Knee injury ends Marlon Brown’s UGA career (updated)
For the second time this fall, Georgia’s football team lost a key wide receiver to a season-ending knee injury.
Marlon Brown will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of his senior season as a result of a left ACL injury suffered during Saturday’s victory over Ole Miss, Georgia coach Mark Richt said Sunday.
“His career at Georgia will be over, or is over,” Richt said. “… We’re very sad and sorry it happened for Marlon – and for Georgia, too.”
Nine games into the season, Brown is tied with Tavarres King for the team lead in receptions (career-high 27) and is second on the team to King in receiving yards (career-high 469). Brown finishes his UGA career with 55 catches for 851 yards and eight touchdowns (four this season).
His injury came one month after fellow receiver Michael Bennett sustained a season-ending ACL tear in his right knee at practice. Bennett led the team in catches and receiving yards at the time of his injury.
Unlike Bennett, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, Brown was in his fourth and final season. But Richt predicted a full recovery and an NFL future for the 6-foot-5, 222-pound Brown, who came to UGA from Memphis as a highly touted recruit in 2009.
“That is an injury people recover from well,” Richt said, “and we know he’ll continue on (to) his pro career, because I think he was well on his way to having that happen for him.
“He will do fine. It’s just a hard thing to swallow right now.”
In Georgia’s 37-10 win over Ole Miss, Brown had three catches for a team-high 113 yards, including a memorable 66-yard touchdown on a second-quarter trick play.
The injury occurred in the third quarter as Brown was tackled following a 30-yard reception. Richt indicated after the game that the tackle did not strike him as a dirty play. He didn’t elaborate on that Sunday.
“I didn’t really study that (on film),” he said. “… We didn’t just sit there and labor over that.”
Before the injuries to Bennett and Brown, wide receiver was perhaps Georgia’s deepest position. The team’s top remaining receivers are King and Malcolm Mitchell, and Richt said more opportunities will come for Rantavious Wooten, Chris Conley, Rhett McGowan and Justin Scott-Wesley.
“We still have some playmakers,” Richt said. “… But Marlon and Michael were just two outstanding football players . … And they actually had a nice physicality to them them (at) that position. We’ll miss that. Other guys are just going to have to step up and get after it.”
Meanwhile, the status of another starting offensive player injured against Ole Miss is unclear for Georgia’s game at Auburn on Saturday. Right guard Chris Burnette suffered what UGA described as a left shoulder contusion in the second quarter against the Rebels and did not return to the game. His status is day-to-day, Richt said Sunday.
– Tim Tucker
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156 comments Add your comment
Coach D
November 4th, 2012
8:41 pm
I saw that late twist to the knee, also~! Who knows if his knee was already hurt or not, though? #7 on Ole Miss will get his, though.
t2go
November 4th, 2012
8:50 pm
Best of luck Marlon!! You will be missed! DGD!!!
joe jenkins
November 4th, 2012
8:50 pm
Well this is a severe blow to the offense….We did have the best WR corps in the sec….possibly the whole nation…..but not with bennett and brown gone…we are probably fourth best wr corps in the sec……damn just damn….I feel like its tradition for us..when we take two steps forward we have a suspenion or injury to a key player!! This hurts because we are a pass first…run second team…and we always will be under richt…which is not a bad thing….i always agreed with what richt said….it dont matter what kind of offense you run as long as you execute…….i dont know why we recruited jsw…its obvious he has no confidence and cant learn the playbook…..I wont be suprised if we get upset by auburn. the defense better be prepared to play lights out….because with a shaky and beat up o-line and a thin wr corps….we defintly are not going to move the ball as smoothly has we did before these injuries
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
November 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
blake tibbs to step up now?? TKing, Wooten, Conley, MM—– we should be ok.
Preacher Dawg
November 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
Marlon, Godspeed on your recovery! Best wishes for the draft!
hit a single
November 4th, 2012
8:53 pm
Sorry to hear this. When he got up and put weight on it I was hoping it was not this bad. The knee is a very fragile thing and especially with all the weight lifting now. The ligaments really tighen up. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and hopefully the Falcons will draft him.
CHDawg
November 4th, 2012
8:54 pm
Ole Miss and Freeze are much better than that type of play. Hitting him low is fine; grabbing and wrenching Brown’s knee long after the whistle deserves a suspension. Maybe the kid has an explanation. I am personally sick of players from all teams (including Georgia) hitting, twisting, and driving after the whistle. I have seen some good jobs out of the refs in the SEC this year, but this game not so much. When the Reb QB ran out of bounds and then lowered his shoulder and went for Williams, and they called a penalty on Williams…well, it looked like the officials decided to penalize UGA before the game started. Marlon was having such a great season…very sad, but God’s blessings in the future on the rehab and NFL.
