Question and answer with Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, the Panthers' first of two second-round draft choices (43rd overall).
On if he was expecting to be selected by the Panthers: Not at all. My first time talking with Carolina after the NFL Combine was Sunday when I was on my way home from North Carolina. I received a phone call that they were very interested in me. I honestly did not think that this would happen. It's been a pretty crazy draft day. But I tell you, to come and be a Panther was the best thing that could happen.
On being drafted in the second round after being projected to be selected in the first round: It was stressful. I was very calm. I just wanted to play football again. But I tell you, once your name starts getting passed up and passed up, you start to get a little concerned. But once I received a call from the Panthers and they traded up to get me, I was just as excited as if I was going the first pick overall. At the end of the day I'm a Panther and I'm coming there to make the team better.
On if he knows Panthers' defensive end Julius Peppers: I don't know him personally but I've followed his career since high school because his high school is in the same conference as mine. When I was younger, I used to go and watch him play in high school basketball and run track and play football. He has had a great career there in the NFL.
On if he's thought about what it would be like to play with Peppers: I've given it thought. First, coming out of high school I was hoping to follow in his footsteps and go to (North) Carolina and then, hopefully, get picked by the Panthers. But I went with my heart and chose a different college. But the opportunity to play on the opposite side of Peppers, that's great company to be with. I can't wait to get there and get to work.
On if he will play left or right defensive end: I can play either side. I played mainly right side at Florida State due to the tandem that we had there on defense. I feel comfortable playing either side. When I come in, I'm ready to play the left side; I'm ready to play the right side. All it is for me is putting my hand in the dirt and playing football. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity and ready to take advantage of it.
On if there is any pressure on him since the Panthers traded next year's first-round draft pick to acquire him: No, there's not any pressure at all. I spoke with the coach there and I told him that I just want to be everything he wants and more, because I have high expectations of myself. The opportunity to go to a team like Carolina and be part of that organization, especially in the position I'm in to be able to get after the passer. That's what's ultimately going to help this team win games, help this defense be better, and that's what I'm looking to come in to do.
On who he spoke with from the Panthers last Sunday: I talked to (college scout) Mike (Szabo). He said in the eight years he's been there he hasn't seen a guy like me with my package that I bring to the table. They were high on me and, hopefully, they could get me. After the conversation I was optimistic about it, but I still had some doubt because of where Carolina was on the draft board. For them to come up and get me and for everything to work out here in my favor and their favor was the best thing that could happen.
On his effort and intangibles: I think that with my effort and the passion that I play the game with, it speaks for itself. My effort on the field is just undeniable to where I feel like I can't be denied and I'm going to play my best and play 110 percent, 110 miles-per-hour every play full speed. That's one thing that coach saw on film that he really liked. He said my takeoff and my stance. They said that they're going to let me put my hand in the ground, in the dirt and take off. I'm looking forward to getting to work and doing it with the Panthers.
On his community involvement: I'm very involved in the community. At Florida State through their services I was able to go out to the elementary schools and read and participate in events that they had going on. As well as being in Tallahassee there with the government in the state capital, there were just a handful of things that I volunteered my time to do because it was instilled in me at an early age to give back. That's what I want to do and continue my involvement in the community. The way that I play the game and the way that I represent my team to be a positive role model in the community.
On who instilled those values in him when he was young: My parents. Even in elementary school and going through things like the D.A.R.E. program, having the sheriff come out and talk about saying no to drugs. All of those things spoke to me and they still do today. It's allowed me to try to be a source of motivation and a source of wisdom for the youth.
On if the Panthers were the team he wanted to be drafted by: If I had one team that I could have gone to, it would have been the Carolina Panthers. I didn't think I had a chance to be playing with the Carolina Panthers, but if I could have picked my team, I would have definitely picked the Carolina Panthers. That was my hometown team. That is the team I grew up watching. The only NFL game I've ever been to was in the Panthers' stadium. I'm just looking forward and eager to get in the stadium and get to work.
On what game he saw the Panthers play: I was 14-years old, and it was the game where they played against the New Orleans Saints.
On if the Panthers won or lost: I think that Carolina won. All I remember is the excitement that I had going to an NFL game, being able to get to the game early and walk down to the edge of the stands and see all of the players stretching up close. I remember watching Peppers. The opportunity to watch the game and be at the game was a great experience for me and my family.
