Vernell Brown III, the 5-foot-11, 178-pound WR for the Gators, has been the shining light despite their poor run this season. The 4-str freshman adopted a dual role for his high school as a receiver and primary return man. He caught 70 passes for 1363 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense and scored four times on special teams with 3 punt kick returns and a kickoff return. Brown III was an early commit to Florida and is one of the two true freshman receivers to start for the Gators in their 2025 campaign.

He is not just a local kid from Florida; he carries a three-generation legacy with him as a Gator. As we are about to witness Brown III more on the field, it’s time to learn about who he is off the field, including his parents and their connection to the Gators.

Who are Vernell Brown III’s Parents?

Vernell Brown III is from the legendary Brown Family, who carries a three-generation legacy on his back. He is the son of Vernell Brown II and Emiliana Brown, and both studied at the University of Florida. His father, Brown II, played as a cornerback for the Gators, starting 11, from 2001 to 2005, and appeared in 45 games throughout his career. He also served as team captain and was referred to as the “Face of Florida Football.”

Brown II worked as the director of student-athlete development at Florida from 2018 to 2021, and was promoted to senior director of player development and alumni relations in 2022. He is currently serving as the mentor of Anthony Richardson. His mother, Emiliana, started her career as a case manager for Partnership for Strong Families and has been a professional realtor since 2023, after graduating from Nova Southeastern University. 

Other than Vernell III, Vernell and Emiliana have four children: Paris, 21 years old, who studies at FSU; Kendall, 20 years old, who is a long jumper and triple jumper on the track and field team at Florida; Corey, 17 years old, who plays center at Jones; and the youngest, Mela, 10 years old, who is a track star.

Where did Vernell Brown II and Emiliana Brown meet?

Vernell Brown II and his wife, Emiliana Brown, met at the University of Florida. They met in 2003 in a leadership development class. Emiliana noticed Vernell staring at her on the first day of class, and they sat next to each other without even saying hello for almost two months.

“We would act like we were having some serious study sessions,” Emiliana said in an old interview. “When really I just thought he was cute.” Emiliana’s roommate began inviting Vernell over to study for the class, and that’s how they started talking to each other. They fell in love with each other, got engaged, and moved in together to an apartment in Gainesville. They later got married and have five children together.

What ethnicity are Vernell Brown III’s parents?

Vernell Brown II’s ethnicity is unknown, but his relatives are in East Gainesville. He’s reportedly at least a fourth-generation Gainesville resident, with almost all his extended family living within Gainesville. This includes nine of his father’s 11 siblings and multiple cousins. Vincent Brown Sr., Brown III’s grandfather, also played football for the Gators, alongside two of his great-uncles, Charlie and Johnwell Brown. Her mother, Emiliana’s ethnicity is also unknown, but she is originally from Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Vernell Brown III’s relationship with his parents

“I always wanted my kids to go where they want to go because it’s a decision that impacts them for not just the next three to five years, but for a lifetime,” Brown II said after his son announced his decision to join the University of Florida. The whole family has an alma mater with Florida; they never forced him toward the Gators. Brown III wished to follow in his father’s footsteps and attend the University of Florida.

Brown III carries his family legacy and wishes to add more honors to theirs. “My family has done great things at the University in the past and has a great name, but I still have to make a name for myself as well,” Brown III added. He has a close relationship with his family. “It means everything,” Vernell Brown III said about his family and legacy.

His parents are proud that he joined the Gators and has started playing as a freshman. Both Vernell II and Emiliana have always been the backbone for their children, supporting and cherishing their little successes on the road to achieving their dreams.