For the second consecutive week, the Green Bay Packers have elevated rookie safety Omar Brown for gameday, giving him the opportunity to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. This marks another significant step in Brown’s journey after he made his regular season debut last week, playing eight snaps on defense and six on special teams against the New Orleans Saints. Despite being undrafted, Brown’s persistence has earned him a spot on the Packers’ roster, and he continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.

Brown’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. After playing college football at Northern Iowa from 2019 to 2021, and then transferring to Nebraska for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Brown went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, his drive and determination did not stop there. The Denver Broncos signed him to their rookie training camp, where he worked hard to make a lasting impression. Though he was ultimately released after the final roster cuts, his determination paid off when he was signed to the Packers’ practice squad in late August—a decision that now seems incredibly astute given his recent elevation to the active roster.

During his college years, Brown proved himself as a capable and reliable defensive back. His ability to make plays in the air was a defining trait, with a deep passion for tracking down and intercepting passes. Reflecting on his high school days, Brown shared his comfort and skill at catching the ball, a skill he developed as a wide receiver before transitioning to defense. “I played wide receiver in high school. I’m very comfortable catching the ball,” Brown told The Draft Network. “I love playing the ball in the air. When it’s in my vicinity, I’m coming down with it. That’s the type of player I am.” His mentality and skills as a playmaker have made him an intriguing addition to the Packers’ defense.

Currently, Brown is the only safety on the Packers’ practice squad, and his rise to prominence continues as he prepares for his next opportunity. Last week, safety Xavier McKinney and Zayne Anderson were the starters in the secondary, but Brown’s growing presence on the roster suggests that he could soon make an impact in the regular defensive lineup. Despite the Packers’ injury challenges, including the questionable status of defensive back Javoan Bullard and the absence of Evan Williams due to a quad injury, Brown’s elevation offers a much-needed boost to the team’s defensive depth.

This season has seen several practice squad players get their chance to shine, and Brown is among those making the most of his opportunity. Other practice squad elevations this season have included fullback Andrew Beck, cornerbacks Robert Rochell and Kamal Hadden, quarterback Sean Clifford, and running back Ellis Merriweather. Brown’s elevation, however, stands out as he represents the Packers’ commitment to strengthening their defensive lineup with emerging talent.

As Brown continues to prove himself in practice and on gameday, his role in the Packers’ defense is likely to expand. With his confidence, playmaking ability, and high football IQ, Omar Brown is poised to become a key player for the Packers, whether on defense or special teams. For a team grappling with injuries and changes in personnel, his development and contributions are a bright spot in a season filled with challenges. Packers fans will be watching closely as Omar Brown works to carve out a lasting place on the roster, and Sunday’s game against the Vikings could be another opportunity for the rookie to show his worth.