PRESTON BROWN FOUNDATION
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OUR
STORY.
The Preston Brown Foundation was founded by Cincinnati native Michael Preston Brown, who grew up guided by the principle, “To whom much is given, much is required.” A 2010 graduate of Northwest High School, Preston was a standout multi-sport athlete, earning numerous football honors, including First Team All-Conference, All-City, and All-District recognition. In 2015, he was inducted into the Northwest High School Hall of Fame as its youngest
recipient.
Preston earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Louisville, graduating in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in education. A three-year starting linebacker, he recorded 301 career tackles and helped lead Louisville to a Big East Championship and Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. His collegiate career earned him recognition on the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Collegiate Team and an invitation to the East–West Shrine Bowl.
Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Preston quickly made an impact, leading his team in tackles as a rookie. Over six NFL seasons with the Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, he recorded 100+ tackles in four consecutive seasons and led all NFL defenders with 144 tackles in 2017.InMarch of 2018, Preston signed to play for the hometown Cincinnati Bengals.
The 2018 season ended with surgery. The stress took a toll. Preston wasn’t physically or emotionally able to maintain his elite workout regimen. Uncertainty about his NFL future compounded anxiety. He connected often with his dad and sought professional support to further cope with all the changes.
That experience deepened his commitment to strengthening resilience and supporting young people facing life’s challenges.
Preston concluded his NFL career in 2020 as a six-year veteran and was recognized as an NFLPA Community MVP runner-up during his service. He joined the University of Louisville football sideline media team for the 2022 season. Today, he continues to give back as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He dedicates much of his time to supporting youth in his hometown and beyond.
