. ==Early life== ==Early life== Brown was born on January 25, 2000, in [[Trenton, New Jersey]] where he attended and played [[high school football]] for [[Trenton Central High School]].{{Cite web |last=Franko |first=Kyle |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Trenton native and Penn State football star Ji'Ayir Brown determined to show capital city kids anything is possible |url=https://www.trentonian.com/2022/07/19/trenton-native-and-penn-state-football-star-jiayir-brown-determined-to-show-capital-city-kids-anything-is-possible/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Trentonian}} Brown was born on January 25, 2000, in [[Trenton, New Jersey]], where he attended and played [[high school football]] for [[Trenton Central High School]].{{Cite web |last=Franko |first=Kyle |date=July 19, 2022 |title=Trenton native and Penn State football star Ji'Ayir Brown determined to show capital city kids anything is possible |url=https://www.trentonian.com/2022/07/19/trenton-native-and-penn-state-football-star-jiayir-brown-determined-to-show-capital-city-kids-anything-is-possible/ |access-date=February 18, 2024 |website=Trentonian}} == College career == == College career == Line 74: Line 74: }} }} ===2023=== ===2023=== The [[San Francisco 49ers]] selected Brown in the third round (87th overall) of the [[2023 NFL draft]].{{Cite web|last=McDonald|first=Briana|title=49ers Select S Ji'Ayir Brown with the No. 87 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/jiayir-brown-nfl-2023-draft-safety-penn-state-87-pick-trade-third-round|website=49ers.com|date=April 29, 2023|access-date=April 30, 2023}} The 49ers orchestrated a trade with the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in order to secure their ability to draft him by trading their third- (102nd overall), fifth- (164th overall), and seventh-round (222nd overall) picks to the Vikings in return for their third-round (87th overall) pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Brown was the fourth safety selected in 2023. The [[San Francisco 49ers]] selected Brown in the third round (87th overall) of the [[2023 NFL draft]].{{Cite web|last=McDonald|first=Briana|title=49ers Select S Ji'Ayir Brown with the No. 87 Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft|url=https://www.49ers.com/news/jiayir-brown-nfl-2023-draft-safety-penn-state-87-pick-trade-third-round|website=49ers.com|date=April 29, 2023|access-date=April 30, 2023}} The 49ers orchestrated a trade with the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in order to secure their ability to draft him by trading their third (102nd overall), fifth (164th overall), and seventh round (222nd overall) picks to the Vikings in return for their third-round (87th overall) pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Brown was the fourth safety selected in 2023. On May 13, 2023, the 49ers signed Brown to a four-year, $5.39 million rookie contract that included a [[signing bonus]] of $924,224.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Ji'Ayir Brown contract|url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/82379/jiayir-brown |access-date=May 21, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}} Throughout training camp, Brown competed for the role as the starting free safety against veteran [[Tashaun Gipson]] under defensive coordinator [[Steve Wilks]].{{cite web| title=49ers training camp: Each position's top battle to watch in 2023s| url=https://ninernoise.com/posts/49ers-training-camp-position-top-battle/2| access-date=May 21, 2025| website=ninernoise.com| date=June 30, 2023| author=Peter Panacy}} Head coach [[Kyle Shanahan]] named Brown the No. 2 free safety on the depth chart behind Gipson and [[Talanoa Hufanga]].{{cite web| title=49ers release first unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1's matchup against the Steelers| url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2023/9/5/23860369/49ers-steelers-nick-bosa-charlie-woerner-depth-chart| access-date=May 21, 2025| website=ninersnation.com| date=September 5, 2023| author=Kyle Posey}} On May 13, 2023, the 49ers signed Brown to a four-year, $5.39 million rookie contract that included a [[signing bonus]] of $924,224.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Ji'Ayir Brown contract|url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/82379/jiayir-brown |access-date=May 21, 2025| website=Spotrac.com}} Throughout training camp, Brown competed for the role as the starting free safety against veteran [[Tashaun Gipson]] under defensive coordinator [[Steve Wilks]].{{cite web| title=49ers training camp: Each position's top battle to watch in 2023s| url=https://ninernoise.com/posts/49ers-training-camp-position-top-battle/2| access-date=May 21, 2025| website=ninernoise.com| date=June 30, 2023| author=Peter Panacy}} Head coach [[Kyle Shanahan]] named Brown the No. 2 free safety on the depth chart behind Gipson and [[Talanoa Hufanga]].{{cite web| title=49ers release first unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1's matchup against the Steelers| url=https://www.ninersnation.com/2023/9/5/23860369/49ers-steelers-nick-bosa-charlie-woerner-depth-chart| access-date=May 21, 2025| website=ninersnation.com| date=September 5, 2023| author=Kyle Posey}} Brown made his professional regular season debut in the season-opening 30–7 road victory over the [[2023 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], but was limited to nine snaps on special teams.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 10th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309100pit.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During Week 11 against the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Talanoa Hufanga suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and Brown had to replace him.