Brewer brings NFL touch

By John Bassetti

The ex-49er is a big target for af2 at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds.

YOUNGSTOWN — With two years’ experience as a member of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, C.J. Brewer probably has the most impressive credentials among Mahoning Valley Thunder players.

Now comes the time to show his talent as the 6-foot-3, 215 wide receiver plays in his first game since his NFL days.

Brewer arrived in town last week after the Thunder re-assigned defensive back Montae Bailey.

Brewer — also known as “49er Guy” — was on San Francisco’s practice squad in 2006 and had significant playing time in 2007.

A highlight was in 2007 during a fourth-quarter drive against Denver in a preseason game.

“My proudest moment was against the Broncos when I led a fourth-quarter comeback,” Brewer said of three straight catches covering 44 yards.

“That got us down in the red zone before we scored a touchdown,” Brewer said of his involvement that put the ball at the 2-yard line before San Francisco punched it in on a running play.

Brewer, however, was injured in the fourth game that season when he tore an ACL in his right knee. He was put on injured reserve status for the remainder of the season.

Brewer’s seasons were under the tenure of head coach Mike Nolan and offensive coordinator Jim Hostler, who was eventually replaced by Mike Martz.

“There were coaching changes after that, new personnel was brought in and I was released,” Brewer said his departure from the Bay Area.

Although Brewer’s last competition was early in the 49ers’ 2007 season, his experience can’t be minimized.

Tonight’s game won’t be Brewer’s first in af2 because he was a member of the Albany Conquest (now Albany Firebirds) in 2006, prior to his NFL stint.

In three games with Albany, Brewer had 15 receptions for 227 yards and three touchdowns.

The performance led to a free-agent contract with San Francisco.

C.J., whose initials stand for Chris James, contacted a couple coaches in the arena league and told them he was healthy and interested in getting some football back under his belt.

“Coach [Mike Hold] called me right away,” Brewer said of the Thunder coach. “He was the first coach to contact me, so I told him that I was going to come out and see if I could earn a spot on the team. There’s already a lot of good receivers here, so I’m fortunate that he took me on.”

The 25-year-old Brewer is a native of Colorado who spent his final collegiate season at Wyoming. He lives in northern Virginia outside of D.C., and has, among other attributes, excellent hands.

“C.J. has terrific size,” Hold said. “He’s a big target, especially in the red zone. He plays an extremely physical style which you don’t see as often with receivers in arena.

“Defensive backs will have to account for him on every play. Once he gets acclimated to the playbook, C.J. will be a real difference-maker for us.”

Although Brewer is playing at a level lower than he did, he’s happy to have the opportunity to play again.

“Anytime that happens, I’m more than grateful to get paid to do something I love. I think this could be a real good stepping-stone to getting me back where I want to be.

“I’m around a great group of guys and a great coaching staff, so I think it’s going to be a real positive experience.”

GAME TIME

What: af2 football.

Who: Milwaukee Iron at Mahoning Valley Thunder

When: 7 tonight.

Where: Chevrolet Centre.

Radio/TV: WBBW-AM 1240; myYTV (taped at 10 p.m.)

bassetti@vindy.com