The San Francisco 49ers made headlines on July 22, 2025, by signing wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown to a one-year deal following a standout tryout during training camp. Known for his athletic prowess and versatility, St. Brown brings experience and depth to a 49ers wide receiver room facing uncertainty with injuries and contract disputes. With a career tally of 63 receptions for 928 yards and two touchdowns, St. Brown’s journey to the Bay Area is filled with intriguing twists and lesser-known details. Here are five shocking facts about the 28-year-old wide receiver that highlight his unique path in the NFL.
1. A Family of NFL Stars: Brother to an All-Pro Receiver
Equanimeous St. Brown is the older brother of Detroit Lions All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, creating one of the NFL’s most talented sibling duos. While Amon-Ra has become a household name with his explosive playmaking, Equanimeous has carved his own path despite being in his brother’s shadow. Growing up in Placentia, California, the St. Brown brothers were trained rigorously by their father, John Brown, a two-time Mr. Universe bodybuilder, who instilled a relentless work ethic in both sons. Fans are buzzing about the possibility of the brothers facing off in a potential 2025 NFC playoff rematch between the 49ers and Lions, adding a dramatic family rivalry to the field.
2. A Notre Dame Standout with Impressive College Stats
Before his NFL career, St. Brown was a star at the University of Notre Dame, where he played from 2015 to 2017. Over three seasons, he appeared in 32 games (25 starts) and recorded 92 receptions for 1,484 yards, averaging an impressive 16.1 yards per catch, and scored 13 touchdowns. His size (6’5”, 214 pounds) and speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash) made him a matchup nightmare for college defenses. Surprisingly, despite these gaudy numbers, St. Brown was only selected in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, a fact that shocked analysts who saw him as a potential higher pick.
3. A Journeyman’s Career Across Three NFL Teams
St. Brown’s NFL career has been a rollercoaster, with stints at three teams before landing with the 49ers. After being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2018, he spent four seasons (2018-21) with the team, catching 37 passes for 543 yards and one touchdown. He then moved to the Chicago Bears (2022-23), where he had his most productive season in 2022 with 21 receptions for 323 yards. In 2024, St. Brown signed with the New Orleans Saints but struggled to secure a spot, appearing in only two games without a catch and spending most of the season on their practice squad. This journeyman status is surprising for a player with his physical tools and college pedigree, making his signing with the 49ers a potential redemption opportunity.
4. A Run-Blocking Specialist in a Pass-Heavy League
One of St. Brown’s most overlooked attributes is his exceptional run-blocking ability, a skill that sets him apart in a league increasingly focused on passing. At 6’5” and 214 pounds, his size and physicality make him a valuable asset in the run game, particularly for a 49ers offense known for its strong ground attack led by players like Jordan Mason. Analysts have noted that St. Brown’s blocking was one of his standout qualities during his time with the Packers and Bears, often earning high praise from coaches despite limited receiving production. This skill likely played a key role in his successful tryout with San Francisco, as head coach Kyle Shanahan values versatile receivers who contribute beyond catching passes.
5. Limited 2024 Season but a Chance for a Comeback
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of St. Brown’s career is his minimal impact in the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints. Despite signing with the team in April 2024, he failed to make the initial 53-man roster and was relegated to the practice squad, appearing in just two games without recording a single reception or target. This lack of production was a stark contrast to his earlier seasons, particularly his 2022 campaign with the Bears. His signing with the 49ers comes at a critical time, as the team faces depth concerns with Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall on the PUP list and Jauan Jennings in a contract dispute. St. Brown’s successful tryout on July 21, 2025, and subsequent one-year deal offer him a fresh start to prove he can return to his earlier form and make an impact in San Francisco.
Conclusion
Equanimeous St. Brown’s signing with the San Francisco 49ers marks a new chapter for a player with untapped potential and a fascinating backstory. From his famous family ties to his standout college career, journeyman NFL journey, run-blocking prowess, and a quiet 2024 season, St. Brown’s path is anything but ordinary. As he competes for a roster spot in a talented yet depleted 49ers receiver room, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can channel his athletic gifts and experience into a breakout 2025 season. With training camp underway, all eyes will be on St. Brown to see if he can turn his one-year deal into a career-defining opportunity.