Tom Herman says Texas RB signee Derrian Brown progressing well, aims to attend spring game

Texas Longhorns running back signee Derrian Brown continues to take steps in the right direction on his road to recovery.

A Buford (Ga.) product and member of Texas’ 2019 class, Brown was hospitalized just days before National Signing Day after suffering a stroke, which ultimately required a blood clot to be removed from his brain.

In the weeks since, Brown has undergone multiple surgeries and various physical treatment options, but on Saturday, Texas head coach Tom Herman provided some tremendously positive news regarding Brown’s recovery.

“Just talked to his dad yesterday. He had a procedure to put back a piece of his skull that they had removed to alleviate some pressure, and that went well, from what I understand,’ Herman said. “He was supposed to be released [from the hospital] yesterday.”

“He’s trying to get cleared to come to the spring game, I know that,” Herman added. “Physically, they say he’s doing really well. He’s still having a few minor issues with speech, but they’re all very optimistic that that will come with time. And they’re, as of now, optimistic that he’ll have a chance to play football again.”

To that end, Brown and his family received some encouraging thoughts and advice on Friday, as three-time Super Bowl champion Tedy Bruschi, who also suffered a stroke just days after appearing in Super Bowl XXXIX, reached out to the Brown family.

“I want to publicly thank Tedy Bruschi; reached out to Derrian and his family yesterday,” Herman said. “He kind of give them some words of encouragement, some advice having gone through something very similar.”

In addition to the outpouring of emotional support and encouragement that fans and the community has expressed for the Brown family, the family’s GoFundMe page has also raised upwards to $70,000 of the $80,000 goal to help with medical expenses.

“Derrian Brown is a GREAT GUY with a BIG HEART, who loves unconditionally,” the GoFundMe page notes. “Derrian has a long road to recovery and if you would like to assist in any way the family will greatly appreciate it.”