When Elliott Brown was playing football in another country, the destination on his mind was the United States.
Sometimes, that passion to reach the NFL frustrated players in the Canadian Football League.
"I was serious every day, and some guys didn't like it, but I took everything super serious because I had to be prepared for where I'm at now," the outside linebacker said. "Some people treated practice and the game different. They like to have a little more fun.
"I was on a mission."
Brown's persistence landed him on the Cardinals' radar. After two seasons in the CFL with the Edmonton Elks, Brown inked a 2025 deal with the Cardinals.
Persistence is important, but Brown's intensity separates the 6-foot-4 edge rusher from others in Canada.
"I knew that as long as I had my abilities, I'll end up here at some point," he said. "The schemes a lot different up there, but (pass rushing) was my job. You want a guy who can put a quarterback in the dirt. They came and got me, and that's what I did."
Images of the Arizona Cardinals during Phase Three of the 2025 offseason workout program at the Dignity Health Training Facility
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Benton Whitley (49) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) , Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) , Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) and Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Kitan Crawford (36) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko (80) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) and Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman PJ Mustipher (79), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Justin Jones (98) and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins (90) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (35) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Will Johnson (0) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (63) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jammie Robinson (26) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman McClendon Curtis (66) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Trishton Jackson (86) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Helmet during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (95) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during Phase Three of OTAs at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Edge rusher is a spot NFL teams can find players in Canada. Cameron Wake -- whom the Cardinals once looked into signing before he went on to a stellar career with the Dolphins -- is the best example. The team has mined Canadian players in the past, although none have stuck.
Brown finished tied for the most sacks in the CFL with eight during the 2024 campaign. He also ended the season with 44 tackles and earned West Division All-Star honors. Prior to the CFL, Brown attended the University of Virginia.
His arrival to the Valley is another aspect of the Cardinals' growing relationship with Canada, and a testament to the growth of the sport on a global scale. The Cardinals drafted Canadian-born Isaiah Adams last season, and this past offseason, added the country as one of its newest international markets.
The CFL is a pass-first league. Instead of four downs, there are three downs to pick up a first, so teams are forced to throw the football early and often. The speed of the game is also much faster than the NFL.
Coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis utilize their outside linebackers in a multitude of ways. At times, through various scheme designs and disguises, linebackers drop back into coverage, something Brown didn't do a lot of in Edmonton.
"He definitely has a skill set and to start out, mentally, what we ask those guys to do, I don't want to say it's difficult, but there's some rules that they got to know which was a little different for him," Gannon said. "But he's taken to the coaching, and he's really improved with that part of his game."
While Brown won't solely rush the passer, that experience in the CFL could serve him well as the Cardinals get set to kick off training camp. Last season, the Cardinals ranked in the bottom 10 in pressure rate and total pressures, although Brown is fighting for a job in a newly-rebuilt and loaded room that includes Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins, BJ Ojulari, Baron Browning, Xavier Thomas and draft pick Jordan Burch.
When Brown walks into State Farm Stadium for camp, it won't be his first time in the venue. Brown trained in Arizona during the CFL offseason, which takes place during the NFL season. In 2023, he attended a few Cardinals games as a fan. Each time there was a substitution, Brown joked that he'd raise his hand and hoped he'd get subbed in.
But the next time, it won't be as a spectator. It will be part of his mission.
"I'm here for a reason," Brown said. "As long as I'm performing my purpose and putting the QB in the dirt and perform well on special teams, I'm excited about doing that and making plays."
