The 1989 season proved to be the peak of Brown's career. He cleared an outdoor personal record of at the 1989 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, beating out Hollis Conway. He was also chosen to represent his country at the 1989 IAAF World Cup, where he placed sixth. His performances declined after 1990. He managed fifth at the 1992 United States Olympic Trials, but otherwise failed to make the final at the outdoor national championships. A severe injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his jumping leg in 1993 paused his career, through he underwent surgery which allowed him to compete again. After a two-year break from competition he returned to better form in 1996, ranking as the sixth best jumper in the nation and placing seventh at the 1996 United States Olympic Trials.