Powell football team supports teammate JT Browning who lost brother to opioid addiction

Football has its benefits. JT Browning came for the game, but found more comfort in the support.

Browning doesn’t make many headlines as a 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior defensive end. But his contributions to the Powell High School football program don’t go unnoticed – by his teammates or his coaches.

“Your teammates know when you’re out there every day working hard,” said Panthers coach Matt Lowe. “They appreciate that. They know when they’re able to count on a guy.”

Browning’s teammates knew he was a special fellow, long before he really needed their help last December.

When the situation got difficult, the Panthers rose to the challenge.

'So many ... had my back'   

Browning was visiting relatives last Dec. 28 when he got the call that his 25-year-old brother, Bryce, had become a victim of the opioid crisis.

Browning said treatment in Georgia, California and Michigan didn’t stop the tragic end.

“We were close,” Browning said of his relationship with Bryce. “We talked about everything.

“I know he was an addict, but I felt he was still a good role model. I think it was a good thing I wasn’t home when it happened.”

The next few days were tough. The funeral was worse.

“It was hard,” Browning said. “I had some addicts come up to me and say how Bryce helped them out of some difficult situations. That didn’t surprise me.”

What did catch Browning’s eye was the outpouring of support he received from his teammates and coaches with the football program.

“There are no right words to say when someone is hurting like that,” said Lowe. “All you can do is to be there for them and listen.

“I can’t say enough about how our teammates responded. That showed me a lot about the kind of program we have.”

Lowe monitored his players’ social media messages and was pleased to see they made sure to get Browning involved in positive activities.

“I saw that there were so many people who had my back,” Browning said.

Quicker than the big guys   

Browning is part of the defensive line rotation as Powell has established itself as one of the top Class 5A teams in Knoxville – and the state.

It’s a situation caused by necessity.

“We’ve moved JT around a lot,” Lowe said. “First running back, then linebacker last year, now defensive end. He never complains. ‘Where do you need me?’ He’s a guy you know you can count on when times get tough.”

The adjustment from linebacker to the defensive line was like learning a different language. There was some carryover, though.

“I’ve had to learn how to use my hands,” he said. “That was different at linebacker. It’s more physical on the defensive line, which I like. I can use my footwork to help me deal with the big guys.”

Of course, dealing with the realities of life is nowhere near as easy.

That’s why his teammates are so important.