Rusty "Downtown" Brown always had a knack for doing things his own way. His journey from high school football player to political analyst started with an unexpected detour on a dusty field in India. As a high school junior, Rusty visited the country on a school trip and happened upon a Kabaddi match. The sport’s mix of athleticism, strategy, and raw intensity hooked him instantly, and by the time he returned to the U.S., he knew football was in the rearview mirror.

After graduation, Rusty did something that baffled his coaches and classmates—he skipped out on his football prospects and moved to India. He enrolled in college, but more importantly, he immersed himself in the world of Kabaddi. For years, he traveled the globe as a professional player, winning matches, building a reputation, and living for the adrenaline rush the sport gave him. Along the way, he met his wife through the Kabaddi community and saw corners of the world most people never dream of.

It was at a post-match party after a UN-sponsored exhibition game that Rusty met Noel Schlitz—the outspoken editor of a politically-charged news outlet. The two hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared love for strategy and deep dives into the human condition. Rusty and Noel stayed friends for years, exchanging ideas and stories as Rusty’s Kabaddi career soared and Noel’s news projects continued to grow.

But life has a way of shifting gears unexpectedly. After a career-ending knee injury forced Rusty to retire from the game, he was at a crossroads—wondering what to do next—when Noel came knocking. At the time, Noel was ramping up a new investigative journalism project, and he knew Rusty’s unique mix of global experience, quick thinking, and ability to break down complex strategies would be perfect for the team. Rusty took the plunge into the world of political analysis, quickly proving that his instincts for outwitting opponents on the field translated perfectly into dismantling political narratives.

When Noel later founded Political Colonoscopy—a hard-hitting, left-leaning political analysis site known for its deep dives and no-holds-barred approach—Rusty was his first hire. Now, known around the office as "Downtown," Rusty brings the same intensity, creativity, and wit to analyzing the political landscape that he once brought to Kabaddi. Whether he’s writing hard-hitting features on global power shifts or cutting through political spin with sharp commentary, Rusty’s journey from the field to the newsroom makes him one of Political Colonoscopy’s most dynamic voices. His ability to see the bigger picture, just as he did during his days as a Kabaddi star, continues to make him a force to be reckoned with in both the newsroom and the world of political analysis.

Rusty's contributions to Political Colonoscopy can be found here.