The Arkansas Razorbacks kicked off their 2025 season with a commanding 52-7 victory over Alabama A&M, but one of the biggest takeaways wasn’t just the scoreboard. Instead, it was the emotional journey of freshman wide receiver CJ Brown, who honored his late father with a memorable performance.
Head coach Sam Pittman opened up after the game, sharing heartfelt words about Brown’s resilience.
Sam Pittman’s Emotional Remarks
In his postgame press conference, Pittman praised Brown for his ability to stay strong while navigating such personal loss.
“He has a strong faith and his family is such great people,” Pittman said. “They helped him through all this and hopefully we did too. We sure did try. He told me he said that was for my daddy on the first one, and then I went and grabbed him on the second. He said that one was too. So man, it was a great moment.”
Pittman revealed earlier this year that both Brown and teammate Cam Ball would wear tributes on their jerseys to honor their fathers, who each passed away in 2024. He even canceled practice so the entire team could attend Brown’s father’s funeral, an example of the family-first culture within Arkansas football.
CJ Brown’s Big Game
On the field, Brown played a central role in the Razorbacks’ offensive explosion. Senior quarterback Taylen Green, now in his second season after transferring from Boise State, threw four touchdown passes in the first half, one each to Brown, Raylen Sharpe, Jalen Brown, and O’Mega Blake, as Arkansas raced to a 31-7 lead.
Let’s do it pops ❤️ https://t.co/diVV6o2WMR
— cj brown † † † (@cjbrown2024) August 28, 2025
In the second half, Green connected with Brown again on the opening drive, then added a touchdown to tight end Andreas Paaske to extend the advantage to 45-7. Brown’s two-touchdown performance was more than just a stat line, it was a tribute to his father’s memory. Before the game, he tweeted: “Let’s do it pops ❤️.”
Honoring His Father’s Legacy
Brown’s journey has been about more than just football. The Bentonville native saw action in eight games as a true freshman in 2024, recording five catches for 62 yards. Now, in his second season, he is emerging as both a reliable target and an emotional leader for the Razorbacks.
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Every touchdown he scored against Alabama A&M carried extra meaning, with each one dedicated to his late father. For Pittman and the Razorbacks, it was a reminder that football is more than wins and losses, it’s about brotherhood, resilience, and family.
Pittman’s emotional admission about Brown reflects the heart of Arkansas football. While the team celebrated a dominant season-opening win, Brown’s courage in the face of personal adversity stood as the true highlight of the day.
His performance was not just a contribution to the scoreboard but a touching tribute: a son playing for his father’s memory.
