Amon-Ra St. Brown is among the most electrifying wide receivers to grace the NFL in recent years. His on-field excellence and star potential make him a standout, but it’s his distinctive name that often catches the curiosity of fans. His name, rooted deeply in Egyptian mythology and black consciousness, was chosen with purpose and pride by his father, John Brown, a renowned bodybuilder and champion in Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions.
Amon-Ra’s name is a nod to ancient Egyptian beliefs, symbolizing brightness and strength. “The origin of my name comes from the Egyptian Sun God,” he explains. In mythology, Amun (or Amon) was the god of air, sun, and creation, combined with Ra, the primary sun deity. Furthermore, his father’s choice shows his admiration for black consciousness, Egyptian culture, and African heritage.
However, John Brown’s influence extends beyond just a name. He instilled a strong sense of identity and rigorous discipline in Amon-Ra from a young age, training him and his brothers intensely. “I started playing sports around four or five years old,” St. Brown recalls. This discipline propelled him to become one of California’s top high school players, eventually ranking as the nation’s No. 2 prospect in 2018 and excelling at USC with 2,270 yards and 16 touchdowns over his college career.
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Journey From Fourth-Round Pick To Pro Bowl Star
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round in 2021, St. Brown entered the league determined to make an impact. He recorded 90 catches for 912 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. Moreover, in his second season, he improved to 106 catches, 1,161 yards, and six touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His consistent performance convinced the Lions to see him as a key player for the future, resulting in a four-year, $120 million extension.
The story of Amon-Ra’s name extends to his brothers, Equanimeous and Osiris, whose names also draw from Egyptian mythology and black consciousness. For their father, John Brown, naming his sons was about connecting them to a legacy of strength and history.
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St. Brown’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles, from the pressures of his rigorous training to the doubters questioning whether a fourth-round pick could ever shine in the NFL. But his dad taught him that waiting and not giving up are important. St. Brown has risen above challenges, now serving as a crucial playmaker for the Lions. He proudly lives up to his “Sun God” title, shining a light on the team as they embrace a new era of success.
In the Netflix docuseries “Receiver,” St. Brown’s name is humorously mispronounced by those around him. Even his girlfriend jokingly calls him “Almond-Ra.” But as he makes clear, “See? You hear? Amon-Ra. That’s how you say it.” This light-hearted moment serves as a reminder of his unique identity and the powerful heritage that his name represents — one that he strives to live up to on and off the field.
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