On Wednesday, Hall of Fame defensive end Dwight Freeney joined “The Triple Option” to discuss the Super Bowl and other matters. Freeney played for the Syracuse Orange from 1998 to 2001 before becoming an elite NFL player. His strong performance there propelled him to the No. 11 pick in the 2002 NFL draft.
Dwight Freeney Loves Syracuse Head Coach Fran Brown
Syracuse Orange legend Freeney, whose No. 54 jersey was just retired, has praised the program’s new head coach. In a recent interview, Freeney praised Brown’s leadership approach, calling him a “real” coach.
“Fran Brown is an amazing guy, first of all,” Freeney said. “He’s a real guy, and what I mean by that is there’s no BS. He’s one of those guys who will tell you how he feels. No filter, well, a little filter, but no real filter. I think a lot of guys can gravitate to that.”
“He’s gonna put his cleats in the ground against anybody.”
Fran Brown’s tenacity and leadership have helped shape @CuseFootball into a program on the rise.@3xOptionShow: https://t.co/lbaequ4DLw pic.twitter.com/n493C9ygBl
— CNY Central (@CNYCentral) February 7, 2025
Brown led the Orange to a 10-3 record and fourth place in the ACC, finishing the season ranked No. 21 in the US.
His achievement symbolized the team’s first double-digit win season since 2018, showcasing Brown’s ability to quickly turn the program around.
Strong Coach-Player Connection
Apart from game-day success, Brown has gained recognition for his ability to connect with players on an individual level. This approach is consistent with Brown’s ongoing efforts to keep connected with Syracuse alumni, fostering a strong bond between former and current players.
When Freeney talks about Brown connecting with younger players, it’s because he’s younger than the other coaches. Brown is only 43 years old, whereas many other coaches are in their 50s or 60s.
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Syracuse has the potential for long-term success under Brown’s leadership. His abilities to develop talent, promote a winning culture, and retain close relationships with alumni such as Freeney pave the way for sustained achievement.
Freeney’s support reflects Brown’s credibility and ability as a leader. If the 2024 season is a predictor, Syracuse Orange football is in for a bright future under Brown’s no-nonsense, player-first approach.
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