{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=2023-11-19 |title=49ers All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) exits early |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38939116/49ers-all-pro-safety-talanoa-hufanga-knee-exits-early |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Brown finished the 27–14 victory with four combined tackles (two solo), a season-high three pass deflections, and his first career interception on a pass attempt thrown by [[Baker Mayfield]] to wide receiver [[Chris Godwin]] to seal the victory for the 49ers.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers - November 19th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311190sfo.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Brown made his professional regular season debut in the season-opening 30–7 road victory over the [[2023 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], but was limited to nine snaps on special teams.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 10th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202309100pit.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During Week 11 against the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]], Hufanga suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and Brown had to replace him.{{Cite web |last=Wagoner |first=Nick |date=2023-11-19 |title=49ers All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) exits early |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38939116/49ers-all-pro-safety-talanoa-hufanga-knee-exits-early |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Brown finished the 27–14 victory with four combined tackles (two solo), a season-high three pass deflections, and his first career interception on a pass attempt thrown by [[Baker Mayfield]] to wide receiver [[Chris Godwin]] to seal the victory for the 49ers.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers - November 19th, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311190sfo.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} On November 21, 2023, Brown was officially named the starting strong safety for the remainder of the season after Hufanga was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL.{{cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |date=November 20, 2023 |title=49ers All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga has torn ACL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38944593/49ers-all-pro-safety-talanoa-hufanga-knee-exits-early |access-date=December 13, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} During Week 12 against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] on [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving]], Brown earned his first career start and recorded four combined tackles (one solo) in the 35–13 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - November 23rd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311230sea.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], Brown had a season-high six combined tackles (five solo) during the 42–19 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles - December 3rd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312030phi.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Seahawks, he tied his season-high of six combined tackles (five solo) while also deflecting a pass and intercepting a pass by [[Drew Lock]] to wide receiver [[D. K. Metcalf]] in the 28–16 victory.{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Jennifer Lee |title=49ers rookie Brown jokes Warner won't steal another pick from him |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/jiayir-brown-fred-warner-interception0/1680982/ |website=NBCSportsBayArea/com |date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=December 13, 2023}} On November 21, 2023, Brown was officially named the starting strong safety for the remainder of the season after Hufanga was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL.{{cite web |last1=Wagoner |first1=Nick |date=November 20, 2023 |title=49ers All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga has torn ACL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38944593/49ers-all-pro-safety-talanoa-hufanga-knee-exits-early |access-date=December 13, 2023 |website=ESPN.com}} During Week 12 against the [[Seattle Seahawks]] on [[NFL on Thanksgiving Day|Thanksgiving]], Brown earned his first career start and recorded four combined tackles (one solo) in the 35–13 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - November 23rd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202311230sea.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], Brown had a season-high six combined tackles (five solo) during the 42–19 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles - December 3rd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312030phi.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Seahawks, he tied his season-high of six combined tackles (five solo) while also deflecting a pass and intercepting a pass by [[Drew Lock]] to wide receiver [[D. K. Metcalf]] in the 28–16 victory.{{cite web |last1=Chan |first1=Jennifer Lee |title=49ers rookie Brown jokes Warner won't steal another pick from him |url=https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/jiayir-brown-fred-warner-interception0/1680982/ |website=NBCSportsBayArea/com |date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=December 13, 2023}} Line 92: Line 92: === 2025 === === 2025 === During a Week 10 42–26 loss to the [[Los Angeles Rams]], Brown had a season-high 10 combined tackles (three solo) and a pass deflection.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers - November 9th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202511090sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the [[Carolina Panthers]] on ''Monday Night Football'', he recorded five tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted [[Bryce Young]] twice in the 20–9 victory.