WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed non-import safety Brady Browne (5-10, 207, Manitoba, DOB: April 24, 1983 in Maple Ridge, BC) the team announced today. Browne was slated to become a free agent on February 15th.
“Not only does Brady excel at the special teams aspect of the game, but he also gives us great depth at the safety position,” said Vice-President and General Manager Joe Mack. “We're happy to have him back in Winnipeg.”
“I'm looking forward to returning to Winnipeg healthy and do my part to get the Blue Bombers back to the Grey Cup game,” said Browne.
Browne suffered a torn bicep in the team's first game of the 2011 season and spent the rest of the regular season on the nine-game injured list. He did return to the lineup in the playoffs and played in both the East Final and Grey Cup, registering one special teams tackle in the championship game.
Browne was acquired by the Blue Bombers in a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders prior to the 2009 season and has been a dominant special teams player during his time in Winnipeg. He saw significant playing time on defence in 2010, starting five games at safety and recorded 14 defensive tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
In total, the University of Manitoba product has played in 27 games and has recorded 15 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, one quarterback sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries. He was originally drafted by the BC Lions in the fifth round (38th overall) of the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft.
In his four year Bisons career (2004-07), he was a Canada West Defensive Player of the Week (09/05/06 @ Regina - 4 tackles, 1 tackles for a loss, 1 blocked kick); had 29 tackles for third best on Bisons in 2006 Canada West regular season and tied for the conference lead with three forced fumbles in 2006. In 2007 the Bisons won the Vanier Cup and Browne earned CIS All-Canadian Second Team status for the first time in his career. The Maple Ridge, BC native was a Canada West All-Star for the first time in his career. Browne was sixth on team with 24 tackles and tied for second in Canada West with six breakups plus two interceptions. In four playoffs games in 2007, he was sixth on the team with 17 tackles plus two interceptions, one breakup and two fumble recoveries. In addition, he had one TD on a block punt return.
