Monroe Made: Kippy Brown

Sweetwater High School graduate Kippy Brown, Class of 1973, has lived a life shaped by hard work, gratitude, and deep Tennessee roots. A standout athlete during his high school years, Brown helped lead the Sweetwater Wildcats to back-to-back state football championships in 1971 and 1972, an accomplishment he still considers one of his proudest moments.

Brown is quick to credit the educators and mentors who guided him. He speaks fondly of his teachers at Sweetwater High School, noting that their support laid the foundation for his success. Among them, Coach King Berrong left a lasting impression. “He pushed us and let me know that school work came before athletics,” Brown recalls, a lesson that stayed with him throughout his career.

After graduating from Memphis State University, Brown went on to coach at the collegiate level for Memphis State, Louisville, and the University of Tennessee, building a reputation as a driven and respected leader. His coaching journey carried him to the NFL, where he served on the staffs of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks.

In 2014, Brown achieved a milestone few coaches ever reach, winning Super Bowl XLVIII as the Seahawks’ wide receivers coach. He considers it his “close second” to those unforgettable state championships back in Sweetwater.

Now retired in Florida, Brown enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Despite his travels and achievements at every level of football, his heart remains firmly planted in East Tennessee. He says with pride, “Tennessee will always be home to me.”

Kippy Brown’s journey from Sweetwater Wildcat standout to Super Bowl champion is a testament to perseverance, strong mentorship, and the impact of being Monroe Made.