Hawaii football associate head coach Chris Brown demonstrated remarkable resilience following a serious injury during a recent practice. While coaching a drill for linebackers, Brown experienced a hematoma that burst from his shoulder-replacement surgery, resulting in heavy bleeding. The incident required immediate medical attention, but within hours, he was back at the football office, focused on his responsibilities.
Brown described the moment he realized something was wrong: “I unzipped my hoodie, and the blood was just gushing out. My entire hoodie was soaked in blood.” After receiving treatment at Straub Medical Center, which included gauze and an Ace bandage, he felt restless and made the decision to return to work. Head coach Timmy Chang was taken aback by Brown’s quick return, questioning his decision to stay. Brown replied, “There’s work to be done,” showcasing his dedication to the program and his players.
The issues with Brown’s left shoulder began when he was just 15 years old. Despite suffering several dislocations, he continued to play, believing that enduring pain was part of the game. “I thought when you felt pain in your shoulder, you pushed through it,” he recalled. Over the years, he relied on heavy weightlifting, including bench presses of 405 pounds, as a coping mechanism for the discomfort, but this ultimately exacerbated his condition.
In late January 2025, Brown underwent surgery performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Weldon. The procedure involved removing the ball and socket from his shoulder and inserting a titanium rod, which extended the usual one-hour operation to 3.5 hours due to his dense muscle mass. Brown humorously noted the need to inform airport security about the titanium in his body.
Recovery has proven challenging, as Brown faces an extensive physical therapy regimen. He estimated that it would take roughly six months to return to normal. Yet, he has not missed a single meeting, practice, or workout session, contributing to the team’s strength and conditioning alongside coordinator Bobby Thomas.
Brown’s determination to be present for his players is a crucial aspect of his coaching philosophy. He aims to inspire them through his actions. “I want the players to look at me like, ‘Coach CB had the surgery and this dude is out there. He’s dedicated. He’s all about what he says he is,’” he explained.
Despite his injury, Brown remains a source of motivation and tenacity for the University of Hawaii football team. His commitment exemplifies the values of hard work and resilience that he hopes to instill in his players.