FDawg
November 4th, 2012
8:55 pm
Marlon Brown…I wish you a quick and speedy recovery. It’s been a pleasure watching you develop over the last couple of years. And I hope the league office reviews the entire game film…the tackle on MB and the personal foul call on Williams when the replay clearly showed the running back delivering the blow. There wasn’t any helmet to helmet contact on that particular play. Several questionable calls Saturday…
Smitty
November 4th, 2012
8:57 pm
Damn good Dawg…..I hope full recovery
Dawg-Gawn
November 4th, 2012
9:06 pm
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 NIV
Marlon Brown #15 will always be remembered as a DGD in the state of Georgia… you sir are on the right path for God’s greatness!
“BELIEVE” in the “G”
T-Dawg
November 4th, 2012
9:07 pm
Great player….i trully wish him a speedy recovery.
Bennett was a bigger hit to the team but losing Marlon really affects our depth. Our offense depends on talent and not a system so this will hurt in a game like the SEC CG. Bobo is going to have to come up with an actual game plan instead of the “just throw it deep to Marlon” plays.
CC
November 4th, 2012
9:09 pm
The Ole Miss player that tackled Marlon should be suspended for a year. He intentionally twisted Marlon’s knee when and after tackling him.
Jimmy
November 4th, 2012
9:14 pm
I thought there was an extra twist at the end as well.
Anyone got a link to the video?
MaconKnight
November 4th, 2012
9:21 pm
DGD GET WELL SOON MARLON!!!!! THE DIRTY OLE SIS PLAYER NEEDS TO BE SUSPENDED FOR THAT CHEAP SHOT!!!!!
Ubelievable
November 4th, 2012
9:25 pm
Only a freaking Leg Humper would even think the hit was dirty!
Lee
November 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
Count me in with the guys who think the Ole Miss defender appeared to twist the leg after both players were on the ground. Usually, when a player is injured, the replay guys go back and try to find out how they got hurt. Interesting they didn’t do in this case.
.
November 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Johnny DangerDawg
November 4th, 2012
9:27 pm
This season, Marlon Brown was playing the best ball of his college career. Thanks, Marlon for all your hard work to help the Dawgs have a great season! Even though you’re not going to be catching any more TDs this season, I expect you to be a leader off the field! Teach the young receivers everything you know, and make sure everyone’s working hard at practice. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
This is Big Boy Football
November 4th, 2012
9:28 pm
Quit whining you are making me sick!
joe jenkins
November 4th, 2012
9:30 pm
Damn just damn…i’m so pissed about this injury to brown….yall know guy’s i kind of find it strange that since bennett went down we havnt scored forty points in one game??? I think we beat bama if brown and bennett are playing that day….but since they won’t be….i think we get steam rolled……..It’s funny how the football gods smile down on bama….they never have an injury to any key players….I thought this could have been a special season if we stayed injury free and hungry…..we will be lucky to get by auburn with an wounded team…dont forget about the groin injury to jarvis jones and chris burndette………dont forget about the hatred that willie and bvg has for us
SRS
November 4th, 2012
9:34 pm
Prayers out to you Marlon for a speedy recovery! Thanks for all of the memories you have given the Bulldawg nation..
Mark (another one)
November 4th, 2012
9:50 pm
I feel for Brown. He’s going to play on Sundays but the Dawgs need to remember that it is always the next guy up. We have a great group of receivers ready to step in and face the challenge. There is no reason for any of them to believe they have to do it alone. McGowen had some playing time on special teams and as a receiver and produced. So did Wooten. This is a team game and the Dawgs are a team.
Mobile Dawg
November 4th, 2012
9:53 pm
Got to be a devastating thing to these young men, work so hard, then something out of your control happens. Good luck with your rehab and NFL potential.
Is there a silver lining for the Dawgs possibly? This will probably force Bobo to use the backs and tight ends a little more.
William
November 4th, 2012
9:54 pm
Too bad they didn’t go after #7 during the game. What a cheap shot twisting the leg like that. He should be suspended. If this was the NFL he would be fined. Good Luck Marlon. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
DEVILDAWG
November 4th, 2012
9:58 pm
I don’t know what number the Rebel wore who tackled MB15, but that was dirty. He kept twist his leg as he was tackling him. I made a comment after the play. I’m surprised no analyst is commenting on this. Dawg Nation should demand this kid be suspended or receive some type of punishment. This was not just hard nosed football.
As for MB15, this hurts for Marlon first and foremost, and secondly for our offense. For Marlon, I wish you a successful surgery and speady recovery. I tore my ACL at 26 and joined the Marines at 29, you’ll be fine. You and Michael can lean on one another while recovering. The most important thing is the rehab and what you put into it. I’ll miss watching you play. You’re a physical receiver and came up clutch for us this year.
As for the team, next guy up. Honor Marlon by playing hard physical football and busting your ass every play. Attacking the defense in front of you and whipping whoever covers you. Keep Winning!
The Appreciator
November 4th, 2012
10:04 pm
Marlon, thank you for your great contributions to Georgia. We appreciate the way you have conducted yourself on and off the fied. Best regards for a successful rehabilitation and professional career.
