In a world where college athletes are cashing in on NIL deals worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, one quarterback’s decision has left everyone scratching their heads. Devin Brown, a former backup quarterback at Ohio State and Cal, turned down offers from powerhouse programs and a staggering $800,000 in NIL money to play at Weber State, an FCS school with a 17,000-seat stadium. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: he chose a pay cut, opting for just $2,000 instead. Why? The answer lies in a relationship that goes beyond the game.
Brown’s decision wasn’t about money or prestige—it was about reuniting with Eric Kjar, his former high school coach. Kjar, a coaching phenom who’s won seven state championships in Utah and produced two first-round NFL draft picks, is a rare blend of charisma, toughness, warmth, and wit. When Kjar accepted the head coaching job at Weber State, Brown saw an opportunity to relive the magic of their past partnership. “I want to go back and have fun and play football like I did when I was with Coach Kjar,” Brown explained.
But this is the part most people miss: Brown’s journey to Weber State wasn’t a sudden decision. It started with a congratulatory text after Kjar’s hiring, followed by a casual visit to the campus. As Brown sat in Kjar’s office, overlooking the stadium and the mountains, something clicked. “It’s impossible to tell him no, because of who he is as a person, a dad, and a coach,” Brown said. “There’s not a better person.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: In an era where athletes are often criticized for chasing the biggest paycheck, Brown’s choice to prioritize relationships over riches is both refreshing and polarizing. Is he making a smart move, or is he leaving money on the table? And does his decision challenge the notion that NIL deals are the ultimate measure of success in college sports?
Brown’s path to this moment hasn’t been easy. After a standout high school career under Kjar, where he set Utah’s state record for passing yards (4,881) and led his team to a championship, he navigated the highs and lows of college football. From committing to USC, then Ohio State, to battling injuries and transfer portals, Brown’s journey has been anything but linear. Now, at Weber State, he’s betting on himself—and on Kjar—to rebuild his résumé and prove he’s NFL material.
With just 55 passes thrown in four years of college play, Brown has a lot to prove. But he’s not starting from scratch. Several former teammates from Corner Canyon, including Kjar’s sons Noah and Tate, are on the Weber State roster, creating a familiar and supportive environment. And while FCS schools have sent quarterbacks like Trey Lance and Carson Wentz to the NFL, Brown’s financial gamble raises questions: Will this move pay off in the long run, or is he sacrificing too much for a reunion?
As Brown begins spring practice, one thing is clear: his story is far from over. But here’s the question we’re all left with: In a sport increasingly driven by money, is Devin Brown’s decision a bold statement about the value of relationships—or a risky move that could cost him his NFL dreams? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
