Dyami Brown looked down and out once upon a time. That's not the case anymore.
The Washington Commanders didn't involve Brown much over his first three seasons in the pros. He never maximized the obvious athletic attributes at his disposal. The former third-round selection got a reprieve from the new regime after standing out during the summer. Unfortunately, this didn't transition effectively enough to a competitive setting.
Most thought this would be Brown's final season in Washington. Again, that's not the case anymore.
Brown's come to the fore in recent weeks. An opportunity arose when Noah Brown went down through injury. After working hard to improve his craft, he seized the moment.
There are still things Brown needs to work on, but the North Carolina product has stepped up at the best possible time. His confidence grew with every successful reception. He's an assured pass-catcher these days and a solid route-runner. He's also a surprise that teams haven't seen coming based on his small sample size since entering the league.
The wideout's renaissance turned up a notch in Washington's Wild Card triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown went from an afterthought to one of the primary focal points, bringing in all five of his targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown. This is an incredible rise from obscurity when all hope seemed lost.
Kliff Kingsbury praises Dyami Brown's work ethic for Commanders' renaissance
Kliff Kingsbury was gushing in his praise of Brown during his recent media availability. The offensive coordinator highlighted the player's improved professionalism, willingness to work on problem areas, and ability to step up when called upon as reasons behind his resurgence. Something he hopes can be the start of something special.
"It's stepping up when your number is called. Dyami's a guy who when we got here, I had known about him from North Carolina, obviously looked at him when I was at Arizona. Just the attitude and the approach really got more business-like, more professional throughout this season, and it's paying off. He's showing up over and over and over. Always been able to run. Always been able to be really good with the ball in his hands, but his route technique from a fundamental sense is really improving and it's a credit to him and the way he's approached this season. It's really cool to see that hard work paying off."Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury says Dyami Brown's professionalism has improved as the season has gone along. Culminated with a playoff gem in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/kwc8j4cvUL
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 15, 2025
Brown's got a good chance at earning another short-term extension if he continues this trend at the Detroit Lions. It won't be easy, but their depleted secondary represents an area to exploit if rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels gets enough time to go through his progressions.
It's been a rollercoaster ride for Brown, but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. Not many thought he could salvage anything from his career in Washington, so the fourth-year-pro deserves endless praise for digging deep and fighting back in the face of adversity.
His athletic attributes were never in question. Under improved coaching, a little extra faith in his abilities, and some added determination thrown into the mix, the light has finally come on for Brown.
And the Commanders are better off for it.