Inside the Fraternity Life: A Redshirt Freshman Safety Shares Personal Insights in a Revealing Q&A

Redshirt freshman safety Josh Brown is gearing up for his second season with the Panthers. Hailing from Georgia, Josh began his sports journey with football but transitioned to baseball for several years. At Peachtree Ridge High School, he excelled in both sports, earning second-team All-Region honors while racking up impressive stats: 73 tackles, 51 solo stops, two interceptions, and five pass break-ups.

In the 2024 football season, Josh played a key role on special teams, appearing in four games. Recently, he opened up about his experiences, including joining the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and his future aspirations.

Q: When did you first start playing football?
A: “I was six when I first picked up a football in Atlanta. But by eight, I focused on baseball, which was my true passion. I returned to football in 11th grade, sparked by a renewed love for the game.”

Q: Why did you switch from baseball back to football?
A: “Baseball was my first love, but I missed the thrill of football. By my junior year, I decided to play for fun, and I discovered I was quite good.”

Q: What motivated you to pursue football at a collegiate level?
A: “The passion I felt as a child resurfaced the moment I stepped back onto the field. I also found playing football at the collegiate level less daunting than baseball, which is incredibly competitive.”

Q: What do you miss about baseball?
A: “I miss it every day. I still think about trying to walk onto the baseball team because I know I have the skills.”

Q: Why did you choose Eastern Illinois University?
A: “During my college search, I evaluated what I wanted beyond sports. The support I felt from the coaching staff and the campus atmosphere made Eastern the perfect fit.”

Q: What did you learn from your time on the special teams unit?
A: “Special teams are crucial. Understanding my responsibilities and executing them correctly was a big takeaway from last season.”

Q: Why did you choose to study business analytics and information systems?
A: “This major opens doors in many fields. I enjoy math and can see myself in management roles. It’s a solid foundation for my future.”

Q: How was your experience crossing into Phi Beta Sigma?
A: “It was intense, balancing the demands of pledging with football, but my drive helped me manage my responsibilities effectively.”

Q: How does being involved in Greek life affect your leadership on the field?
A: “Being a Sigma has helped me grow as a leader. The qualities I’m learning will benefit me both in football and life.”

Q: What does being a Sigma man mean to you, especially on a college campus?
A: “It’s about representation. I want to be a role model for young Black men, just as my father was for me.”

With recent studies highlighting that involvement in fraternities can enhance leadership skills and community engagement, Josh is positioned to make a meaningful impact. A 2022 student survey found that 65% of fraternity members felt more confident in their leadership abilities after joining their organizations (National Greek Life Association).

Q: What legacy do you want to leave at Eastern Illinois?
A: “I aspire to be a helpful and approachable figure on campus. I want people to know they can come to me for support or mentorship.”

Q: What’s your favorite music genre?
A: “I enjoy old-school hip-hop and reggae. Surprisingly, rap isn’t my first choice.”

Josh’s journey is a blend of sports, education, and personal growth. As he continues to thrive on and off the field, his story serves as an inspiration to peers and future students alike.

Payton Liggins can be reached at 581-2812 or at paliggins@eiu.edu.

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