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers - November 24th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202511240sfo.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Brown was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Jeannel |first=Briana |date=November 26, 2025 |title=Ji’Ayir Brown Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Panthers |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/ji-ayir-brown-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week-vs-panthers |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=49ers.com |language=en-US}} During a Week 10 42–26 loss to the [[Los Angeles Rams]], Brown had a season-high 10 combined tackles (three solo) and a pass deflection.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers - November 9th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202511090sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the [[Carolina Panthers]] on ''Monday Night Football'', he recorded five tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and intercepted [[Bryce Young]] twice in the 20–9 victory.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers - November 24th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202511240sfo.htm |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Brown was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Jeannel |first=Briana |date=November 26, 2025 |title=Ji’Ayir Brown Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Panthers |url=https://www.49ers.com/news/ji-ayir-brown-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week-vs-panthers |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=49ers.com |language=en-US}} During Week 16 against the [[Indianapolis Colts]] on ''Monday Night Football'', Brown recorded a team-high nine combined tackles (tied with [[Tatum Bethune]]) and a forced fumble in the 48–27 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts - December 22nd, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202512220clt.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the [[Chicago Bears]] on ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]]'', he had four combined tackles (one solo) and a pass deflection during the 42–38 victory.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers - December 28th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202512280sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During the regular season finale against the [[Seattle Seahawks]], Brown recorded a team-high eight combined tackles (tied with [[Renardo Green]]) in the 13–3 loss.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers - January 3rd, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202601030sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During Week 16 against the [[Indianapolis Colts]] on ''Monday Night Football'', Brown recorded a team-high nine combined tackles (tied with [[Tatum Bethune]]) and a forced fumble in the 48–27 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts - December 22nd, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202512220clt.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the [[Chicago Bears]] on ''[[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night Football]]'', he had four combined tackles (one solo) and a pass deflection during the 42–38 victory.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers - December 28th, 2025 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202512280sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During the regular season finale against the [[Seattle Seahawks]], Brown recorded a team-high eight combined tackles (tied with [[Renardo Green]]) in the 13–3 loss.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers - January 3rd, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202601030sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Line 99: Line 99: === 2026 season === === 2026 season === During a Week 2 35–13 victory over the [[Miami Dolphins]], Brown recorded a team-high 13 combined tackles (four solo).{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers - September 20th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202609200sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the Cardinals, he had six combined tackles (two solo) and a pass deflection during the 36–30 victory.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers - September 27th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202609270sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Seahawks, Brown had seven combined tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection in the 32–29 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - October 11th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202610110sea.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} During Week 2 against the [[Miami Dolphins]], Brown recorded a team-high 13 combined tackles (four solo) in the 35–13 victory.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers - September 20th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202609200sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In the next game against the Cardinals, he had six combined tackles (two solo) and a pass deflection during the 36–30 victory.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers - September 27th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202609270sfo.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Seahawks, Brown had seven combined tackles (six solo) and a pass deflection in the 32–29 road victory.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks - October 11th, 2026 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202610110sea.htm |access-date=2026-10-30 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} ==NFL career statistics== ==NFL career statistics==