DC from Conyers
November 4th, 2012
10:06 pm
Thank u Marlon for your commitment to UGA. I have really enjoyed watching ur play. We wish u nothing but the Very Best in your rehab and your future, which I’m sure u have. Thanks Again
Dog Fan2
November 4th, 2012
10:19 pm
Watch the injury at the 13:05 mark in Q3. The Ole Miss defender after the tackle put his helmet behind Brown’s knee and pulled his foot back. The tear happened not during the tackle but after they were both on the ground. Notice how fast the defender (Trae Elston) runs away as well. This sort of thing should get you removed for the season. Easton was suspended for a game earlier in the season by the SEC for a helmet shot on a UTEP Player. Just a dirty player.
jp
November 4th, 2012
10:20 pm
Marlon , God Bless you young man we will get to see you now on Sunday. You got better in every game you ever played for our state school.Thanks for your efforts, you are a role model for many young folks out here.Good luck 15 , we are gonna miss you.
Return to Glory
November 4th, 2012
10:22 pm
Dang good dawg, hope recovery goes quickly and well. Best of luck.
Jimmy
November 4th, 2012
10:23 pm
Finally…not up the middle.
Strat Cat Dawg
November 4th, 2012
10:23 pm
Best wishes, Marlon, thanks for everything you’ve given to the Dawgs. Your TD turned the game around and will go down in the all-time UGA highlights.
Jimmy
November 4th, 2012
10:23 pm
That hurt.
Ryan missed the blitz.
claytondawg
November 4th, 2012
10:24 pm
Classy statement, George Stein (Tech fan). Thanks for your sincere thoughts. Wish more fans–no matter what team–had your class. Thanks. MB–terrific job this year. The ‘Dogs’ team and fans will miss you terribly. Good luck and thanks for all your work for the team.
Jimmy
November 4th, 2012
10:24 pm
Helmet to helmet.
yamadawg
November 4th, 2012
10:27 pm
Thank you, Marlon Brown, for your character and determination. May God bless you and guide you through a speedy and complete recovery and let you come back even stronger in your future endeavors.
fb
November 4th, 2012
10:33 pm
Mike Slive can be emailed at: commissioner@sec.org Join me in requesting him review the tackle and suspend the idiot that ended MB’s college career.
Dog Fan2
November 4th, 2012
10:38 pm
Trae Elston’s appears to have violated Rule 9-1-3 of the NCAA Football Rule Book which states, “No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet.”
This is consistent with his prior suspension. http://blogs.clarionledger.com/um/2012/09/11/trae-elston-suspended-for-texas-game-for-hit/
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and a successful combine for MB.
Paul in NH
November 4th, 2012
11:07 pm
I hate to see this happen to any kid -especially a SR. Hopefully he will be able to rehabilitate and get a shot in the 2014 draft. It will be a long road but good luck to him.
Bulldawg Rick
November 5th, 2012
12:50 am
GodSpeed Marlon!!!
Top Row Dawg
November 5th, 2012
12:54 am
Thanks for choosing Georgia Marlon Brown. You will be missed.
pruss
November 5th, 2012
1:22 am
I was at the game and you could see #7 for Ole Miss twisted his knee…. Marlon sorry it ended this way for ya at UGA. By the way where are all the fire Richt people I was debating a couple weeks ago?
Ted Striker
November 5th, 2012
1:30 am
Proud of you Marlon Brown! You wore the G and always will.
Dawg Nation
November 5th, 2012
2:09 am
This too shall pass. Marlon, thank you for your tremendous effort. You will surely be missed the rest of the season, but will always remembered as a DGD forevermore in the hearts of Dawg Fans everywhere! You are a Winner and a fine example of perseverance. God Speed Son!
Brad
November 5th, 2012
2:17 am
The POS Trae Elston for Ole Miss has a prior suspension this year for dirty hits. This POS needs to be done for the rest of the season.
Steve
November 5th, 2012
2:20 am
The initial tackle might have caused the injury and it was not dirty.
That being said, the leg pull and twist after Brown was down also might have caused the injury and that was dirty. It was bad enough with Florida’s corners doing it 3-4 times, but this time it was right in front of the officials.
I am not sure which part caused the injury, but the Conference should be looking into this as it is a re-occuring theme that is every bit as dangerous to the health of the athletes as chop blocks, hits to QB knees and a bunch of other things they call now.
bwell
November 5th, 2012
2:45 am
That was A DIRTY PLAY on that ole miss player, I was like what the heck is doing, MB is down and he was twisting his leg and stuff.! Next week is for MARLON BROWN BABY!
THE REAL PHIL
November 5th, 2012
3:35 am
Sorry about what happened, Marlon. Thank you for coming to play at Georgia and representing my University the way it should be represented. Be proud of both your actions and your accomplishments. You will certainly be in my prayers and here’s hoping for a speedy recovery. That knee will actually be better than knew when you are finished working on it. Thank you again.
Win. P.
November 5th, 2012
7:13 am
Mr. Brown thanks for your Dawg contributions and hope you the best in future. You created some great memories, especially in you last game.
My younger son had the same injury in a high school football game. He is now in his early 40’s. We have run several Peachtree road races together since.
michael
November 5th, 2012
7:35 am
3 words Justin Scott Wesley!