From CFL Legend to Elite Trainer: The Journey of “Downtown” Eddie Brown

Eddie “Downtown” Brown’s name is legendary in Canadian football. A dynamic wide receiver known for his electrifying plays, Brown’s CFL career spanned over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Today, he channels that passion into developing the next generation of top-tier receivers through his training program, EB4 All-Star Performance.

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A Storied CFL Career

Born on August 6, 1966, in Sacramento, California, Brown played college football at Iowa State before a notable CFL career from 1990 to 2002. He played for teams such as the Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Rough Riders, Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes, BC Lions, Toronto Argonauts, and Ottawa Renegades. In over 160 games, he caught 532 passes for 8,663 yards and scored 60 touchdowns.

His standout years were with the Edmonton Eskimos, achieving three 1,000-yard seasons and earning CFL All-Star honors in 1996. Brown is remembered for a legendary shoestring catch in the 1996 Grey Cup and was named to Edmonton’s 1990s All-Decade Team, marking him as a top receiver of the era.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring, Brown remained deeply connected to football. He joined the Carleton Ravens’ coaching staff in Ottawa as a receivers coach, emphasizing fundamentals, footwork, and technique—principles he credits for his own success. His coaching philosophy is rooted in mastering the basics, believing that a strong technical foundation is key to long-term growth, even if players initially dislike repetitive drills.

Building the Next Generation with EB4 All-Star Performance

Brown’s most significant contribution post-playing is his work through EB4 All-Star Performance. This training program is dedicated to helping aspiring receivers refine every aspect of their game—technique, route-running, body control, mental toughness, and more. Brown emphasizes personalized coaching, tailoring training to each athlete’s strengths to maximize potential.

Through videos, social media clips, and hands-on training, Brown shares insights on receiver mechanics, mindset, and discipline. His approach is rooted in the lessons he learned during his professional career, inspiring young athletes to reach higher levels of play.

More than just a football camp, EB4 All-Star Performance is Eddie Brown’s way of giving back to the sport he loves. His mission is to empower young receivers to develop technical skills, strength, agility, and mental resilience—qualities that helped him succeed as a CFL legend. Brown’s greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his trainees fulfill their dreams, just as he did. His journey exemplifies how athletic careers can evolve—moving from highlight-reel catches to nurturing future stars.

Eddie Brown: Giving Back to Girls' Flag Football

His ongoing work with organizations like the Royal Diamonds underscores his commitment to giving back and fostering growth in young athletes. As a valued member of the Royal Diamonds Executive Board, Eddie Brown brings his expertise and training philosophies to our community, influenced by his own journey of dedication and excellence. Several of our Royal Diamonds girls have had the opportunity to receive coaching directly from him, benefiting from his personalized approach and deep knowledge of the game. Through his involvement, Brown continues to shape the future of young athletes, ensuring his legacy inspires and elevates our program and its members.