‘The Rattler way’: Tuba City’s Maurice Brown becomes first Native American coach to win professional championship

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – The Arizona Rattlers’ 2024 season will be remembered as one of the most significant in indoor football history, not just for the thrilling on-field action but for a groundbreaking achievement off the field.

Maurice Brown, the team’s strength and conditioning coach made history as the first 100% Navajo/Native American coach in any professional sport to win a league championship. His role was instrumental in leading the Rattlers to this first-place win, marking a momentous occasion for both the team and the broader Native American community.

Brown’s journey to becoming a trailblazer in the Indoor Football League is a story of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers.

“There were a lot of challenges this season, and a lot of pressure,” said Brown. Everyone faces setbacks but, “you have to believe in yourself, and believe in the team. That is the Rattler way.”

Coach Brown’s training programs are proven to be well-rounded and effective, ensuring that players are not only in peak physical condition but are also mentally prepared to face the grueling demands of a championship season.

Brown noted that mental strength plays a big role in the game. “A lot of mental strength comes with a solid mindset and awareness of self. The ability to look at yourself both in wins and losses.”

“One question that we ask ourselves is how do we get better after a win? What does the standard look like to be a professional? There is a standard to meet in every aspect of life, school, and work.” Life has ups and downs, but the goal is to live up to the standard. “It doesn’t matter who you are”, he says, “everyone has the ability to do great things. Everyone can be a superstar in (their own) role”

As the first 100% Navajo/Native American coach to win a professional league championship, Coach Brown is an example of pride for Native American communities across the country.

He attributes his success to his community thanking “the whole Rattler organization, my family, and people who have supported me along this journey.” Noting that “the Tuba City community has been a big supporter.”

Brown’s legacy will surely inspire a new generation of Native American athletes and coaches, showing that with hard work, dedication, and a strong connection to one’s roots, anything is possible.

His historic championship with the Arizona Rattlers is not just a win for the team, but a victory for the entire Navajo community.

This is his message to youth athletes: “Nothing in this world is given to you. You have to earn it. In order to win (you must be) purposeful. It’s all about your character.”