Dallas Cowboys place Hanhan's Chris Brown on Injured Reserve

Chris Brown’s 2016 NFL season was over even before it started. But the former Hanahan High and Notre Dame star insists his career will survive.

The Dallas Cowboys, a team known for taking undrafted free agents and turning them into stars, apparently found a diamond in the making in Brown, who went undrafted earlier this year, but had been impressive in the preseason. Brown, a 6-2 wide receiver for the Fighting Irish had an impressive career in South Bend, and was catching on in the Big D as an intelligent and reliable receiver.

But on Aug. 16, Brown suffered a broken foot in practice and was carted off the field. He underwent surgery and is looking at a recovery period of six to eight weeks, which means his season is pretty much over.

Brown, who has an unflinching faith in God and family, is strong.

“When it comes to overcoming adversity I feel that I have been extremely blessed to be able to lean on my faith and support from my family, loved ones, and supporters!” Brown posted on Facebook. “Surgery was a complete success and (I) will make a full recovery! Though it does not allow me to go out and play the game I love this season, it allows me to continue to grow and strengthen myself.

“I am extremely grateful as an undrafted free agent to be given the opportunity by the Dallas Cowboy organization to be placed on Injured Reserve, where I will be allowed to make a full recovery with one of the nation’s best training staffs … Could have easily looked to move in another direction but found my character and talent an asset that they value and look to invest in for the future. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity and faith in me.”

Brown was impressive in the preseason opener with a 7-yard catch against the Los Angeles Rams, a team returning home 21 years after leaving the West Coast. Brown’s catch came in front of 89,410 fans at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Brown’s effort even led some Cowboys followers to wonder if Brown would be an upgrade at WR and would push Devin Street, a fifth-round pick in 2014, off the roster.

But Brown’s season ended on the practice field in mid-August.