Andre Brown was on the New York Giants' practice squad in 2011, stuck behind Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, D.J. Ware and Da'Rei Scott on the roster.

Brown turned down offers from the Cardinals, Packers and Saints.

“It really helped me understand concepts, defenses and stuff like that,” Brown said of what he referred to as his “redshirt year.”

Brown has 184 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries to go with five receptions for 36 yards.