John Brown may not be an option for the Denver Broncos after all
The Denver Broncos need a veteran wide receiver this offseason, but John Brown may not be an option due to the sickle cell trait.
The Denver Broncos have been a rumored destination for free agent wide receiver John Brown, the former Arizona Cardinal and Baltimore Raven who played this past season with Joe Flacco.
That connection certainly makes the Broncos make sense as a destination, as does Denver’s need for some vertical speed to go with their current receiver group.
But Brown is not a likely free agent target for one major reason: his health.
No, Brown is not currently injured, though he has dealt with some complicated health issues in the past including a cyst on his spine. Brown carries the sickle cell trait, which has prevented a number of players in the past from even playing in Denver for individual games, much less continuing their careers there.
The sickle cell trait is rare, and something that prevents the necessary amount of oxygen from getting into your bloodstream. This is particularly serious at high altitudes, and no NFL team plays at a higher altitude than the Broncos, who famously play a mile above sea level.
This is something that can cause rapid muscle fatigue, cramping, spasm, or strains. In extreme cases, this is a deadly condition at altitude.
Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman has the sickle cell trait and played (very well) in one game in Denver during the 2016 season.
The most extreme case involving sickle cell trait came after Ryan Clark of the Pittsburgh Steelers played a game in Denver back in 2007. He ended up actually calling his wife and telling her he didn’t think he was going to make it, he was in so much pain.
Brown has had more issues with this than other players in the league, and because of that fact, Denver signing him is probably all but off the table entirely. It’s too dangerous.
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This is very unfortunate for Brown as this affects his value really with any team, but takes a great opportunity off the table in Denver where he could probably play significant snaps this coming season.