“Ever since I was a child, it has always been my dream to compete at the highest level and play in the NFL,” Brown said in a statement on Twitter. “After much prayer and discussion with my family, I believe the time is right for me to pursue that dream. With sincere appreciation and humility, I am foregoing my final year of eligibility and declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.”

“Thank you Spartan Nation for all your love and support. Know that I will forever be a Spartan Dawg.”

With the NCAA giving an extra year of eligibility to every athlete, Brown could have played two more seasons with the Spartans, but the Stockbridge, Georgia native, decided to opt-in to the NFL to pursue his dream. At this time, it is unclear whether Brown will play in this Saturday’s game against Maryland or any potential bowl game.

However, in an interview with The State News prior to his announcement, Brown said that he was focused on the now, rather than the NFL, possibly suggesting that he could play against Maryland this Saturday.

“I’m not really worried about the NFL right now,” Brown said. “I’m just worried about the season and finishing strong.”

Brown has become the number one defensive back for the Spartans this season with hard hits and his ball-hawking ability. This season for Michigan State, Brown has hauled in five interceptions, which is tied for first in the FBS, and has had 19 tackles.

Brown, in his Twitter post, expressed love for all who helped him along the way including his former head coach Mark Dantonio, current head coach Mel Tucker, his family and God. Despite the love he has for the East Lansing community, it was the right time for Brown to cash in on his great performances this season.

“I arrived in East Lansing four years ago as a kid from Detroit/Atlanta so excited to wear the green and white and represent this fine institution,” Brown said. “Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of competing against some of the finest players and teams in the country in the Big Ten conference. There have been triumphs and trials, but through it all, like the many great Spartans who had come before me, I’ve proudly bled green and white and left everything on the field.”