Curtis Brown's next step

The intriguing life of Curtis Brown will continue overseas, as the former Sabres center has decided to play in Switzerland for the next two seasons.

"For my family and the situation and everything, I think it's going to be a great experience," Brown told the San Jose Mercury News.

Brown's life is one of those that is made for the movies, filled with triumphs, tragedies, interesting life choices and swings of emotions.

He was a young, popular professional athlete with the ability to fully enjoy every town he visited, yet in his early 20s he decided to abstain from drinking, swearing and premarital sex. It was a decision he embraced after committing to God.

"I knew I was ready," he told Bucky Gleason in 1999 on the way to the Stanley Cup finals. "I wasn't doing the right things, and that was being a hypocrite. If I believe in something, I have to do it 100 percent. I can't stand on the fence. I had to change some things up."

I can attest to his devotion. Back when we traveled on the Sabres' charter, I was writing a story about Michael Peca (then with the Islanders) and couldn't remember the charity for his golf tournament. I went toward the back of the plane to ask Brown, Peca's good friend. While other players were playing cards and hanging out, Brown was in his seat, reading the Bible and marking passages. It was an eye-opening experience.

Brown was also a player with daily dressing-room swings. One day, he'd walk right up to you and talk for five minutes about your life, your background and what was going on. The next, he'd curtly answer questions or engage in an argument, like the one we had on his last day as a Sabre.

It was in the Amherst Pepsi Center, and he was the subject of several trade rumors. We somewhat-hotly debated the legitimacy of the media and its impact on players' lives. I'll always remember the look and smile on Adam Mair's face as Brown and I went back and forth. Brown was soon on his way to San Jose.

The most recent story of Brown in Buffalo was a sad one, as coach Lindy Ruff was on the verge of tears while recounting the funeral of Brown's infant daughter.

But to Brown's credit, he continued to rely on his faith, and it appears to have carried him through that tragedy. Below is a look from a CBC interview last year. Here's hoping Brown enjoys his next chapter.

---John Vogl

Comments

[Cal]

I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo T-Shirt because it says I want to be formal, but I'm here to party.

[Joseph R. Ciffa]

Thank you so very much for this encouraging story on former Sabre Curtis Brown and his family. As the team Baseball Chapel Leader for the Buffalo Bisons, I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Curtis and Amy before they had any children.He spoke at our church about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ which blessed so many people. I know that God has some marvelous things instore for this Christian athlete and his beautiful family. The NHL was fortunate to have a man of his integrity and character in their league. He will be missed. JOE CIFFA

[Craig]

Didn't hear about this until coming across your blog, John, thanks for keeping us in the loop. Curtis is a great guy and I wish him and his family all the best!

[Frank]

I was always a big fan of Curtis Brown. I wish him the best.

[jan]

I wish him well--he's a class act.

[Tom]

I am one of the most cynical people around, but Curtis Brown is 100% genuine.

One of the strangest things I've ever had happen to me had to do with Brown. I was at Pearl St. Brewery before a Sabres game and waiting up front for a table. Some guy sticks out his hand and goes "Hey, how've you been?" It turns out that it's Curtis Brown. He starts asking me about how Christmas was, and was talking to me as if he had known me for 20 years. I asked him how his knee was and was cordial right back. I knew faith was important to him even back then, but I just assumed he thought he knew me. The kicker was, during dinner I went outside in the snow to make a call and avoid the noise. As I'm talking on the phone, Brown and his wife/girlfriend were leaving...and he walks about 25 feet in the snow to come shake my hand and says "Take Care."

Now my friends figured he thought I was a Buffalo Bill because of my Langston Walkeresque size, but it could have just been one guy going out of his way to make a positive difference. Just by being a good guy.

The best part is, on the ice Curtis Brown is no pushover. When a game is on the line, you get to see that grumpy Curtis who doesn't mind putting a stick between the legs.

[Diane]

Thanks for the personal side of this fast moving sport-great article!