Robert Bettis
Navajo Times
Window Lock – The Arizona Rattlers’ 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most significant in indoor football history, not only for the thrilling action on the field, but also for groundbreaking achievements off it.
Maurice Brown, the team's strength and conditioning coach, made history as the first 100% Navajo/Native American coach in professional sports to win a league championship. His role was instrumental in leading the Rattlers to a championship that was monumental for the team and the entire Native American community.
Brown's journey to becoming a pioneer in the Indoor Football League is a story of tenacity, determination and breaking down barriers.
“There were a lot of challenges this season, a lot of pressure,” Brown said. Everyone faces setbacks, but “you have to believe in yourself and believe in your team. That's the Rattler way.”
Coach Brown’s training program has proven to be well-balanced and effective, not only keeping the players in peak physical condition but also mentally prepared to face the rigorous demands of a championship season.
Brown noted that mental toughness plays a big role in the game: “Mental toughness comes from a strong mindset and self-awareness. It's the ability to see yourself through both winning and losing.”
“The question we ask ourselves is, how do we grow after we win? What is the standard to be a pro? There are standards to meet in every aspect of life, school, work.” Life has its ups and downs, but the goal is to meet the standards. “It doesn't matter who you are,” he says. “Everyone has the ability to do great things. Everyone can be a superstar in (their) role.”
As the first 100% Navajo/Native American coach to win a professional league championship, Coach Brown is a symbol of pride for Native American communities across the nation.
He credits his success to the community, thanking “the entire Rattler organization, my family and the people who have supported me along this journey.” “The Tuba City community has been a huge supporter,” he said.
Brown's legacy will surely inspire a new generation of Native American athletes and coaches by showing that with hard work, dedication and a strong connection to one's roots, anything is possible.
His historic win with the Arizona Rattlers is not only a victory for his team, but also a victory for the entire Navajo community.
This is his message to young athletes: “Nothing in this world is given to you. You have to earn it. You have to have a sense of purpose to win. It all depends on your character.”
