Rejuvenated Brown fighting for starting spot with Buffalo Bills

What some might view as a challenge, Zach Brown looks at as an opportunity.The Wilde Lake High School graduate and Columbia native, who is entering his fifth year in the National Football League, is preparing for his first season playing for the Buffalo Bills after spending the previous four with the Tennessee Titans.His football career to this point as a linebacker has seen highs — making first-team All-ACC at the University of North Carolina in 2011 and starting almost every game for the Titans in 2012 and 2013 — and lows — missing all but one game in 2014 because of a torn pectoral. Now, though, Brown has himself a fresh start and a chance to reinvigorate his career.The Bills lost their second-round draft pick, linebacker Reggie Ragland, to a torn ACL during the first week of August and that has left a starting position up for grabs. Brown is among the top candidates to compete for that spot.Early on this preseason, Brown took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to sports editor Brent Kennedy about what lies ahead, some of his career highlights so far and what will go into making this year a success.With things now well underway with a new team, how are you feeling?I'm feeling great — lighter, loose, just overall real good. It's a new staff (for me), new environment and I'm getting the chance to play under some great coaches and next to some great players. So it's definitely been a really good thing so far.Being in your first year with Buffalo, are you excited about the change or is there an overwhelming feeling of having a lot of work ahead?You know, there's always lots of work. I was never handed anything since I've been in the league and since I've been playing football. I've always had to work for it, so you learn to have that chip on your shoulder. They might draft guys, bring guys in, so you have to keep working. And you know, these Buffalo fans are a real loyal fan base and they show you so much love so you got to give it back to them by winning and competing.This summer, prior to getting to camp, what have you been up to and where have you been spending your time?I was in Buffalo for OTA's (organized training activities), but I was in Maryland and Atlanta training for the most part when I wasn't up there. I still have family in Columbia and I go back and see Wilde Lake and everything else.Looking back over your career, it's definitely been a rollercoaster ride at times, specifically battling back from that pectoral injury in 2014. How did that experience affect who you are today?It really made me appreciate football more, getting a chance to sit back and watch the game unfold. When I got hurt it was definitely a blow to me because I've never really gotten hurt like that before. … It gave me an appreciation for the fact that I get to play this game for a living.You have drawn praise for being one of the elite pass-coverage linebackers in the league, is that something you take particular pride in?I think it's more doing what I'm asked to do. I feel like stopping the pass is something I've always been good at, but when I'm asked to stop the run I feel like I can do that too. Honestly, I think people get caught up too much in trying to say I'm just a coverage linebacker because that's where I've been asked to play the most. But you stick me in there and I'll stop the run.Looking at the schedule, Buffalo comes to Baltimore for the season opener this year and this will be your first time playing back in your hometown professionally. What will that be like?I'm going to treat it like just another game. Personally, I'm not looking at it like there is anything special about it … now, if we were playing the Titans then that would probably be different. There's no history for me in Baltimore (in the NFL), I never played against them and never played for them. It's just another game on the schedule that we have to go out and try to win.You at least expecting a larger turnout of family and friends than usual?Maybe a few more, but I'm really trying to keep it calmed down. It's still a job for me and I can't be getting wrapped up in trying to get tickets for everyone to come. It's going to be all business.Looking back on your time in the league, any memories that stand out?Definitely getting an interception for a touchdown (against Jacksonville on Dec. 30, 2012) and doing it twice in one game was the highlight for me. I've never gotten into the end zone as a defensive player. I've gotten an interception or two but I've never scored a touchdown, so to do it twice in one game was special.I know you've also had some big sacks, any favorites?Big Ben (Roethlisberger), no doubt. In my hometown of South Carolina (where I was born) there are a bunch of (Pittsburgh) Steelers fans, so that one felt really good to get that and help us win. We've got them this year in Buffalo, so I've got a chance to do that again.In terms of this season, what kind of goals have you set for yourself?I have to get better every day and to do that I have to be my own worst critic. When I get out there I have to constantly push myself, figure out ways to improve, tell myself that I'm not tired. Basically stay motivated. I'm here to help this team win ball games any way I can, so that's what I'm focusing on.

Rejuvenated Brown fighting for starting spot with Buffalo Bills

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