It is ideal for a student-athlete to enter their freshman year of college, play in the national championship game and help win the national championship title.

When the Eagles won the 2010 NCAA Division I Football Championship, now senior running back Mario Brown was able to do just that.

Berkeley, California, native Brown has always played football.

Brown said he was excited to play in an important game as a freshman.

“I didn’t even realize the magnitude of actually being a freshman in such a big game and being able to take advantage of the opportunity,” Brown said. “Not many people get to do that so, as I look back now, it hits me even more because I’m just like, ‘I was young and I got an opportunity that most people don’t get.’”

It has been a rollercoaster road, but Brown said he has matured as a person on and off the field,  which has shaped him into who he is.

Having witnessed the journey Brown experience during his time at Eastern, running back coach Kiel McDonald said he understands why the younger guys on the team look up to Brown.

“Absolutely he’s a leader,” McDonald said. “He’s been through a lot, so [Brown] gets the chance to pull from those experiences to show these other young cats what’s going on.”

According to senior linebacker John Goldwire, Brown is a leader to the team.

“The players, especially younger players look up to him with a lot of respect,” Goldwire said. “They clash heads but they show a lot of respect towards him. He works hard. Grinds all the time and takes it seriously.”

Senior Nicholas Washburn, a former teammate said Brown’s work ethic and talent are shown in the plays he is in.

“[Brown] the football player is, if I had to say one word, probably dynamic,” Washburn said. “He has light feet. He’s one of those guys who make it look easy. He makes everything look smooth. That’s why we call him Suavy.”

Brown graduated in the summer of 2014 with a degree in communications and has his final year to focus on football and planning his next step.

“I’m going to see where football takes me, if not, graduate school,” Brown said. “Either furthering my education in communications or psychology.”

Friends and coaches say Brown has not changed a bit off the field.

“[Brown] is always [Brown]” Washburn said. [Brown] is a laid back guy. You never know what you’re going to get with him. He’s a goofy guy. Great friend and worth keeping around. He’s a sound character. He’s a pops now! [Brown’s] going to be a great dad.”

Due to Brown finishing school during the summer, Brown said he only has time to focus on family and football.

“I’m able to be at home until football starts, so I’m able to spend time with my son and girlfriend and help out around the house,” Brown said. “Then when it’s time to go do football, I turn on football mode. When I leave the facility, then I go to father mode. Which I’m still getting use to saying, which has been cool.”

McDonald said although he was not coaching at Eastern during the 2010 football season, from what he has heard and from what he has come to know is Brown has grown incredibly.

“I wasn’t here [Brown’s] freshmen year but I heard stories,” McDonald said. “Heard he was a young cat from the [Bay Area, California] and I have a little tender spot for that because I’m from the [Bay Area, California]. He’s matured. He’s a family man now and a grown up.”

Goldwire said Brown has always remained humble.

“He’s grown a lot,” Goldwire said. “He not one of those guys who was big-headed. He obviously played as a freshman and did very well. His role has changed from then to now but  he still hasn’t changed who he is. He’s a great guy. I can depend on him for anything.”

He may be known to the fans as “Super Mario”, Brown is a regular guy.

“I feel like we are judged as athletes, but at the end of the day we are regular students,” Brown said. “Go to school like everyone else, but the only thing is we play football. I’m a goofy guy. I’m approachable. Come talk to me, I won’t bite.”