Edison, NJ … Shawn Brown, the Division III All-American defensive back for The College of New Jersey, was honored on Sunday at the 76th New Jersey Sports Writers Association Banquet as its Division III Football Player of the Year.
Brown, a defensive leader for TCNJ, was named first team Division III All America by the American Football Coaches Association. His outstanding career was capped during the past season by five pass interceptions, two sacks, 26 unassisted tackles and 30 assisted tackles.
"This is such a tremendous honor," Brown stated to a crowd of more than 500 guests, thanking his teammates along with the association. "I would also like to thank my family and the coaching staff at TCNJ."
Brown was one of 24 athletes, coaches, and media members to be honored and speak at the event. The featured guest was former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, who suffered a severe spinal injury during a game last October . He was honored as New Jerey's Most Courageous Athlete, an award that will carry his name annually moving forward.
For his four-year career, Brown, who lives in Long Branch, had nine interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, four sacks, 115 unassisted tackles and 108 assisted tackles.
Of Brown's brilliant play for TCNJ, head football coach Eric Hamilton said: “Shawn did it all for our defense. As our captain and safety, he not only had the ability to lead from the deep middle but could make plays as a blitzer and play the run like a linebacker. He was our most consistent player who enjoyed his role as our go-to guy. He is a winner who will be successful in any goal he sets for himself.”
Swimming and track athlete Laura Barito of Stevens Institute of Technology accepted the honor of New Jersey Female Athlete of the Year. Also cited during the banquet were former major league pitcher and YES/MLB network analyst Al Leiter, Rutgers defensive end Khaseem Greene, three members of the original 1962 Mets -- Al Jackson, Frank Thomas and Jay Hook -- and Boston Red Soz relief pitcher Andrew Bailey.
George A. King III, formerly of the Trenton Times, was the recipient of a journalism excellence award. He has been the Yankees beat writer for the New York Post since 1997. Steve “Schmoozer” Somers of WFAN and Kim Jones of the YES Network also received media awards.
New York Yankee legend Yogi Berra was also in attendance.
