NFL Commentator James Brown Reflects on Faith, Family, and Significant Living

Most people know James Brown as the spirited NFL broadcaster whose spot on commentary is delivered with the dexterity of an athlete. That is because he had a distinguished high school and college basketball career.

At Harvard University, he burnished his dream of becoming an NBA star. But that aspiration quickly disappeared when he twice failed to meet the standards during training camp after the draft. Most stories would end there, but not for James Brown. Brown, fondly known as J.B., recalls his story of failure and reinvention in his new book, 'Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living,' which is part memoir and part self-help, and written with Nathan Whitaker, a bestselling author.

"I believe I rested on my laurels,'' he said in an interview with AOL Black Voices. "I didn't show fortitude. But it led to a lifelong work ethic---never be complacent. If I wanted something badly I would do it excellently for the Lord. That's the way I have approached things since then.''
J.B. went on to find another province for success: the business world, working for Xerox and other major corporations. But he soon found a way to return to the sports arena as a broadcaster. Today, the native of Washington, D.C. is host of CBS Sports' 'The NFL Today' and Showtime's 'Inside the NFL' and a three-time Emmy Award winner.

'Role of a Lifetime' is filled with inspirational and aspirational personal stories that can easily translate to the lives of others. J.B. doles out advice on successful living, including developing good communication skills; maintaining your appearance; nurturing personal relationships; being punctual; developing a thirst for knowledge; being a team player and overcoming adversity.

"James Brown has been a great friend and role model for me and so many others in the sports world over the years," Tony Dungy, J.B.'s friend and legendary NFL coach, writes in the foreword. "Now, by writing this book, I believe he will inspire even more people who get to know the story behind this uncommon man.'

J.B. and his wife, Dorothy, live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. He has a grown daughter, Katrina.

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