Cayden Brown went into the summer of his senior year ready to work hard for his final season of Panther football.  

However, his plans did not play out exactly as he expected. 

Brown sustained a stress fracture in his spine, his L5. He broke it in three places, causing him to miss all of his summer training. 

“It was difficult because I had to take 8-10 weeks off, and that set me back a little bit,” Brown said.

The positive in the situation is that Brown did not have to undergo surgery. Instead, he rested and took calcium supplements.

Still, he was nervous about coming back to football.

“I just didn’t want to hurt myself again. And I just wore my brace 24/7,” he said.

He acknowledged that his team was supportive throughout his injury.

“They were calling and texting me making sure I was doing good,” Brown said.

He continued to attend some practices in order to stay in touch and informed.

When Brown returned he did not let his injury hold him back. 

He had 11 receptions for 223 receiving yards, including a 53-yarder, and five touchdowns. He finished his season in the Class 6A tournament for the fourth time. Derby won three titles during Brown’s high school career.

As for the future, Brown, who also plays baseball, knows that he wants to continue playing sports and is considering a career in science.

“I plan on furthering my baseball and/or football career at a four-year university majoring in exercise science or sports medicine,” Brown said.